F/X

F/X (1986)

Runtime: 108 minutes

Directed by: Robert Mandel

Starring: Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, Cliff DeYoung, Mason Adams, Diane Venora

From: Orion

This May has not brought me much in the way of flowers so far; perhaps in the future I'll go into details but note that it's nothing for anyone here to be concerned about. As I've said earlier in the year, who knows if I'll have a consistent schedule going forward, although I hope to. One fortunate move on my part was realizing a few nights ago that I was supposed to see this soon after Brian Dennehy passed away... blame how nutrageous 2020 has been for that. At least the mistake was fixed last night and despite some implausible moments, this was a pretty good time.

Rollie Tyler is an Aussie who is a great special effects man in the movie industry. The “Witness Relocation Committee” asks him to fake the assassination of mobster Jerry Orbach; as it's the federal government, as it's the federal government, he is double-crossed. He has to use his wits and skills while on the run... and also looking for revenge. Especially in this day and age it was nice to see practical special effects be celebrated and naturally, F/X has plenty of nice f/x. However, Dennehy was naturally the highlight of the movie.

He received a great introduction; his apartment is shown and it is quite disheveled, old Chinese takeout containers all over the place. As typical, he played a member of law enforcement. Much to my relief his cop character wasn't a cliché obstacle in our hero's path. Rather, he was something else and his role was-to me, at least-an amusing one as he was gruff to the officers that needed to be taken down a few pegs and had a great relationship with a mousy lady that works the computer. That was a delight, although there were plenty of enjoyable moments in this: several characters sleazing it up as first-class heels, including Mason Adams and Cliff DeYoung... Tom Noonan being memorable without saying a word, excitement such as a car chase and Rollie using his skills against the villains, the New York City setting & Tyler having movie posters for Fade to Black and Zombie in his loft. While identified as something else, there was also a photo of the It's Alive mutant.


Possibly one day the sequel will be seen; it seems like the law of diminishing returns, from hearsay. At least this was a fine slice of entertainment despite the wacky premise.