The X-Files: I Want To Believe (2008)

The X-Files series set the standard for science fiction television based on the strange and unusual which have led to the creation of a slew of other series who have attempted to capitalize on that success. Strangely what feels like almost over a decade since the show ended its run is actually only six years, yet it's still a pleasure to reunite with two of television's most popular characters, too bad the reunion didn't take place in a better film.

Retired FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully reunite for one more case as the FBI calls in Mulder for his expertise in dealings of the paranormal. An FBI agent has gone missing and the bureaus only lead is an ex-communicated Catholic priest and convicted child molester, Father Joseph Crissman, who claims to have some psychic ability which appears to be linked to the kidnapper. Mulder is brought in because of his dealings with other so called psychic's in the past, and it is the FBI's hope that he will be able to assist in finding the missing agent and confirm whether or not Crissman is legit.

Dana Scully is brought in solely by Mulder's request as a form of moral support. Scully instantly jumps into her familiar role of devils advocate as she bounces around from completely discrediting Crissman to almost believing him. But Scully has her own battles, now a pediatric doctor in a Catholic hospital she'd fighting to perform a highly risky procedure on a boy who doesn't have much of a chance to live. The film awkwardly attempts to tie this side story into Scully's unwavering disbelief in Crissman and unexplained phenomena, but it only seems to weigh the film down.

The X-Files: I Want To Believe manages to stay true to the type of plots and story-lines seen in the series, and actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson transition back into characters quite well, but the problem is the story isn't feature film material. At an hour and forty minutes the film is about forty minutes too long, the side story of Scully's battle to save her young patient is ultimately filler to extend the films run-time, and quite pointless to the main story. Also multiple acknowledgments of Mulder's sister and Scully's baby brought up throughout the film felt completely out of place, while it's clear they were added in for the fans, but anyone not an avid viewer of the series will be completely lost as to the references, but what's even worse is they don't fit.

Overall, the main story would have made a fine one hour episode in the series but as a near two hour feature film it's a complete overkill. The first hour and ten minutes plods along quite slowly providing you with barely enough to stay interested and then finally begins to reveal to you what's actually going on, managing to provide some boost to the helpless story. As a fan of the series and the first film, it's only fair to say The X-Files: I Want To Believe is a disappointment, and I'd find it hard to believe anyone other the fanatical fans could truly enjoy everything about this film. It has it's moments, but most of them are near the end where they lose most of their effect after over an hour of mediocrity. If I had to be positive I could stay this final X-File's adventure is better than nothing, but I have to agree with the millions of other people who'd rather of seen a final film based on some alien exploits than some psychotic Russians.

6/10