Customer Reviews

The X-Files: I Want to Believe (X-Files (Harper Entertainment))

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This novelization of the new film The X-FIles: I Want To Believe is an excellent companion piece to the movie now in theaters for a price that's less than a movie ticket. The novel follows the story of the film closely, with a few additional interesting scenes and lines of dialogue. If you were confused about the plot, this book clears things up. It also gives some insight into character motivations that might not have been apparent from the film. It would be great if Chris Carter included some of these scenes in an extended edition DVD release of the movie. Definitely worth reading this book either way though.

I agree with the previous poster that this book is VERY similar to the movie that came out. I would say it is almost like reading the transcript of the movie plot. It is a good deal considering the cost of a movie ticket is rising and the price of the book is indeed cheaper. The book is less ambiguous compared to the movie. I did leave the theater a little confused with the whole Russian scientist plot, but the book explains it better. Also, for those who missed the scene after the credits are rolled at the end...the book has a spoken dialogue that actually addresses that rather than what Mulder ends up saying to Scully in the movie. There are a lot of shipper moments in the book that may have been overlooked in the movie. I do hope these extra details are included in the DVD when that comes out. Overall, good read!

First of all, I loved the movie. And I do believe it was misunderstood by the wider audience who expected something completely different. The movie rocked, no matter what some critics may say.

Now, about the book. I'm torn. I'll start with the pros:
- the book is extremely faithful to the movie, what is especially notable as it was being written while the movie was being shot. When you read it, you can see the movie playing in your mind's eye. That's nice.
- There is one (if I'm not mistaken) extra scene and a handful of other scenes extended.
- Adds more clarification to some elements of the plot that might have escaped the audience, especially during the first viewing of the movie (and all you x-philes know what I mean ;))
- Tries to tie The X Files history (Samantha, William) to the events taking place in the movie.
Ok... And now cons..
- I can't honestly say the book is well written. Some sentences and descriptions are actually bordering on being childish, as if I was reading a 10-year-old's essay on the movie.
- Weird syntax and use of italics. Bad editing job. I'm pretty sure there are grammar mistakes. I was actually surprised to see the author having received some awards. Hopefully the writing he received them for was better.
- The paragraphs that are not part of the story, but supposed to explain X Files history seem like they were thrown in at the very end, just for the heck of it. They do not read well.

Over all, I don't regret buying the book. It'll be nice to reach for it sometime in the future. Good treat for the fans, especially after such a long period of depravation.

Okay, so yes, the dialogue is a *bit* cheesy - but if you loved the movie, the book is a must. At least, in a shipper's eyes...

I have been a fan of the show, "The X-Files", from the beginning. After reading several other "The X-Files" books by different authors, I found this one to be along the same lines in terms of creativity. It could have had a little more background information of the characters for those who may not be familiar with the story. Overall, I found the book to be very enjoyable.

It actually helps fill in some of the tiny, tiny gaps in the story. simply because words carry that innate ability, but pictures leave it up to interpretation.

It could have been so much better.
The X-File here is that with so many talented writers from the series he didn't use any.

I agree with a previous reviewer who wrote that if you loved the movie then this book is a must ( at least in a shippers eyes). How true. Actually, I'm a little surprised more fans haven't bought this little book ( or maybe they have and just didn't review it). The book helped clarify some elements of the plot for me too and gave ( albeit just a glimpse) into the two main characters feelings for each other. I have always thought of these two as " tragic" characters because of the enormous losses they have suffered and the sacrifices they have had to ( and in some cases chosen ) to make. To me it is only fitting that they would come to love each other but , of course, I'm a shipper :). At least there is a glimmer of hope at the end. My problem with this book: I wish it were 400 hundred pages and written by a great mystery writer who would give more insight into the characters and some of the haunting detail of the tv show. I have a feeling a book like that would sell well. I can dream can't I?