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MTDb โ€บ Best of โ€บ 1986 โ€บ F/X

F/X poster

F/X (1986)

โ€œMurder by illusion.โ€

6.6/10 ยท 520 votes 1h 49m r ActionThriller

#41 of 63 films from 1986 #1067 of 2168 in action

Directed by Robert Mandel ยท Written by Gregory Fleeman, Robert T. Megginson

โ–ถ Trailer, images & where to stream

Overview

A movies special effects man is hired by a government agency to help stage the assassination of a well known gangster. When the agency double cross him, he uses his special effects to trap the gangster and the corrupt agents.

Cast

Bryan Brownas Roland 'Rollie' Tyler
Brian Dennehyas Lt. Leo McCarthy
Diane Venoraas Ellen
Cliff DeYoungas Lipton
Mason Adamsas Col. Mason
Jerry Orbachas Nicholas DeFranco
Joe Grifasias Mickey
Martha Gehmanas Andy
Trey Wilsonas Lt. Murdoch
Roscoe Ormanas Captain Wallenger
Tom Noonanas Varrick
Paul D'Amatoas Gallagher
Jossie DeGuzmanas Marisa Velez
Jean De Baeras Whitemore

Facts

Release dateFebruary 7, 1986
Runtime109 min (1h 49m) โ€” about the same as the 1986 average of 102 min
GenresAction, Thriller
LanguageEN
Budget$10,000,000
Box office$20,603,715 (2.1ร— budget)
IMDbtt0089118

More from Robert Mandel

The SubstituteThe Substitute1996 ยท โ˜… 7.0 ยท 1h 54m

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Questions

How long is F/X?
F/X runs 109 minutes (1h 49m).
Is F/X worth watching?
TMDB users give it 6.6/10 across 520 votes, which places it #41 of 63 films released in 1986 in this index (top 37%) and #1067 among 2168 action titles.
Who directed F/X?
F/X was directed by Robert Mandel. Other well-rated titles by the same director: The Substitute (1996).
Who stars in F/X?
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.
What is F/X rated?
It carries a r certification in its home market. Ratings differ by country.
Where can I watch the trailer for F/X?
Open the title in the MTDb app for trailers, images and streaming links: https://mv.peoplentools.com/titles/40728.

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Film data and images from TMDB. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Ratings are TMDB user scores as of 2026-10-05.