The X-Files: I Want to Believe

Synopsis

Fox Mulder (David Duchovny, Californication) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson, The Last King of Scottland) are back at it on the big screen with another adaptation of the popular TV series The X-Files. Scully tracks down Mulder, who’s been in hiding from the FBI, for his assistance with a big case where his expertise (and belief) in paranormal phenomena could be helpful— the suspicious disappearance of a federal agent.

Review

The X-Files: I Want to Believe is a very eerie feeling film. It captivated me somewhat, like a prime time television show would, such as Criminal Minds. I never saw the original X-Files TV series so I have nothing really to compare it to. This movie kept my interest through the majority of the film, but there were just a couple small times where I just wasn’t that into the story. One great thing for viewers, those who’ve never seen the original series, is you can still watch this movie and not feel confused.

I noticed from the trailer, nothing much was given about the actual story. So, I’m inclined to think the producers wanted it to be a surprise. I don’t want to be the one to spoil anything for you. I’ll just keep to the very basic plot and get down with the details and subplots in Reel Talk. The movie is about something strange going on, we’ve got a psychic priest convicted of being a pedophile, FBI Agents, HOT mess Russians, General Hospital (not really called that), a fugitive, lovers, kidnapping, and killings. The X-Files 2 could be like an episode of the old X-Files, a soap-opera, Law & Order, Dateline’s How to Catch a Predator, CSI and Criminal Minds all wrapped up into one movie. What I’m saying is that while I was entertained, the movie feeling wasn’t there.

FBI agent Dakota Whitney (Amanda Peet, Syriana) is investigating the disappearance of an FBI agent with the help of the fore-mentioned pedo-priest, who seems to have psychic abilities and believes she’s still alive. Whitney knows the reclusive Fox Mulder (Duchovny) is an expert with this crazy stuff, so she asks his former FBI partner, Dana Scully (Anderson), to find him and help. Dr. Scully has left the FBI and is practicing her profession of physician at a church hospital, or something like that. She is not at all interested in going back. Fox is even more removed—he's in seclusion looking like he hasn’t shaved, hit the club, went grocery shopping or anything in ages.

Mulder of course is very reluctant because he definitely didn’t leave the agency on good terms if you know what I mean. Hmm, you may not unless you're a X- fan. He’s a fugitive. Scully, with her persuasion skills, or perhaps Mulder is just still sweet on his ex FBI partner, gets him to help out. Only she can reel him in for help. Once, Mulder is in, he doesn’t turn back. He is dedicated. Shoot, everyone should want a Mulder on their team.

I’ve watched about 2 episodes of the TV series so I didn’t have high expectations, but my husband and sister have and they had higher hopes than I did. They said that some of the actual shows back in the day were better than this flick. It was fine for me because I didn’t know any better. The show has a cult following much like Star Trek or Star Wars. There was this one man in the audience that was cracking up at certain parts. I'm betting he's one of those X Files fanatics who just loves seeing these characters on the big screen. His laugh sounded like one of the Looney Tunes characters. He laughed and made comments at some corny one-liners. I know…everyone has different tastes and some funny bones are more sensitive than others. I’m glad he enjoyed himself because he made me laugh more than the movie did. I mean, the movie wasn't funny.

Trust me. The movie isn’t made for laughs. It is a little dark. Scully seemed so depressed through the entire movie. I can’t recall if she ever smiled. Shoot, her sad demeanor almost made me blue. I was about to bust out with "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot". And Agent Mosley Drummy (Xzibit, Rapper, MTV Pimp My Ride) acted like he was angry all day long. He was a tad bit annoying…very skeptical and negative. One dimensional as you can get. He looked mean, never once smiled, he had a mean ugly voice. UHHH.. I was just waiting for his partner Agent Whitney or SOMEBODY to slap this fool and say, "This dude just led us to another clue in the investigation—why are you hatin'?"

I was upset with the film because we were left with many questions. I didn’t care for the ending much because of that. This film will make for a nice at home rent-a-movie with your usual bag of chips and tasty beverage. Paying full price for an evening ticket to see it may disappoint you. If you’re one that likes to see movies on a big screen only, I implore you to see it at a discounted matinee rate.

My Rating ~ 2 Reels

Average Rating ~ What's Yours?