Anticipation
It’s been six years since The X-Files finished its 9-year run on television. Since that time, fans have eagerly awaited the reunion of their favorite FBI duo on the big screen. Tonight, the long wait ended.
Even though the movie was met with lukewarm-to-negative reviews, I was still ready to attend the midnight opening. After all, I am one of those eager fans.
The funny thing is that I didn’t start watching The X-Files until very late in its run. Back then, I mocked people who enjoyed sci-fi. Eventually, I watched the movie on video and became a fan. The X-Files offered something different — a skeptic who questioned everything and tried to explain bizarre, paranormal happenings through scientific reasoning.
Scully didn’t believe. She needed proof and a credible explanation. I identified with that character. For some reason, I have a tough time accepting things without proof, and it’s difficult for me to completely suspend reality (even in fictional entertainment). Even though many of the things presented in The X-Files would never happen in real life, the show tried to provide a plausible scientific explanation, and I appreciated that.
Walking into the theater, my expectations were low. They had been tainted by the early reviews. I was excited to see the movie, but recognized that it probably wasn’t going to be as good as I had hoped.
I Want to Believe tells a stand-alone story void of the popular X-Files conspiracy mythology. I think this was a disappointment to many fans and reviewers. For me, I was okay with it. I don’t mind a good stand-alone story. The problem is that the movie only delivers a decent story, making it feel like an average episode of the TV show. Don’t get me wrong. I still enjoyed it. Seeing Mulder and Scully back together again was great. I also enjoyed that we got to see the evolution of the couple’s complicated relationship. Still, I wish the movie had more of the traditional X-Files elements that fans expect.
If you are a fan, I recommend that you check out the movie. There are many elements you will enjoy. Just don’t go into it expecting the sequel to be as good as the first.
