Customer Reviews

The X-Files: I Want to Believe (Single-Disc Edition)

5 star:		(72)
4 star:		(48)
3 star:		(41)
2 star:		(41)
1 star:		(60)

 

 

Mulder and Scully are back...and that's incredibly awesome!!!
I think it was a shame this movie didn't get the attention it deserved when it was released. I believe that the studio's poor promotion and the unfortunate date of release --THE DARK NIGHT's SUMMER-, among other external conditions didn't help it attract more viewers. But now that this fantastic 3-disc edition is here, there is no earthly excuse to not watch Mulder's and Scully's triumphal return.

Give this movie a chance if:

1)You were a fan back in the 90's --oH THOSE HAPPY DAYS!--.
2)You are sick of flat characters who never actually grow up, grow old and /or mature.
3)You are in the mood for an intelligent little movie and you have had your share of CGI and exaggerated action sequences -that, let's face it, turn out to be a whole lot of nonsense most of the times-.
4)You want to be captivated by 2 of the most representative characters in TV history.

Give it a try, re-watch some of the tv series'episodes, get in the mood and enjoy!! Remember the Truth is out there...and we want to find it in a third movie. I waited 6 years for this one, I hope I won't be waiting that much for an XF3!!!

Note: If you watched the movie in the theatre and thought the storyline had some slight plotholes, check out the DVD edition of the film. This is REALLY the film Carter wanted to give us. Few extra scenes give a subtle but meaningful enhancement.

As a huge fan of the X-Files and as someone who was disappointed by the 2nd movie, I was looking forward to watching the "extended cut" of the movie offered in this special edition set. In articles about the movie's production, Chris Carter moaned about Fox saying the movie couldn't run longer than an hour and a half and talked about having to cut the movie down quite quickly. I had hoped that the "extended cut" would fill in some of the holes I saw in the movie and would reflect Carter's original vision. Instead, the "extended cut" is only 4 minutes longer than the theatrical release and contains only one extra scene, that I noticed. Disappointing.

The X-Files TV series' untidy conclusion left fans wondering what happened. 2008's "The X Files: I Want To Believe" is producers Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz' attempt to scratch that itch. The fan base of the TV series should find the result enjoyable if not completely satisfying.

As the story opens, a female FBI agent is subjected to a brutal kidnapping. The FBI's principal lead in the case is a disgraced pedophile priest (Billy Connally) with psychic visions of the kidnapping. The FBI lead investigators (nicely played by Amanda Peet and Alvin "Xzibit" Joiner) find themselves out of their depth and seek out former agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully (David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson reprising their roles). Scully is working as a doctor at a Catholic hospital, trying to save a young boy with a nominally terminal illness. Mulder is living in seclusion in a rural cottage, avoiding the FBI. The FBI offers them a clean slate if they will help.

Thus begins a bizarre case that would have been a solid "monster of the week" episode from the series. Mulder and Scully wrestle with clues that defy easy explanation; the credulous Mulder and the skeptical Scully will debate their meaning while racing to stop a hideous medical experiment. In a thrilling conclusion, Scully will call upon an old FBI friend to help rescue Mulder, whose relentless pursuit of the clues leaves him in mortal danger.

Carter and Spotnitz largely avoid X-Files conspiracy mythology while delivering the standard format of the TV series. Most satisfying to this reviewer, they honor the nuanced relationship between Mulder and Scully, who pick up their repartee without missing a beat. The progression of their relationship since the end of the series is revealed in an extremely well-done bedroom sequence in which Scully ponders aloud the case of her dying patient.

"The X-Files: I Want To Believe" is highly recommended to fans of the TV series. Newcomers may find the self-referential plot and characters difficult to follow. Fans should enjoy seeing what amounts to a new and extended TV episode whose concluding sequence offers some hopeful closure in the best tradition of the X-Files. Be sure to watch all the way through the closing credits for a nice postscript to the story.

I am a fan, I would have been happy with 2 hours worth of Mulder and Scully doing absolutely nothing in the screen, as long as they were back. But, we have been given a lot more! Chris Carter has given us a thriller and a pretty good one at that.

The film follows FBI agents in their search for a missing agent. They are aided by a man, a priest of questionable morals, who has visions. They bring in Mulder and Scully, now a surgeon (since when?!) to help them in their investigation. If Mulder helps, all will be forgiven (a bit of a stretch since he was charged by the military for murder after all). Regardless, our favorite couple discovers a sinister plan that will make you cringe.

Amanda Peet is the FBI Agent that brings Mulder in. Her character could have been better used. Skinner makes an appearance!

The movie was sinister, evil, spooky and just plain wrong. It was great! To top is all off: Mulder and Scully. There is nothing bad we can say about their acting and their portrayals...they own these characters, they created them, and made them the memorable characters we like. The direction was excellent, with amazing long shots and beautiful photography. The great musical score was done by Mark Snow, who else would have been better for this?!

