The X-Files : I Want To Believe

Review by Sean Lynch

The truth is out there and, sad to say, it ain't pretty.

The truth is that in the decade since we last saw Scully and Mulder, the same TV shows which have without doubt been inspired (if not out-and-out stolen) by the supernatural series are the exact same programs which seem to make something like The X-Files : I Want To Believe pretty much irrelevant.

In an era where hype is everything, there seems to be a severe lack of interest in a project that should thrive on it. 

Ten years ago, fans would have scoured the net for the tiniest scabs of information - but now, most fans are busy attending to their kids nappies (or dressed in poorly tailored home-made costumes in line for their 15th viewing of The Dark Knight).

That said, for those even aware of its existence, The X-Files : I Want To Believe will be a welcome cinematic return for two characters who single handedly paved the way for programs like Medium and Supernatural and films like Saw.

In fact, from the moment Dana Scully and Fox Mulder enter their first frame, you get the feeling that the "old school captains" are returning to see how things have changed in their schoolyard: nostalgic, but somewhat out of place.

The story itself, which has been kept well under wraps since early 2003, bears little resemblance to the first cinematic leap in the franchise. And while it makes sense to keep some element of surprise for fans - what I will tell you is the story is simple, self contained and almost underwhelming.

It will be this approach to the latest film, by creator Chris Carter, which will likely divide fans. If you are going to wait 10 years for something new - shouldn't it be utterly amazing or jaw droppingly enriching?

I Want To Believe plays out like any other self contained episode of the TV series - and not one of the big episodes that tackle "the issue" we all... believe... or hope it will - but something which would be thrown in about week seven of a third or fourth season to fill in the gaps.

Perhaps it's a sign of the times, while whats on offer here is a perfectly serviceable homicide investigation piece, it's nothing that can't be seen (or done just as well or better) on a TV cop drama any day of the week. No real twist, no real revelation - just a race toward an inevitable conclusion.

The problem here is that it just seems like such a waste. If the aim is to lure in a new generation of X-Files fans, this probably isn't the story to do it. It's a good yarn, but not a great one. If it's a story to give true fans a taste of the classics, then it might scrape by... barely.

What almost saves the film are the priceless dabs of information relating to everyone's favourite supernatural FBI agents.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are simply superb and slip back into their routine like they never left. Duchovny is just brilliant (and thankfully gets to work his under-rated humour bone which so often goes unrecognised by the industry), while Anderson is nothing short of radiant.

Sadly, all character-arc tidbits (which is undoubtedly the major drawcard of the film) are weaved into the story so plainly, even for a non X-Files fan like myself the major revelations regarding their relationship (and believe me when I say there are some MAJOR revelations) seem sort of glossed over and far more anti-climactic than they should be. 

They just seem to lack the weight they could have held.

If The X-Files : I Want To Believe is an attempt to reboot the franchise and enable semi-regular sequels (once every two years - not ten!) then this installment might not be a total loss. But if it's the last hoorah - its about as fulfilling as a custard tart without the custard.

Ultimately, it puts a lot of pressure on viewers to vote with their feet, which is a mighty big ask when you consider the big name Box Office competition it faces at present.

The truth may be out there, but are the fans?

2.5 out of 5

The X-Files : I Want To Believe
Australian release: 24th July, 2008
Official Site: The X-Files : I Want To Believe
Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, Billy Connolly
Director: Chris Carter