Gerald Wright's Movie Coverage
THE X FILES: I Want To Believe Movie Review
Directed by: Chris Carter
Running time:104 minutes
Release date: July 25, 2008
Genre: Drama, Thriller and Suspense, Mystery and Sequel
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
MPAA Rating: PG-13
The X-Files television series premiered on FOX on September 10, 1993, the plot chronicled the lives and adventures of Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson), two desperate FBI agents assigned to investigate cases that involved the paranormal and supernatural.The show was as much of a phenomenon abroad as it was in America. In 2002, the show had its ninth and final season (and it already had a 1998 feature film released based on the series.) As a fan, I followed the television show and enjoyed the first film. This long-anticipated sequel reunites the original co-stars, director and writers in a eerie suspenseful masterpiece of a thriller.
There is very little I can say about the plot of this film because it would be spoiling; however, I can explain that this is the best outing of The X File duo. When I think of suspense, the thought of something lurking in the background comes to mind and this flick delivers. Contrary to popular belief, Alfred Hitchcock once explained, suspense bears no relationship to fear. Instead, it is that feeling of waiting for something to happen that builds suspense.
David Duchovny, portraying Mulder, seems to have the natural talent to build suspense in this thriller. He is the protagonist who prevents certain tragic events from happening, with the assistance of Scully (Gillian Anderson), thus, giving the audience the experience of a vicarious thrill. The audience identifies with them and the danger they face and becomes a participant in the chase.
This involved plot has many new elements, including the fact that Mulder and Scully are now a couple. They seem to be made for each other. Dr. Scully is working at a religious hospital, which of course gives her ample problems with her work as a physician. She fights her demons on how and why she should believe in God. Mulder is in hiding from the FBI because he's on their "Wanted List".
Mulder and Scully are called in by FBI agent Dakota Whitney (Amanda Peet) on a case of a missing FBI agent in the snowy settings of West Virginia. Only a psychic, defrocked priest Joseph Crissman (Billy Connolly) can locate the missing agent. Yet the bureau wants to be sure the priest isn't a fraud, as the priest is a convicted pedophile trying to find redemption. The addition of these two new characters is a mark of genius. Billy Connolly adds to the story's supernatural/thriller basis, injecting tension into the unpredictable and frightening scenes. This plot element puts Mulder and Scully in situations battling an other-worldly entity beyond their comprehension.
While the tagline is of this flick is "Don't Give Up," you should give up the price of a ticket to see this fantastic movie. Amanda Peet gives a great dramatic performance as the agent in charge of the investigation. David Duchovny shows the brilliant and rare ability to combine being an action hero with being the romantic lead in this role. The always stunning Gillian Anderson shines as Scully whose character captivated the majority of the film. The movie allowed Scully to stretch in many directions, thanks to Gillian Anderson's magnificent performance. The film lives up to the hype.
FILM RATING (B+)
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