For the X-philes (fans): oh, this will be fun, sunflower seeds, "I want to believe" poster, pencils in the ceiling and a whole lotta Mulder and Scully talk. Priceless. Did you see Chris Carter in the scene at the hospital, sitting down?

For the X-shippers, you will be happy. Mulder and Scully, what has happened will be answered and then some.

For the non-fan: it was very easy to understand, there is not that much mythology, just some references here and there that are not necessary for the understanding of the plot.

The movie is very good, and spooky, it talks about morality, about persistence and about beliefs. The movie once again, as the entire series of the X-Files did, challenges both Mulder and Scully in their beliefs along the way of solving yet another sinister crime. There are tons of plot holes and far fetched things though. Yes, there have been better episodes. But still, a great addition to The X-Files.

Still, I am going to wait for the Special edition which is sure to come.

I can't believe I'd ever attach "X Files" and "Horrendous" in the same category. This movie blows. I can't get over how disappointing it was. My wife and I are big X-Files fans but couldn't see the movie in the theaters because we have three kids and don't get out much. So we had to wait until it arrived on DVD. In this case, I'm really glad we didn't go to the theater. This wasn't worth it. Two gay antagonists, one trying to find bodies to attach his lover's head to. A woman's body no less!? Mulder was flat, Scully was an utter bore. The hospital plot was a T.V. episode, the Catholic pedophile priest (yawn yawn, another Catholic priest child molester bad guy, real original) was tiresome, the Amanda Peet character lacked depth, the plot stunk, there WAS NO X FILE until the end when we see Dr. Frankenstein attaching the aforementioned gay antagonist's head to a chick's body (Frankenstein plot, how fresh!), and cheesy dialogue.

This movie lacked suspense, surprises, the usual great character chemistry, and it was drawn-out.

I can't believe that some fans think this was better than Fight The Future? At least FTF had links to the show. At least it had Cancer Man, the syndicate, the colonizer plot, and some great special effects. The plot was much better.

Throw me a super soldier, throw me Doggett or Reyes, put in some aliens, for God's sake, something! I'd even take the over-hashed black oil!

This movie smelled so bad that I needed a hazmat biohazard suit to sit through it. After all these years of chewing on this universe he created, this is the best Chris Carter could pump out? Come on?!! This movie was like a wannabee Silence of the Lambs only Hannibal is a burned-out pedophile priest with hair like Langley. Most of the flick is in the snow. And poor ole' Skinner comes into the movie in the last twenty minutes...sigh I say again, is this the best Carter could churn out after all these years? This must be analogous to that whole "rusty" phenomenon we see in the NBA, NFL and MLB playoffs when a team wins and then has to sit and wait for their championship. They're so rusty and lazy that they aren't on top of their game. Chris must've had enough rust to corrode the Pentagon.

I'm sad about this movie but I hope it won't be the last. I know Spotnitz and Carter and company are creative, brilliant, awesome people. They have more plots in 'em. I hope this movie shows them that they need to stay true to the roots, pulse, and sensibilities of the series, not venture into corney movie plots like "Seven."

Here's where I stand on THE X-FILES: I was a fan of the show for the first couple of seasons when every episode was different (remember the Jersey Devil episode and the one about the deformed redneck family?) and before it got really heavy into the same continuous storyline, and I saw the first X-FILES movie a couple of times when it first came out but it's been so long that I barely remember it. So I did enjoy the show, however I wouldn't consider myself a hardcore fan and I wouldn't go so far as to say that this was a highly anticipated movie for me. So, with that out of the way...

In THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE, Mulder (David Duchovny) is living in seclusion and Scully (Gillian Anderson) is now a doctor. They are reunited when the FBI seeks them out for help to find a fellow agent who has gone missing. Mulder and Scully, along with the help of the FBI (with the two primary agents being portrayed by Amanda Peet and rapper Xzibit) and a goofy psychic named Father Joe (portrayed by Billy Connolly), eventually find clues that lead them to something gruesome and disturbing.

Throughout the movie there is a subplot where Scully is going through an ordeal at the hospital she works at involving a sick child who she is trying to save, the child's family, and the "powers that be" of the hospital who refuse to offer any further treatment for the child due to the fact that he suffers from an incurable disease. For most of the FBI investigation, Scully is absent and is faced with the dilemma of going through a radical medical procedure (stem cell) which may or may not help the child but will surely cause him a lot of pain. And then there's the Father Joe character who, while somewhat annoying at first, ultimately won me over due to actor Billy Connolly's charm. Father Joe is interesting in that he has a haunting past and is judged because of it, claims that God talks to him and gives him these psychic visions, and no one believes him except for Mulder.

