MOVIE: X-Files: I Want To Believe

Movie Reviewed by videovixen

Editor's Rating:  

(8 /10)

Starring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly

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X-Files: I Want To Believe shows why the original series was so successful and innovative.  Where today’s TV shows are splintered between the cops that solve the murder, the science team that solve the murder, the medical rogue that solves the murder, or the psychic that solves the murder, somehow The X-Files was able to intertwine all of these ideas into one damn good show.  And movie.

The old team is re-united when a young FBI agent (Amanda Peet) calls on Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), to assist in the recent disappearance of a fellow agent.  Paedophile priest and sudden psychic, played stunningly by Billy Connolly, has been having visions of this agent, and Scully and Mulder need to investigate the validity of this guy’s story.

Naturally, Scully is sceptical, especially since he is a paedophile priest, and Mulders usual child-like openness trusts this strange guy.  And that clash of science versus paranormal is exactly what we love about this pair!

X-Files: I Want To Believe excellently weaves in background sub-plots, creating an intriguing web of crossing storylines that really works in an exciting and engaging way, with Scully’s hospital work playing a slightly unexpected role in this latest case.

And what X-Files related feature wouldn’t be complete without a severed head or two?  Or reference to Mulder’s alien abducted sister?

Also, keep an eye out for the worst fake beard in the history of fake beards on film, as donned by Duchovny towards the start.  You’d think with a $30 million or so budget, they could at least afford a half-decent fake beard!

Rather than pandering to the whims of obsessive fans, I think director and X-Files creator, Chris Carter has attempted to make a film with mass appeal.  And I think he’s succeeded.

This film is perhaps best viewed as a re-introduction to the show for a younger generation who may’ve missed it the first time round.  It’s not, and isn’t trying to be, an extension, or continuation of the original series.  Understand that and it’ll make your movie viewing experience far more enjoyable. 

That said, there are still plenty of little in-jokes that the fans will appreciate, as well as that on-screen chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson that hasn’t wavered for a moment, even if it has been ten years since their last appearance together.

X-Files: I Want To Believe is reminiscent of the older X-Files episodes, you know, the good ones.  And in a way, it’s structured like a long episode, which is fine, because it’s great to see the X-Files gang back in action!