I Want To Believe

When the X-Files ran its final episode in May 2002, it seemed as though everything had been explained.  Most devoted viewers would likely agree that their beliefs had pretty much dwindled as both David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson disappeared from the show, leaving Robert Patrick and Annabeth Gish at the reigns.  So what happens when a cult classic gets resurrected after 6 years of Sci-fi channel reruns?

Something pretty special.

I went in to this film as one of those fans who felt that Chris Carter produced the final 3 seasons primarily to make profit, and not so much to tell an engrossing story of American Urban Legends and Government cover-ups.  I must say that I was pleasantly surprised.

X-Files: I Want To Believe revolves around the disappearance of a young FBI agent in the snowy rural landscape of West Virginia.  Mulder and Scully have moved on since the end of the series, but are reluctantly reunited with the FBI to validate the psychic visions of a fallen priest.  We’re joined by 2 co-stars, played by the somewhat compelling Amanda Peet and the un-surprisingly flat Xzibit.

This movie has had low Box Office numbers and relatively negative reviews since its opening this past Friday, but I would attribute this to the bad publicity for the film, as well as its departure from the traditional Monster of the Week/mythology fare that fans are used to and first timers expect.  Instead of a supernatural premise with a hint of science, law, and reality, we are instead treated to a serial killer film with a supernatural twist.  I Want To Believe focused less on scares, but more on drama, showing us where our favorite characters have gone in six years, what has developed, and a glimpse of where they are going.

If you love the X-files, I definitely recommend checking this film out.  Despite a slightly thin primary storyline, you’ll truly appreciate the changing relationship of Mulder and Scully.  If you’re new to the franchise, you might still really enjoy this movie, but check out the first film, Fight The Future (for all intents and purposes a much better movie) first to get a feel for the characters.

Rating: 7.5/10

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