X-Files: I Really Really Wanted to Believe

August 03 2008 22:26 Filed in: Movies
Finally, the answer to the question all X-Files fans have been asking for the last 6 years: Yes, Mulder and Scully are still self-absorbed douche bags, only this time less entertaining.

I must admit up front that I am not objective, but a long term fan of the show. For a period of several years it was the only weekly television show that was a not miss for me. It outlasted The Simpsons for me with that honor. I even admit to enjoying the final two seasons, though by then the show’s direction was all over the place.

It was a real surprise to me when I found out that they were finally in production for a second feature film. I hesitate to call it a sequel since it has almost nothing to do with the first film, which really only served to bridge two season’s of the television series that was still running strong. That film was some pretty damned fine entertainment and a perfect compliment to the show.

 X-Files: I Want to Believe unfortunately fails still to answer the question of why are we back in the X-Files universe now? Not that it was an unwelcome surprise, but why out of the blue was 2008 the time? Certainly there must be a compelling story to tell about where these characters are 6 years later.

Nope. There really isn’t. It basically turns out to be a tepid stand alone story that is meant basically to serve as final closure for the story of Mulder and Scully’s open personal issues.

This is really where the film fails. It never really adequately explains how the hell the characters got from the final two-parter of the regular series to where they are now. We know that the federal charges against Mulder have never been dropped and he’s been in hiding since the series’ end, though the FBI really isn’t looking for him. However, we never get a sense of where their relationship is. When the movie starts we get the feeling that they are “off-again” but still somewhat in touch, then later in the film they’re sleeping together with no explanation.

Even the paranormal piece of the film is rather weak. It’s a pure X-Files formula “been there, done that, got the T-shirt” paint by numbers monster of the week plot that really has no significance other than to give Mulder and Scully a reason to argue about their feelings about being pulled back together. Or were they ever apart? Jesus, I just saw it and I don’t know.

The thought was there. Chris Carter wanted to tell the relationship story of the pair through their differences in the world of working on the X-Files all those years, but it never gels. Scully tells Mulder that she can’t be a part of this anymore and if he continues to pursue it she can no longer be with him (or be with him again…fuck, whatever). I think it was pretty much these scenes that drug it down, because they are poorly written and don’t make a whole lot of sense.

So we have the main paranormal plot that is at best, just good enough to maintain one’s interest and the relationship story that is a muddled mess. By the end of the film, the best I think an X-Files fan has is satisfactory closure for Mulder and Scully. And honestly, it’s not altogether bad closure. It was welcome closure. And admittedly, it was nice to spend some time with our friends from the X-Files again. However, as weak and completely perplexing as this attempt to resurrect the franchise is I would imagine it will be many years or never before we ever revisit this universe again, which is a shame.

If you’re not a fan of the X-Files this film has virtually nothing to offer you, don’t bother. Unless you’re the hardest of the hardcore, this honestly can wait until DVD.

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