FX2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion

FX2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion, released in 1991, is an exciting thriller that blends the magic of special effects with the thrill of action cinema. A sequel to the 1986 hit "F/X", the movie is directed by Richard Franklin and sees the return of Bryan Brown reprising his role as Rollie Tyler, alongside Brian Dennehy as Leo McCarthy and Rachel Ticotin as Kim Brandon.

The plot is set two years after the events of the first film. Rollie Tyler, who once used his masterful skills in special effects to outwit criminals, is now leading a tranquil life with his companion Kim. He's shifted his talent towards creating high-tech toys and has stepped away from the movie business. However, his world of peace doesn't last when he finds himself drawn back into a life of adventure and danger, not by choice, but by necessity.

The film revolves around Rollie being entangled into an intricate set-up by Mike Brandon, Kim's ex-husband and a New York police officer. Mike approaches Rollie with a plan to catch a vicious serial killer known as 'The Submariner' who appears to be responsible for a string of unusual murders. The plot thickens when the killer turns out to be setting a deadly trap of his own. As Rollie constructs illusions using his special effects skills to help catch the killer, he unavoidably becomes a part of the shadowy world once again, putting his skills and his life to the ultimate test.

Brian Dennehy plays the recurring role of New York Detective Leo McCarthy. As a street-smart detective with a hard-nosed style, Leo lends his investigative skills to the case. Despite having phone conversations and limited face-to-face meetings, Leo and Rollie join forces to reveal the truth behind the murders and find themselves facing unforeseen dangers.

FX2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion leverages the fascinating world of special effects to construct an intriguing narrative. It explores how the realm of illusions can be used in an entirely different context, making the movie an attractive watch for fans of special effects, illusion, and mystery films. Rachel Ticotin plays an essential role as Kim Brandon, Rollie's live-in girlfriend. Her character adds a complex layer to the film, contributing significantly to its plot twists and turns.

The dramatic plotline is made more thrilling by a series of inventive action sequences, designed to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. One of the distinctive features of this movie is its believable use of special effects in the storyline, justifying the movie's title. Bryan Brown's performance of Rollie Tyler exudes charm and sincerity. It becomes fascinating to watch how Rollie, drawn out of retirement, uses his special effects skills to combat realistic threats.

On the technical side, the film is handsomely produced, with strong production values. It boasts of an intelligent script that manages to find a fresh approach to the original's theme and a thoroughly atmospheric score which adds tension to the narrative. The cinematography is stylish, and the editing is razor-sharp, making FX2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion a deserving successor to the first film.

In conclusion, FX2 - The Deadly Art of Illusion offers a thrilling combination of suspense, action, mystery. It continues Rollie Tyler's story with exciting twists and turns that playfully subvert expectations. With a captivating storyline, fantastic performances from the star cast, and a seamless blend of special effects and hard-hitting action, this film should not be missed by fans of the action-thriller genre. The film suggests that the world of movie special effects and the dangerous undertows of crime can collide with explosive results, keeping viewers guessing until the final frame.