Good, not great, “X-Files” fails to take risks
1:12 p.m. Saturday, July 26, 2008
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprise their roles as Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in “X-Files: I Want To Believe,” a film that comes six years after the successful nine-year series left TV screens. Finally, after reported feuds, lawsuits and other projects, all respective parties have came together and the next chapter in the “X-Files” has been written.
In this movie, Mulder remains a fugitive from the FBI and Scully has long since left the bureau to practice medicine. Scully is recruited by the FBI to bring Mulder out of hiding to help with an investigation. The case involves a missing FBI agent and the only assistance the government is getting is from a man claiming to be psychic (Billy Connolly) who has been disgraced and thrust out of the Catholic Church.
I was a huge fan of the “X-Files,” and I think it was one of the most creative, well-written and memorable shows I've ever watched. I was also a fan of the first film and thought it was eerie and well-made. Now, with this installment -- while it is entertaining -- I walked away feeling like I wanted and expected more from such creative, talented people. I believe the story here plays well and moves at a nice clip, but it could have been better executed, especially with nearly six years to work on it. I wanted a more complex story -- one that made me think and didn't rely too much on violent scenes.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
As for the performances, there is no doubting the amazing chemistry of Duchovny and Anderson, who were one of the best couples on the screen, big or small. They slip comfortably into these characters and enough time has passed since the series ended that they both look as if they enjoyed visiting the roles that made them famous.
The rest of the cast is average at best, with the long gray-haired Connolly playing the psychic, pedophile priest trying to get redemption for his horrific crimes. Connolly is okay in this role, but he really doesn't do anything special here. I would have liked more scenes with this character and Mulder as they try to learn more about his psychic abilities. Perhaps with a better actor, this character would have become something more special. And, did we really need the pedophile background?
As for the rest of the cast you have the overrated Amanda Peet as Agent Dakota Whitney, a character brought into the plot and given nothing to do. There's one more new agent played by Alvin Joiner better known as "Xzibit." While he does a credible job in the role, it's also a cookie cutter part with no depth.
Some fans will like this film, and some, like me, will be left feeling somewhat disappointed. The movie, in my opinion, is a last gift from director/creator Chris Carter and the rest of cast to the legions of loyal fans who continue to keep the show going even in syndication.
If that's the case, then I was expecting a better send off. This is an entertaining, well-made movie with a good story, but it plays too much like a TV show, and I kept waiting for the creators to take chances with this big screen installment much like the first movie did. My wishes were never granted, and instead of a film that made me think, it became a movie that made me think about what could have been.
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