F/X2

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