I like The X-Files. I really do, although I would hesitate to call myself a diehard fan, as while I have watched the majority of episodes, I have not seen them all and I could not tell you many of the details. That said, when I heard that a new X-Files film was in the works, I was anxious. I was really looking forward to another adventure in this universe, although I had to wonder if too much time had passed since the first film (which came a decade ago) or even since the end of the series in 2002.
I mean, of all the big science fiction franchises, it seems that this one has had the lowest web presence over the years. You can never get far from someone talking about Star Wars, Star Trek, Stargate, or even Babylon 5; however I cannot say I have seen much on The X-Files. In the end I guess it does not really matter, the fans are out there and this talk could only really affect the bottom line of the box office, not the quality of the film, right?
Now, what is it with The X-Files and movie titles? They are terrible! The first film was called The X-Files: Fight the Future and now we get I Want to Believe? I know it is a nitpick, but surely someone could have come up with a better name than that. I would have even preferred if they just called it The X-Files, or tagged on The Movie or something to the end. Again, not much of a problem — the fans will come.
Having seen the film, my mantra of "I Want This to be Good" has been replaced with "I Wish it Was Good." I cannot call this a good X-Files movie. I cannot call this a good movie, period. While there are some elements that I liked, I could not shake the feeling that I Want to Believe was little more than a glorified TV movie.
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Article comments
1 - Joanne Huspek
Your review is the second I've read saying what a disappointment the movie is. I'll wait for Netflix.
2 - Derek Fleek
I found it interesting and daring. And that part with President Bush's picture was like saying "Look at me, I can make a movie based on a subject that you are completely against." That subject being Stem Cell Research. It's a wink of the eye to President Bush and his campaign. By the way, I wouldn't call myself a fan of the series. I have seen a total of two episodes. I might check out the first film since I enjoyed the second so much. Maybe you were looking forward to this film much too intensively, which led to a letdown.
3 - Eydie
I have to agree with everything in Chris Beaumont's review. I never felt drawn into the characters or the plot. What a shame.
4 - Chris Beaumont
Thanks all.
Glad you liked it, Derek. I still don't like that scene, it felt out of place and took me out of the film.
I will say that the first film requires more familiarity. You may want to check out a couple of those mythology DVD sets first.
5 - Derek Fleek
I just saw the first and didn't care for it. Maybe it is because of unfamiliarity towards the show. I think fans of the show will be disappointed in X-Files I Want To Believe because it ventures into a more realistic zone rather than the paranormal. I enjoyed it much more for that exact reason.
6 - Chris Beaumont
The lack of a strong paranormal element is what made it not really an X-Files movie. While I enjoyed the first film, it is not a great movie. Both films, together, make me think the franchise isn't really designed to be a big screen property. What truly made the series work were the long arcs that were sprinkled through the entire series.
Don't let the films sour you, check out the series, that is where the magic is.
7 - El Bicho
The first film stunk because it tried to be appeal to fans and non fans and failed on both counts.
8 - lide
Saw the movie. Lots of snow in it. Cars driving in snow. Cars crashing in snow. Cars opening and closing doors in snow. People with poles poking the snow in the snow. Lots and lots of snow. Makes you think that global warming is a conspiracy, after all.
Perhaps the movie should be called: "X Files: Fargo, The Snow Is Out There ( so get ya boots on)."