The X-Files: I Want to Believe - B

On DVD

Unfairly maligned by critics and ignored at the box office, The X-Files: I Want to Believe is the kind of smart adult thriller that rarely gets made. 10 years after the last feature film and 6 years after the end of the television series, die-hard fans were probably let down by the lack of continuity with the series and its finale. Space aliens and conspiracy theories gave way to a stand-alone story about an aging couple – Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Mulder (David Duchovny) trying to find their place in the world. FBI Agent Whitney (Amanda Peet) is using a pedophile priest (Billy Connolly) - possibly a psychic - to search for a missing FBI Agent. Since Peet has an interest in Mulder’s prior X-Files investigations and thinks he can help, he’s recruited. Meanwhile, Dr. Scully is struggling with a difficult patient, a child with a debilitating genetic disease. She’s at odds with the Catholic hospital administration (priests, in this case) and wants to try experimental therapy before giving up . . .The movie is at its best during the philosophical discussions, but feels more mundane in the chase and action scenes. The wintry snowbound settings are sensational and certainly give some flair to the proceedings. As the mystery is revealed, the movie strains credibility (a 2-headed dog – really?), but this is true of most X-Files episodes. I’ll admit I was a modest fan during the mid-90s, but completely skipped the last 2-3 seasons. As always, the belief systems of Scully (devout Catholic) and Mulder (believer in ESP, aliens, paranormal activities, etc.) are compared and the viewer can project their own belief system on what actually happens.Director Chris Carter does a respectable job overall, but especially placing religious symbols around Scully (see included screen caps). Fans of the show will recognize names (Clyde Bruckman, etc.) and Mulder’s room is filled with familiar posters and newspaper clippings. The 3rd act introduction of Skinner (series regular Mitch Pileggi) is handled very well. I like Duchovny in almost anything – his droll, sardonic line delivery and dry humor shine in the early scenes. As usual, Anderson has the tougher (and less fun) role and must carry the weight of the film (which she does handsomely). A doctor struggling with their faith because of suffering and dying children hit really close to home and I found the message of never giving up almost inspiring. B

Medical notes:
1. Scully was a pathologist in the series and now appears to be injecting stem cells into a brain (which is intraparenchymal not intrathecal, by the way). Maybe she did a neurosurgery residency after the end of the series.

2. Doctors do, in fact, use Google to look up answers and symptoms, but typically insist on a trustworthy source (or 2).

3. Of course, her mask should be up in the OR – obviously dramatic license.