As the title suggest, The X-Files: I Want To Believe is a film about faith, about choosing to believe in something, no matter what rationality might say about the matter. And in truth, sometimes in life it is important to take a leap of faith and let the chips fall where they may. Which is a bit like deciding whether or not to go see the first X-Files movie in a decade, the first X-Files installment since the end of the series in 2002. And whether or not you enjoy the film may entirely depend on whether or not you choose to believe that the film is, well, enjoyable. And perhaps the irony won’t be lost on the film’s writer and director, Chris Carter.
I Want To Believe is, ostensibly, a “monster of the week” styled film with a healthy amount of relatively lightweight philosophical questions about faith. But the film plays more like an extended episode of The X-Files television series rather than a true cinematic experience. As such, avid fans may enjoy the theater experience, but anyone else who is even mildly interested in this movie would do well to save it for a Netflix rental this coming winter – the film’s setting will help set the mood well on a cold winter’s evening.
The trailer for the upcoming X-Files film is now available online (why through IGN, though?), and you can view it below.
After watching this trailer, perhaps the official title of the movie ought to be: I Want To Believe This Is Going to Be A Good Film. Based on the trailer, it looks nothing more or less than an extended episode of the series — a run-of-the-mill episode, at that.
A review of the X-Files Season 1 episode, “Fallen Angel,” is now available:
“Fallen Angel” is another X-Files “alien mythology” story.It certainly doesn’t make a whole lot of mistakes.And it includes some intriguing ideas.But the episode simply doesn’t do a whole lot to elevate it to the next level.It’s as if you can watch it, enjoy it, and then never think about it ever again.There’s nothing inherently wrong with this idea.It’s just that, from my perspective, what makes any story exceptional is not only its craft, but also its ability to convey a deeper meaning about an interesting issue, idea or theme.This episode has aliens, which is interesting, but the aliens themselves are given broad brushstrokes and are never allowed to develop into anything beyond what we see at the beginning of the episode.
Twentieth Century Fox has confirmed the title for the new X-Files movie. The official title is:
The X-Files: I Want To Believe
On the whole, I’d say it’s a fitting title for the series. As for the story, according to Variety, the film, “won’t focus on the show’s alien mythology but instead features a stand-alone story on the struggle between faith and science.”
Personally, though I will miss the “alien mythology” angle, I am intrigued by a story about the clash between faith and science. In a way, those opposing worldviews defined much of the relationship between Mulder and Scully.
Will it be any good? We’ll have to wait until July 25 to find out.
“Space” is an episode that, by it’s very subject matter, interested me a great deal. In fact, I rather identified with Mulder’s enthusiasm about the space program. So on that level, I very much enjoyed the episode — particularly with respect to its connection to the “face” on Mars. But truth be told, it wasn’t an exceptional episode. Some of the acting (overacting, really) was a bit cringe worthy. And, too, there simply isn’t much else to this episode beyond its “what if …” premise.
“Ice” isn’t perfect, and I can’t say that it’s going to rank as one of my favorite X-Files episodes, but to give credit where it’s due: this is an episode that is relentless in its suspense. In fact, the mystery of the episode (essentially of the “monster of the week variety”) is secondary. The mood and tension take center stage and, as such, this episode can be riveting.
Ghost In The Machine is a small step backward for the X-Files. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the episode is a failure. It simply means that the X-Files has experienced uncanny success thus far in its initial season. And this episode is merely average, showing the usual rough edges associated with the first season of a series. The story, the writing, the acting … they’re all merely average and, just occasionally, a little below average.
Shadows is a successfully eerie episode. The subject matter (ghosts), as well as some well-timed, and well-placed, paranormal incidents help create a tangible element of suspense – regardless of whether or not you really believe in ghosts. And this episode believes.
The Jersey Devil is another “monster-of-the-week” episode. And what I liked best about this episode was its thematic interrelationships. The episode is much more subtle than one might think. And, as such, it’s actually a very well-crafted installment. The interactions between Mulder and Scully remain a high point. However, the strength of The Jersey Devil is in how it provides a commentary on the differences (and similarities) between the earliest humans and our own modern civilization.
Conduit begins with a family on a campout near Lake Okobogee, near Sioux City, Iowa. With the brother (Kevin) and older sister (Ruby) sleeping under the stars, the mother (Darlene) is inside the camper. In a classic abduction sequence, viewed from the mother’s perspective, the entire are outside the camper is flooded with bright light. She hears screaming, heads to open the door, and scalds her hand because the handle has been superheated. Outside, she sees her young son — but not her daughter. And the mystery is afoot.
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