Estranged from the FBI for six years, former agents into the paranormal Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) reunite once again - this time to uncover the truth behind why creepy Father Joe’s (Billy Connelly) eyes keep bleeding.
Okay, so it's not entirely about that, but we can't tell you more without ruining the movie. Creator/ director Chris Cater has kept a tight hold on all plot details and spoilers and we'll respect that.
One thing we can say is that I Want To Believe will not follow the 'mythology' alien concept often explored in the TV series. This is 'monster of the week' territory instead. But who, or what, is the monster..?
They say:
Empire: “Stuck with all sorts of baggage that casual viewers might have forgotten.”
Variety: “Modest in scope and ambition.”
Channel Four: “Dull footnote to a small screen landmark.”
We say:
As I Want To Believe unfolds with psychic Billy Connelly shuffling across the ice like a lost child, it straight away feels like an episode from Chris Carter's slush pile.
The narrative that follows is so by the numbers that, if it wasn't for some cataclysmic plot holes, a computer could have written it. There seems to be several scenes missing from the final cut - all the ones that make sense.
Why, for instance, is Fox Mulder brought in on the FBI's case to begin with? His experiences with the X-Files give him no more insight than anyone else. Mulder 'translates' Connelly's visions, but they are hardly in unbreakable code. Father Joe talks slowly and says things like ‘Over there’ and ‘Stop’. It’s not ancient Navajo.
Another issue is the unexplored backstory of the new blood. The audience can't be expected to care for people they know nothing about. Conversely the script goes over Father's Joe's tawdry history in such detail we could write his obituary.
Then there's Dana Scully. She gets a soppy subplot intended to counterpoint her and Mulder's relationship in the main story. It's seriously clunky. Any movie that dares to wheel in a dying child with a straight face better have more to say than 'Why does God punish the innocent?'. We've seen it all before, and often in half the time.
Fortunately Gillian Anderson is still gorgeous so there is distraction amongst the mawkishness. Amanda Peet battles bravely for the hot lady title, yet can't knock Anderson off her pedestal. Duchovny too totally owns Mulder's dry humour and wonky grin. He is the best character by far, though has perhaps run his course by now.
If you haven’t watched The X Files before, or even if you left during its prime (1995-1998), an early moment in the film will have you mulling over exactly what you’ve missed. Clearly Carter can pull a surprise out of his hat when he wants to. Plus he’s fine at shooting the familiar snowy backdrops and cuts a chase sequence with ease - even if a needless shot of greenscreen nearly undoes all his hard work.
The odd flare of former brilliance is not enough however. Stripping the concept back to basics was a good idea, binning the alien guff was an even better one. Anderson and Duchovny are as appealing as ever and (for all those desperate to know) seeing Mitch Pileggi return as Skinner is thrilling to the point of having an accident.
But when even the theme tune can’t stir beyond disappointment that it now sounds like a ringtone, you know this particular TV favourite should have been left in our rose tinted memories where it belongs.
CAST
David Duchovny
Gillian Anderson
Billy Connolly
Amanda Peet
DIRECTOR
Chris Carter
TIME
104 mins
POSTED...
Fri 1 Aug at 4:28pm
