Directed by:
Robert MandelCinematography:
Miroslav OndříčekComposer:
Bill ContiCast:
Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, Diane Venora, Cliff De Young, Mason Adams, Jerry Orbach, Joe Grifasi, Roscoe Orman, Tom Noonan, Paul D'Amato, James Pickens Jr. (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is the best special effects technician working in show business. His ability to explode a car, create prosthetic make-up effects or conjure a monster on cue is exemplary and his reputation is second to none. But this time around it's not Hollywood calling the shots, it's the Justice Department and it's a matter of life and death. His assignment: to expertly stage the public assassination of a high-profile underworld witness and allow him to disappear for good. With all the pieces in place and the clock ticking down to show time, nothing prepares Rollie for the dangerous thrill-ride ahead - real bullets, real blood and no second takes! Double-crossed and hunted by those who hired him, with Lt Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy) on his trail Rollie quickly learns that he can trust no-one and that the only thing that can save his life is the unequalled mastery of special effects. (Umbrella Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (2)
The film is exactly on the edge between three and four stars, and although I ultimately decided on a lower rating, in its category, it is definitely an above-average piece. Indeed, the script sometimes falters, and the whole story has significant logical gaps, but it is filmed with ease and almost a comedic exaggeration, so these kinds of illogicalities don't bother me, and I generously wave my hand over them. F/X doesn't work for me as a thriller but as a crime comedy with several interesting ideas borrowed from the film studio. Overall impression: 65%.
()
A pretty good picture with a great idea involving a skilled sfx man who naively gets involved in a game played by powerful players where he becomes just an expendable pawn, but... Unfortunately the original idea of using of “deadly special effects" is the only positive point of the picture, while the actors and the screenplay let the side down, resulting in a humdrum, although slightly above-average movie.
()
Ads