F/X
1986 · Movie · R · 109 min · ★ 6.6 · 80% critics
A movie special-effects expert is recruited by federal agents to stage a public hit on a notorious criminal as part of a larger plan. When the operation turns into a double-cross and he becomes the target, he goes on the run and uses his craft, gadgets, and quick thinking to expose corruption and survive.
Also known as FX · F/X - Murder by Illusion · Murder by Illusion · FX 1
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Details
- Years
- 1986
- Release date
- 1986-02-07
- Language
- English
- Rated
- R
- Runtime
- 109 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 80/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.6/10 (499 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want an ’80s crime thriller with a playful edge, inventive illusions, and a cat-and-mouse chase; Not for you if you need airtight realism or serious tone like No Way Out.
Pros: clever premise; fun practical tricks; brisk suspense | Cons: plot holes; uneven acting; forced comedy beats
Themes
- new york city
- assassin
- showdown
- corruption
- police
- detective
- fbi
- mission of murder
- witness protection
- stuntman
- mafia boss
- deception
- +6 more
Cast & crew
Bryan Brown
as Roland 'Rollie' Tyler
Brian Dennehy
as Lt. Leo McCarthy
Diane Venora
as Ellen
Cliff DeYoung
as Lipton
Mason Adams
as Col. Mason
Jerry Orbach
as Nicholas DeFranco
Joe Grifasi
as Mickey
Martha Gehman
as Andy
Trey Wilson
as Lt. Murdoch
Roscoe Orman
as Captain Wallenger
Directed by Robert Mandel