Product Details

• Format: NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Orion
• VHS Release Date: October 8, 1996
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302194318
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,431 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A rare example of a sequel topping the original, F/X 2 gives us more of the adventures of special-effects whiz Rollie Tyler (Bryan Brown). Rollie is recruited by his wife's ex-husband into developing one of his devices for a police sting, but when it goes terribly wrong, Rollie's on the run and in need of help from ex-cop friend Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy). Most of the fun, of course, comes from seeing Rollie in action, whether he's using toys developed in his lab (such as a remote-controlled clown suit) or improvising gimmicks on the run, such as in an exciting supermarket showdown. Rachel Ticotin appears as Rollie's wife, and two actresses who have appeared on Broadway, Josie de Guzman (Guys and Dolls, 1992) and Joanna Gleason (Tony winner for Into the Woods, 1987), play Leo's old flames, police computer whiz Velez and assistant D.A. Liz, respectively. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A memorable sequel, September 7, 2000

By 

Stephen A. Haines (Ottawa, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: F/X 2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion [VHS] (VHS Tape)

It's not often we see a sequel that excels the original, but F/X 2 is impressive in accomplishing just that. In this version, Brown has left the film world to work on special effects for himself. He's into toys this time, and Bluey, his remote robot is a prize! Again, the Mafia is involved in the story development, this time over a set of gold coins stolen from a Vatican art exhibit years ago. Brown's again co-opted by corrupt cops [what an enduring theme!] and again he's on the run. This time, Dennehy extends his 'good cop' role from the first F/X in coming to Rollie's aid.

Unlike the first film, F/X 2 raises Brian Dennehy's participation significantly, giving him many opportunities to engage in droll wit. He manages the role with style and honesty. The exchanges with Joanna Gleason as the Ass't DA are quality Dennehy. Gleason herself adds a lustre to the film, providing an engaging contrast to Rachel Ticotin's role as Tyler's girl friend.

F/X 2, likes it predecessor, is a timeless film. The repeated themes of corrupt cops and Mafia intrigues doesn't make this film boring. Quite the opposite, showing how prevalent and wide ranging their activities can be, both for good as well as sinister reasons. This film is worth a place in your inventory, if for no other reason than Brown's performance. He's a quality actor when given the opportunity - and this film was an even better expression of his worth than the original.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Sequel, June 17, 2000

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: F/X 2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion (DVD)

This movie's villian, Cylack, was brilliant. Also, who can forget the moving scene where Neely elicits the location of the medalions from the dying con? This scene was brilliantly acted, full of emotion and pathos. In short, the villians Cylack and Neely made this movie superb.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than I Remembered, June 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: F/X 2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion (DVD)

I watched both "F/X" films at the same time and was surprised that the second one holds up better than the first. This movie has a raffish charm, like Hitchcock in his playful "To Catch a Thief" mode. Highly recommended.