... F/X richly deserves its reputation as a well-scripted thriller that showcases its talented cast as well as its many NYC locations.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Dec 8, 2022

While F/X will doubtless continue to play best for those of us who knew it back when, it should still effectively engage all but the most cynical of today's seen-it-all film fans.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 12, 2022

...a better-than-average 1980s thriller.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Feb 4, 2021

The best thing about F/X is its modest plot and its tone from a B movie. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Mar 11, 2020

Taking a page from Hitchcock, "F/X" is a nicely knitted thriller, effective if conventional...

| Jan 3, 2018

[A] first-rate thriller. Robert Mandel directs with a winning energy, never getting too slick, but remaining interested in the human angle.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 13, 2015

It looks dated and shoddy now, never taking itself as seriously as the darker sequel.

| Apr 9, 2008

A competent and unpretentious entertainment.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 9, 2008

As contrived and plot-hole ridden as it is, F/X still works quite effectively as a crowd-pleasing popcorn picture.

| Apr 9, 2008

Fun cat and mouse mystery-adventure with fun special effects angle.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 10, 2006

A clever, lightning-paced thriller about a Tom Savini-style special effects artist who becomes a pawn in the scheme of some rogue government agents. A surprise modest hit in 1986.

Full Review | Original Score: 8/10 | Feb 17, 2006

The action sequences are efficiently handled, but look elsewhere for psychological or emotional insight.

| Jan 26, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: B | Jun 25, 2005

A charmingly lo-fi '80s neo-noir that holds up better than most of its competition.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | May 3, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 26, 2004

A well-respected thriller; its coldness left me out.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/5 | Mar 10, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 29, 2004

The film is as much a demonstration of various kinds of special effects as it is about them.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | May 20, 2003

Hollywood magic thriller offers popcorn pleasure.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 7, 2002

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 30, 2002