Overall I enjoyed this film a lot! I really had no desire to see it, and actually decided to watch it just to see Xzibit in a "serious role". This film surprised me and kept my interest throughout. The entire film was definitely a throwback to the first seasons of the show in which they had the whole "Monster of the Week" thing going on which I mentioned earlier. It's basically a standalone Sci-Fi/Thriller with elements of Horror. The chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson is awesome and it's always great to see them back together on screen. Amanda Peet and Xzibit were both pretty good in their roles. It's sort of hinted in the movie that Peet's character has a thing for Mulder, but it never really goes anywhere for reasons I can't really talk about without ruining the movie. Xzibit was more of a background guy who didn't say a whole lot, who's character had a thick exterior to contrast Peet's more easy-going demeanor. And of course Connolly was great as always.

Another thing that I loved about the movie was the Cinematography. It was filmed in Canada during the winter and the snowy scenery and photography in the film was gorgeous. There aren't really any bad things about the movie that I can really think of. The lack of a major villain was a bit disappointing, but the twist at the end more than makes up for it. Obviously I won't say what the twist is, but it most definitely treads the waters of the Horror genre. Also the film isn't really as epic as a TV show-turned-feature length film should be and seemed like it could have been a longer version of a TV episode. Other than that, it was great. Entertaining, great cast, great acting, beautiful Cinematography, great music, nostalgia, and a twist that will satisfy Horror fans. There's also a little something special during the closing credits (with two songs provided by U.N.K.L.E. including a remix of the X-FILES theme) which is kind of cheesy but is still pretty cool to watch.

I've only seen the 1-Disc Version of the DVD so far and the Extra Features are OK. It has a great Commentary track by writer/director Chris Carter and writer Frank Spotnitz. There is also a ten minute Gag Reel, which by the looks of it the cast had a blast making the film. Overall, it's a great film and I would definitely recommend it.

4 stars

EDIT: The 2-Disc Version has the same Extra Features as the 1-Disc version, but the second disc has a feature-length Documentary on the production of the movie that covers everything from the cast, to the filming, to reuniting the cast and crew, and the secrecy of the movie. It's actually really interesting when they talk about how secretive they were during the filming to the point that some of the crew didn't even KNOW they were working on the new X-FILES movie. Another thing that is brought up is how they leaked staged photos of a Werewolf prop on the set to throw people off. Includes interviews with the cast and crew and Behind-the-Scenes footage. I would recommend spending the few extra bucks to get the Special Edition as opposed to the 1-Disc. It's worth it.

My first two attempts to post a review of 'The X-Files: I Want to Believe' were zapped by Amazon because apparently they "has not describe about the experiences with the product, instead your comments in large part focused on artists and their intentions, rather than reviewing the item itself".

Since this kind of severely limits what I can actually review, I thought I'd take this piece of amazing Amazon advice at face value and review my experience with the DVD.

Well, the case the movie came in was pretty standard DVD-case quality. Black, plastic, about five by seven inches. The cover art was simple yet eye-catching, and it did a good job at carrying out its purpose, which is to catch your attention in the video store and rent it or buy it.

When I put the DVD in my player, there was some initial concern because an odd noise emanated from my DVD player. At first I thought something was wrong with the DVD, but it turned out that I had just not seated it properly when I pushed the 'Close' button. Whew! I thought surely I'd have to knock stars off the rating, but nope, it was my fault.

The DVD played smoothly, with no on-screen distortion, artifacts, or other assorted distractions. Some movies I've rented recently have had something wrong with their color balance, but this one was just fine in that department.

So, in closing, about all I can say (and about all I'm allowed to say) is that the DVD was of average or maybe even a little above-average quality. If more people took the time and care to make superior packaging like this, the world would be a better place.

Oh, and the movie stunk.

This is the most disappointing, horrible thing they could have done with the X-Files. It has nothing to do with aliens or the supernatural or anything even remotely unusual. I can't express how bad this was. Seriously, this movie is like defiling a corpse.

This movie was GREAT! I used to watch the show every now and then when it ran on TV, and I saw the first X-Files:Fight the Future as well, but this sequel is excellent. Both Actors have aged gorgeously, and are excellent at their craft. Gillian Anderson is brilliant and was robbed of a Golden Globe nomination. The film gives a little more insight into the character's personal lives which was never seen on the show, but still left you wanting more!

The DVD is great, awesome special features which include a gag reel, an extended version of the film and a documentary on the film just to mention a few. The only thing I would have wanted more of would be of the two leads behind the scenes. I would love to have heard David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson do commentary for the film since they have played the characters for so long. Buy this DVD!

When I was thirteen years old, I broke up with my boyfriend Michael because he wanted to go to prom and prom just so happened to fall on the same night as the X-Files season finale. It just goes to show that I had my priorities in check even back then. Unlike the last X-Files movie (and most of the X-Files episodes), I Want to Believe steps away from the government conspiracy mega-plotline and instead focuses on the day-to-day lives of Mulder and Scully and the challenges they have to overcome in their personal and professional lives, set against the backdrop of a missing FBI agent and a seemingly clairvoyant pedophiliac priest. It's not as big as the last one, or as explosive, but in my opinion, change is good, and 'I Want to Believe' worked well as a standalone. What can I say? I'm addicted all over again.