Cleverly Crafted ‘FX2’

Thank you, Kevin Thomas, for your thoughtful review of “FX2--the Deadly Art of Illusion” (“Well-Crafted ‘FX2’ Flies on Wit, Engaging Characters,” Calendar May 10). I enjoyed the sequel and the original film very much, and it was nice to read a critique that appreciated the craftsmanship that went into them.

Many times a sequel will contain references and jokes pertaining to the original, and “FX2” certainly is no exception. There is one subtle detail that may go unnoticed by even the most scrupulous viewers: About halfway through the film, when Dennehy and Brown call the boy to inquire about a disk, the boy is watching a movie on television--the very same movie on which Rollie was working effects during the first few minutes of the original “F/X” (when the woman in the restaurant gets blown away). Clever guys. Really clever.

STEPHEN WILSON

Irvine