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F/X
1986 109 min United States of America R 16+
★7.2
Action, Thriller
Director: Robert Mandel
Trailers
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EN
Teaser
EN
EN
EN
EN
Description
A movies special effects man is hired by a government agency to help stage the assassination of a well known gangster. When the agency double cross him, he uses his special effects to trap the gangster and the corrupt agents.
Budget:
$10M
US Gross:
$20.6M
Worldwide:
$20.6M
Starring
Bryan Brown
Actor
Brian Dennehy
Actor
Diane Venora
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
F/X is a highly regarded 1980s cult thriller praised for its inventive premise of a special-effects artist caught in a government conspiracy. While opinions on the protagonist's charisma vary, the film is widely celebrated for its clever narrative, gritty period aesthetic, and skillful integration of practical effects into the plot.
| Originality | The core concept of a Hollywood special-effects expert using cinema techniques to outsmart criminals is highly original and provides a fresh alternative to typical 80s action tropes. | |
| Production | The practical effects are consistently highlighted as a standout feature, effectively bridging the gap between filmmaking mechanics and the tension of the narrative. | |
| Production | The film captures a distinct, gritty 1980s aesthetic, utilizing industrial settings and practical pyrotechnics that evoke strong nostalgia for the era's genre cinema. | |
| Acting | Brian Dennehy’s performance as the gritty, determined investigator is consistently viewed as a source of strength and charisma. | |
| Acting | Opinions on Bryan Brown’s performance are split: some find his portrayal of the lead character convincing and functional, while others dismiss his acting as wooden or dramatically limited. | |
| Pacing | The pacing draws divided reactions, with some finding the film a dynamic, gripping thriller, while others note that it can feel dull or slow in its early stages. |