The X-Files: I Want to Believe (Single-Disc Edition)

As a huge fan of the X-Files and as someone who was disappointed by the 2nd movie, I was looking forward to watching the "extended cut" of the movie offered in this special edition set. In articles about the movie's production, Chris Carter moaned about Fox saying the movie couldn't run longer than an hour and a half and talked about having to cut the movie down quite quickly. I had hoped that the "extended cut" would fill in some of the holes I saw in the movie and would reflect Carter's original vision. Instead, the "extended cut" is only 4 minutes longer than the theatrical release and contains only one extra scene, that I noticed. Disappointing.

Unfortunately for this movie, far too many reviews were put out about it from people who went into the movie with certain expectations..And they felt let down. If you watch this movie, not expecting aliens, conspiracies etc, and just watch it and let the story unfold--it makes for a GREAT X-files story. I walked out of the theatre just wanting another new episode next week. It had a good story, it was nice and dark--Back to the original first few seasons Vancouver style of dark and gloomy, not the LA version..The acting was great, and within minutes you fall back into what the real relationship behind Mulder and Scully were. I won't go into another big long review of the movie..I'm just suggesting that you go in there, and watch it..Don't go in expecting to see something in particular. And then watch it again. Trust me, if no one else :P

It is very much like the early episodes of the show but that is the problem. This is the big screen and deserves a bigger and better story. I didnt hate it but it was far from what I expected, especially after the excellent Fight the Future.
My guess is the production costs were cut down a lot and they had to make due. Only a guess.
A solid rental but not one I will be buying.

Here's where I stand on THE X-FILES: I was a fan of the show for the first couple of seasons when every episode was different (remember the Jersey Devil episode and the one about the deformed redneck family?) and before it got really heavy into the same continuous storyline, and I saw the first X-FILES movie a couple of times when it first came out but it's been so long that I barely remember it. So I did enjoy the show, however I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore fan and I wouldn't go so far as to say that this was a highly anticipated movie for me. So, with that out of the way...

In THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE, Mulder (David Duchovny) is living in seclusion and Scully (Gillian Anderson) is now a doctor. They are reunited when the FBI seeks them out for help to find a fellow agent who has gone missing. Mulder and Scully, along with the help of the FBI (with the two primary agents being portrayed by Amanda Peet and rapper Xzibit) and a goofy psychic named Father Joe (portrayed by Billy Connolly), eventually find clues that lead them to something gruesome and disturbing.

Throughout the movie there is a subplot where Scully is going through an ordeal at the hospital she works at involving a sick child who she is trying to save, the child's family, and the "powers that be" of the hospital who refuse to offer any further treatment for the child due to the fact that he suffers from an incurable disease. For most of the FBI investigation, Scully is absent and is faced with the dilemma of going through a radical medical procedure (stem cell) which may or may not help the child but will surely cause him a lot of pain. And then there's the Father Joe character who, while somewhat annoying at first, ultimately won me over due to actor Billy Connolly's charm. Father Joe is interesting in that he has a haunting past and is judged because of it, claims that God talks to him and gives him these psychic visions, and no one believes him except for Mulder.

Overall I enjoyed this film a lot! I really had no desire to see it, and actually decided to watch it just to see Xzibit in a "serious role". This film surprised me and kept my interest throughout. The entire film was definitely a throwback to the first seasons of the show in which they had the whole "Monster of the Week" thing going on which I mentioned earlier. It's basically a standalone Sci-Fi/Thriller with elements of Horror. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson is awesome and it's always great to see them back together on screen. Amanda Peet and Xzibit were both pretty good in their roles. It's sort of hinted in the movie that Peet's character has a thing for Mulder, but it never really goes anywhere for reasons I can't really talk about without ruining the movie. Xzibit was more of a background guy who didn't say a whole lot, who's character had a thick exterior to contrast Peet's more easy-going demeanor. And of course Connolly was great as always.

Another thing that I loved about the movie was the Cinematography. It was filmed in Canada during the winter and the snowy scenery and photography in the film was gorgeous. There aren't really any bad things about the movie that I can really think of. The lack of a major villain was a bit disappointing, but the twist at the end more than makes up for it. Obviously I won't say what the twist is, but it most definitely treads the waters of the Horror genre. Also the film isn't really as epic as a TV show-turned-feature length film should be and seemed like it could have been a longer version of a TV episode. Other than that, it was great. Entertaining, great cast, great acting, beautiful Cinematography, great music, nostalgia, and a twist that will satisfy Horror fans. There's also a little something special during the closing credits (with two songs provided by U.N.K.L.E. including a remix of the X-FILES theme) which is kind of cheesy but is still pretty cool to watch.

I've only seen the 1-Disc Version of the DVD so far and the Extra Features are OK. It has a great Commentary track by writer/director Chris Carter and writer Frank Spotnitz. There is also a ten minute Gag Reel, which by the looks of it the cast had a blast making the film. Overall, it's a great film and I would definitely recommend it.

4 stars

I got a glimpse ahead of time when a retailer accidently had this
movie out on it's shelves. The single disc pkg. pictured above contains
both the theater and directors' cuts of the movie! This is a great bonus
for all X-Files fans.

The movie is decent, but I was left wanting more. Since it has been
so many years since a show/movie was seen. Mulder is a recluse living
off by himself, reminding you of a discarded old school agent who
stepped on too many toes at the F.B.I. A current agent reaches out to
him for help. One of her own is missing with very little clues to go on.
A limb has been found but there is no body, a psychic may know of her
where abouts. Is the psychic for real? Agent Mulder is brought in to
see if he is for real. Fox then reaches out for Agent Scully, "Scully I
need you on this one!"

M.D. Scully has been working at a Catholic hospital where she appears
to be working on neuro patients. She agrees to meet w/Mulder and the
chase is on. This turns out to be a serial killer case with a few
twists. The ending is interesting in development, a comment on science
and research. Mulder places himself in danger - seeking the truth.
Scully saves the day, while a former priest/psychic seeks salvation.