Finally, no super-heroes, no super-villains and no special effects in this much-anticipated sci-fi flick. Unfortunately, there’s also nothing super or special about this second “X-Files” feature. Based on the popular TV show, it established a cult following primarily on originality, provocative storylines and the chemistry between its leading characters, FBI agents Fox “Spooky” Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dr. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson).
It has been six years since the unique TV show ended and 10 years since the first movie. It would be an understatement to say this feature was highly anticipated, but not an understatement to say the fans were exceedingly under-whelmed. Even the most diehard aficionados might say, “It’s not as bad as it could have been,” but this film would easily rank in the lower quartile of the TV episodes.
It was nostalgic getting everyone together again, but let’s face it, even the best reunions rarely live up to expectations. It was not for a lack of effort from the stars, as Mulder and Scully reprise the banter and chemistry we came to know and love. However, creator-director-co-writer Chris Carter let us down with an uninspired and unimaginative script.
In this version, we are brought up to speed as to what had happened to Mulder and Scully since we last saw them. It all sounds plausible, but what happens next is not much more (maybe less) than a cross between TV’s “Criminal Minds” and “Medium.” And sure, it was a nice touch to be reintroduced to a popular series character late in the film, but it would have made much more sense to have brought him in earlier.
There’s a serial killer on the loose in West Virginia and their only lead is psychic priest Father Joe (Billy Connolly, “Lemony Snicket”), who happens to be a known pedophile. Connolly is such a character; he plays the role to the hilt and steals every scene he is in. The very attractive Amanda Peet (“Martian Child”) plays Dakota Whitney, who is in charge of the investigation. She needs the spooky one back in the rotation to solve the case.
As fans know, FBI brass regards Mulder on the same level as Inspector Clouseau. It seems Mulder has a steady flow of horror shows streaming through his head. Father Joe asks, “So you believe in these kind of things?” And Mulder replies, “Let’s just say I want to believe.” But Scully tells Mulder, “I’m done chasing monsters in the dark.” So, you know what that means? They’re back in business, folks.
Scully attempts to apply rational logic to each situation, but Mulder’s distinctive forte is his ability to make the most bizarre and absurd circumstances sound reasonable and even factual; not unlike most political talk show hosts. So, it’s time for him and Father Joe to do God’s work. However, the FBI doesn’t want to believe the same way as Mulder.
The West Virginia setting was filmed in British Columbia, where the TV series was initially filmed. Production was kept under a tight veil of secrecy in order to keep plot details from leaking to the public prior to its release. We support Carter’s desire for secrecy, but it might have meant more if there was a plot worth securing.
The “X-Files” theme, an unmistakable series of singular notes, sets the tone for this quiet phenomenon that generated a faithful sci-fi cult following. After so many years, the zealous fan base was expecting more; so much more. The worst part of this lackluster performance is it could jeopardize the little remaining chance for its future (TV or movie).
“The X-Files: I Want to Believe” is 100 minutes and rated PG-13 for violent, disturbing content and thematic material. On the TV series, fans had feasted on thought-provoking paranormal concepts presented in a manner that did not seem too far out of reach.
This “X-Files” wants us to believe, but with the flimsy and dubious mysticism presented here, this film’s audience won’t want to believe in the extraordinary. And, this glorified TV episode shows murder in West Virginia inconsistent with our Vice-President’s recent remarks that its citizens are just one big happy family. Yes, we took offense as well.
