F/X & F/X 2: THE GRANDE ILLUSION

In the 1980s special make-up effects artists became stars, pushing the boundaries of what could be shown on screen as audiences around the world reacted with shock and delight. No surprise then that sooner or later they'd get a movie that made them the hero. In F/X: Murder by Illusion, Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown) is a special effects genius approached by the Department of Justice to fake the death of a gangster about to turn state's evidence. But all is not as it seems. Now someone is trying to kill Rollie, and grizzled cop Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy) suspects him of murder. Unable to turn to the police, Rollie goes on the run with only his wits and his special effects expertise to save him. F/X was a smash-hit and a sequel was inevitable. Under the auspices of ace Australian director Richard Franklin (Psycho II), F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion sees Rollie convinced, against his better judgement, to once again use his expertise beyond the silver screen, this time helping to trap a murderer as part of an NYPD sting. When lightning strikes twice and things go wrong, Rollie, his girlfriend Kim (Rachel Ticotin) and her young son Chris are all plunged into danger; only with Leo's help can Rollie keep them safe. Beloved by a generation of movie fans and featuring two of the most charismatic character actors ever to grace the screen in Brown and Dennehy, F/X and F/X 2 are the kind of charming action-thrillers they just don't seem to be making anymore. Step back into a world of grande illusions!