X(-Files) Marks the Spot

I've always wanted to believe.

Believe that they never canceled the X-Files, and that each week a new one was waiting for me to enjoy. From its deep mythology that everyone can associate with, to the wonderfully deep and eerily detailed creepy characters fliterring about in the shadows up to who knows what nefarious deeds.

Thankfully us X-Files fans have the upcoming Fringe by the already-legendary J.J. Abrams (Alias, Lost) soon to arrive on our TVs in order to fill the gaping hole we've felt since Chris Carter's show left the airwaves (or, depending on whom you ask, once David Duchovny left the show- I personally enjoyed the show after his departure well enough.)

But before we move on to Fringe, we get another treat to the team that started it all with the release of "X-Files: I Want To Believe" in theaters this week. I'm sure if you're a fan, you want to believe it's good. Is it?

Certainly that question is always up to each individual- leaving the theater today I heard someone mumbling about how bad The Dark Knight was... and I can't comprehend the mind that can interpret the Dark Knight as "bad". But, everyone has their own tastes! What of the X-Files, though?

The thing I like best about the movie was that it is in essence a movie-length stand alone episode of the show. Roughly 7 years have passed since the first movie, and as such life has moved on. I'll leave it to the movie to fill you in on what's going on with Mulder and Scully (I'm anti-spoilers, always) but suffice to say if you have never seen the X-Files, you really wouldn't be in the dark whatsoever seeing this film. It is clear enough who these people are and the relationship they have through the story. This is a necessary move for many shows that make the leap to the big screen, as you can't assume someone is going to know every last detail. Plus, it's been years- who remembers other than the truly diehard fans? (I don't remember what I had for dinner yesterday!)

The story itself is what you'd expect on any week of the X-Files- nothing more, nothing less. This being the case, I anticipate the "casual" fans of the X-Files (those who love the show and have seen most or all of the episodes) will enjoy it just fine. It's not going to rock your world, or leave you thinking "that was the most amazing thing ever!" You'll should still feel like you got your money's worth- the acting alone is well done enough to cover that cost.

If, however, you've never seen the X-Files, while you will understand this movie (as I mentioned, it's quite clear for the newbies) you probably will think you've seen better "cop"/suspense movies. On the same hand, I feel like X-Files diehards- those who tape X's in their windows and/or have written Mulder and Scully slash fiction will likely be disappointed. It's a hard call, but with the level of jadedness in today's entertainment crowd, I am guessing the fanboys are going to feel the film is too "mundane".

In fact- the one thing you'd think would be involved in an X-Files plot would be aliens/ufos to some degree... nothing of the sort in this case. The plot is actually something not too far-fetched from what goes on in real life. In a way, this makes it all the better for me, as Mulder and Scully's relationship drama seems to hit home with more impact. By showing them in a less science-fictiony styled world, it makes their travails all the more potent and touching.

Should you see it? As always, your call- only you'll know for sure if this is going to appeal to you. And I can't tell you if you'll like it or not. For this X-Files fan, it was a happy trip back to a beloved story franchise that is missed dearly. Seeing Mulder and Scully up on screen just felt "right", again.

And I certainly hope there's more to believe in in the form of more X-files movies to come.