F/X Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A special effects guy fakes a mobster’s death, then has to use movie magic to not die for real when everyone decides to double-cross everyone else.

🍿 F/X: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Setup: A Deadly Illusion

Rollie Tyler, a talented special effects artist known for his work in low-budget horror films, is approached by government agents Lipton and Mason with an unusual proposition. They want him to stage the murder of a mobster, Nicholas DeFranco, who is about to enter witness protection. The staged death is intended to fool the mob and protect DeFranco during a grand jury hearing. Initially reluctant, Rollie is lured in by a combination of financial compensation and professional ego.

Double-Cross and Pursuit

After successfully staging DeFranco’s murder, Rollie finds himself double-crossed. The agents, who are corrupt, attempt to eliminate him as a loose end. Rollie narrowly escapes, realizing he’s been set up in a dangerous conspiracy. Now a target, he must use his special effects skills and ingenuity to evade capture and uncover the truth behind the setup.

Investigation and Alliance

Meanwhile, NYPD Detective Leo McCarthy begins investigating the seemingly faked murder, becoming increasingly suspicious of the FBI’s lack of cooperation. McCarthy, a seasoned and determined cop, senses foul play and starts piecing together the puzzle. His investigation runs parallel to Rollie’s desperate attempts to clear his name and expose the conspiracy. While initially adversaries, their paths are destined to converge.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Roland Tyler (Bryan Brown): A resourceful special effects expert who is framed for murder and uses his skills to evade his pursuers and uncover the truth.
• Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy): A persistent NYPD detective who suspects a conspiracy and becomes an unlikely ally to Rollie.
• Colonel Mason (Mason Adams): A corrupt government agent who orchestrates a false assassination and attempts to eliminate loose ends.
• Lipton (Cliff De Young): A devious government agent working with Mason, directly involved in the setup and pursuit of Rollie.
• Nicholas DeFranco (Jerry Orbach): A mobster whose fake death sets off a chain of events involving corruption and murder.
• Ellen (Diane Venora): Rollie’s girlfriend who becomes a victim of the conspiracy, spurring Rollie to seek revenge.
• Andy (Martha Gehman): Rollie’s loyal assistant who aids him in evading capture and exposing the corrupt agents.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rollie Tyler: “In this hand is the ammo for the gun. And this is Krazy Glue. A thousand and one uses. Now, a thousand and two.” – Rollie cleverly foils Colonel Mason’s attempt to grab a weapon by gluing his hand to it, showcasing his resourcefulness.
• Rollie Tyler: “I’m a special effects man, not a hitman!” – Rollie expresses his initial reluctance to be involved in the potentially dangerous fake assassination.
• Leo McCarthy: “Something smells rotten, and it ain’t the Hudson.” – Detective McCarthy expresses his suspicion about the official version of events, sensing a deeper conspiracy.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $20,603,715
• Worldwide Gross: $20,603,715

💥 F/X Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching F/X as a kid and being blown away by the special effects! It felt so real and imaginative. Bryan Brown was just the coolest, using his movie tricks to outsmart the bad guys. The car chase through the meatpacking district was awesome, and I loved the final showdown at the mansion. The way he used those crazy glue was hilarious and totally unexpected. It’s a fun, smart action flick that still holds up!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s action thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in special effects and movie making”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful and twisty plots”
  • “People who like films with clever protagonists”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence and action sequences”
  • “Brief strong language”
  • “Mature themes including corruption and murder”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “F/X is a slick, suspenseful thriller that effectively blends action and intrigue. Brown and Dennehy deliver strong performances, elevating the cat-and-mouse game beyond typical genre fare. The film’s exploration of illusion and reality keeps the audience guessing until the very end.
• The New York Times: “While the plot of F/X occasionally strains credulity, the engaging performances and inventive special effects make for an entertaining ride. Brown’s charm and Dennehy’s gruffness create a compelling dynamic, even if they spend little screen time together. A solid action-thriller with a clever premise.

Audience Reactions

Viewers loved the inventive use of special effects as weapons.: The clever plot twists and turns kept the audience guessing until the very end.

Bryan Brown’s performance as Rollie Tyler was a highlight for many.: The film balances action, suspense, and humor effectively.

Overall Consensus: A clever and entertaining thriller with strong performances and inventive special effects that blends action and suspense.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script for F/X was initially written as a low-budget television movie before it was deemed strong enough for a theatrical release.”
• “Director Robert Mandel studied action thrillers like ‘Bullitt’ and ‘The French Connection’ to prepare for the action sequences.”
• “Special effects artist John Stears, who won an Academy Award for his work on ‘Star Wars’, supervised the film’s practical effects.”

🖥️ How to Watch F/X?

F/X is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings and streaming services for availability in your region. Unfortunately, it is not currently included with any major subscription streaming services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed F/X, you might like these similar films:

• Deception (2008): Features a protagonist drawn into a dangerous game of deception and conspiracy, similar to Rollie in F/X.
• The Illusionist (2006): Explores the themes of illusion and reality, with the protagonist using deception to outwit powerful adversaries.
• F/X2 (1991): Rollie and Leo are reunited, with Rollie now working on horror movies and Leo happily married. The story presents another complex situation involving police corruption and a sophisticated murder.
• Blow Out (1981): Similar to F/X, it involves a sound effects technician who uncovers a conspiracy while working on a film.

🛒 F/X Related Products

• F/X 2 (Blu-ray): Continue the adventure with Rollie Tyler as he gets embroiled in another thrilling case involving deception and movie magic. A must-have for fans of the original.
• F/X Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original F/X movie poster, capturing the essence of this classic thriller. Perfect for any movie room or collector’s display.
• Crazy Glue (Krazy Glue): The very same item used in the movie! This high-strength glue has a thousand and one uses for home, office and movie set applications. Now you can be as clever as Rollie Tyler.
• Special Effects Makeup Kit: Professional-grade makeup kit containing everything you need to create realistic special effects, from fake blood to latex prosthetics. Perfect for cosplayers and budding FX artists.

🎧 Soundtrack

F/X features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Just An Illusion” – performed by Imagination
• “Theme from F/X” – performed by Bill Conti

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Top Gun Without FX! Hollywood Camera Tricks from the Original Movie

CGI wasn’t an option for the original Top Gun, can you believe it? This video dives into the awesome practical effects they used, like models and camera tricks. It’s mind-blowing how they pulled it off, you have to see this!

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