rekkusub F/X was an unexpected surprise for me. I found the title late one night, and the description drew me in immediately. I don't know of any other films with a special effects guy in the lead and I can guarantee there aren't any about said special effects guy faking a murder and being caught up in the subsequent fallout. The direction from Robert Mandel was sharp and intelligent. I enjoyed his use of longer shots, and the special effects of the movie itself still held up decently today (can't say that for much of the 80's). Mandel kept the action taut, and the suspense high. Performances in the film ran both ends of the spectrum, Megginson carried the movie well as the slick and clever Rollie. I found him to be a much more effective physical actor than an emotional one. Dennehy gave a great performance of a "cop on the line," and became the one I really rooted for during the film. On the opposite end, Rollie's right hand girl Andy (played by Gehman) was poor, some of her lines were painfully delivered.F/X took a novel idea and turned it into a great suspense film. This could have easily turned out into a spoof or a comedy film, but it was a wise choice to keep it earnest and visceral. This is on my short list of top suspense films for sure.

Fluke_Skywalker There's some great potential in the basic premise of this 80s cult hit conspiracy "thriller", but unfortunately its wasted by its rather shoddy execution. The first act is fairly intriguing, but things quickly begin to unravel after the plot has been hatched and by the end there are plot holes big enough to drive a semi-truck through.Bryan Brown never quite finds his footing as our supposed hero, and then suddenly the film shoves Brian Dennehy into the mix and Brown's character suddenly finds himself in a timeshare that serves to undermine not only his character, but the entire story.The final act fails to tie the whole conspiracy up in a satisfying way, and the end is flat-out ridiculous. All in all, 'F/X' is a big disappointment that doesn't live up to its hype.

Benjamin Wolfe Here is an eighties hit, of a great time. Man this 'story' has a lot! Two Brians, a Diane Venora, who is unconditionally into her roles, she really puts talent into her characters. Even when her 'Ellen', Rollie's friend was cut short. Rollie Tyler, is the man for special effects. He is smart and can set up the 'Set-up' with moderate to no trouble. Then comes the Wit-Sec Program people with a simple request. Put together a murder in a restaurant that would seem real. To get the Mob, off of this mobster in Wit-Sec's Back. Jerry Orbach, Nick DeFranco is the man who needs a 'Pardon' from his past. Rollie even after some thought thinks he can pull-it-off, so to speak. This is the beginning of Rollies troubles. I don't recall Orbach in a lot of tough or badguy roles, but I liked him as the wise-cracking 'wise guy'. Entering into the party mess, Leo (Dennehy) an aggressive New York cop, who doesn't like no for an answer and he doesn't like tricks. He is now on the case of the trick master. (Mason Adams) Col. Mason was quite an inter agency man. I had never seen Adams in a role like this and he creates more intrigue. His assistant and partner 'Lipton' (Cliff De Young) was a sort of trick inter agency man as well. Plays dumb really well, all the while watching everything and everyone, like a crocodile. The ending of this was a surprise as well for me and then as the closing scenes were being shown, they played the best song, I can't find it anywhere anymore. One of those superb 1980's films with a perfect wrap-up. Beautiful scenery and that 'tall' looking cinema scope effect at the movie's ending.I recommend to those who like action, mystery and the 80's too. This is a thrill of a great time for me. (****)

Bjorn (ODDBear) F/X is a fun film concerning a special effects expert who is hired by the CIA to supervise a sting operation concerning a slimy crime boss. Unfortunately for him he's being set up as the patsy in a plot by the law officials themselves.Good story in an entertaining thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously and throws in a lot of humorous situations to lighten the mood. Bryan Brown and Brian Dennehy are old pros who could sleepwalk through roles like these and their presence gives the film added value. Jerry Orbach is always fun to watch and he delivers in the bad guy role. The script is well written and original, the movie is fast paced and suspenseful and wickedly funny at times. It's not hard to recommend this film.