F/X2 (F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion) (1991)

25% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
37% of users liked it
(6,526 ratings)

In F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion, Bryan Brown returns as movie special-effects designer Rollie Tyler. Having barely escaped with his life after being duped and exploited by the villains in the first F/X, he isn't too eager to channel his talents into police work again. He'd much rather design… More In F/X 2: The Deadly Art of Illusion, Bryan Brown returns as movie special-effects designer Rollie Tyler. Having barely escaped with his life after being duped and exploited by the villains in the first F/X, he isn't too eager to channel his talents into police work again. He'd much rather design harmless playthings for the kiddies. Still, detective Mike Brandon (Tom Mason) manages to convince Rollie to help the cops trap a dangerous voyeur. When Brandon is killed, Rollie suspects there's more to the story than meets the eye. With the aid of his old buddy Leo McCarthy (Brian Dennehy, likewise a veteran of the first F/X), Rollie uncovers a vast conspiracy involving both the police and organized crime. Of course, this compels Rollie to come up with a series of dazzling live-action special effects to confound the bad guys. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Richard Franklin
Genres: Mystery & Suspense, Action & Adventure

In Theaters: May 10, 1991 Wide
On DVD: Jun 13, 2000
Studio: Orion Home Video

Critic Reviews

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
There should be a special category for movies that are neither good nor bad, but simply excessive.
Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A mediocre sequel that lacks the punch of its highly entertaining predecessor.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Lacks the spark and flair of the original.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Fairly uninspired sequel to a movie that didn't really need one.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

I preferred this one to the first, the only thing that lets it down is the lack of moustache under Brian Dennehy?s nose!
Dean M

This sequel is more exciting and great special effects with Bryan Brown than the original. Brown seeks the help of ex-cop Brian Dennehy when he gets into trouble.
Anthony V

Half-hearted followup to the first film isn't nearly as good.

Cast

            Bryan Brown as Rollie Tyler

            Brian Dennehy as Leo McCarthy

            Rachel Ticotin as Kim Brandon

            Joanna Gleason as Liz Kennedy

            Philip Bosco as Ray Silak

            Kevin J. O'Connor as Matt Neely

            Dominic Zamprogna as Chris Brandon

            Josie de Guzman as Velez

            John Walsh as Rado

            Philip Akin as Detective McQuay

            Karl Bauman as Bluey

            Matt Birman as Mobster #3

            Walker Boone as Mansion Guard #1

            Peter Boretski as Becker

            Lee Broker as DeMarco

            Harvey Chao as Chinese Vendor

            Jenifer Chatfield as Movie Scriptgirl

            Bob Clout as Confessional Priest

            Jeri Craden as Aunt Kate

            Leland Crooke as Movie Director

            Tony De Santis as Detective Santoni

            Arlene Duncan as Hooker

            Neil Elliot as Movie F/X Man

            Lisa Fallon as Kylie

            Foster Fell as Policeman

            Charles Ivey as Defendant

            Phil Jarrett as 1st IAD Cop

            Tony Katsaras as Policeman

            Gene Mack as Mansion Guard #3

            Tom Mason as Mike Brandon

            Jack Newman as Art Expert

            Jack Orend as Wino

            Ross Petty as Consigliere

            Gerry Quigley as Supermarket Manager

            Cynthia Quinn as Bluey

            Kurt Reis as Judge

            Michael Rhoades as Mansion Guard #2

            Richard Sali as I.A.D. Cop #2

            Dennis Scott as Cop #1

            James Stacy as Cyborg

            Karie Stone as Beth

            Biff Yeager as Police Sergeant

            Caroline Yeager as Desk Sergeant

            Shane Cardwell as Mobster #1

            Dwayne McLean as Mall Guard

            Gail Levin
            
            Damir Andre as Defense Attorney

            Dee McCaffrey as Chambliss

            Michael Woods as Mobster #2

            Harry Booker as Prison Priest

            Robert Kennedy as Computer Store Clerk
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