F/X (Robert Mandel, 1986)

With: Bryan Brown, Brian Dennehy, Diane Venora, Mason Adams, Jerry Orbach

Plot: Special effects creator Rollie (Brown) agrees to participate with police in the fake murder of a mob snitch, when things go wrong he realises he is part of a corrupt police cover up and has been framed. Shiiiiiiiiiit!

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I wanted to like this more than I did, in template its a thoroughly workmanlike you've-been-framed thriller, but the inclusion of practical special effects as not just a career for the protagonist, but also several key plot points, is almost irresistable. I hear the sequel is a bit more sci-fi than this, which is a shame as this film's real asset is its low tech charm, not just how the 'F/X' are applied but also the obviously under-planned escapes, which adds just enough realism (at one point he just pushes this guy into a lake then legs it!). The bits centring on effects are just window dressing on some very routine action, but they are fun, and the film rattles along at a quick pace. It's an undemanding thriller with a minor twist, just well executed enough (and with a thoroughly likeable cast) to make you glad there's stuff like this around.

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