Rated PG-13 for violent and disturbing content and thematic material.
Directed by Chris Carter (X-Files)
Starring David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Amanda Peet, Xzibit and Billy Connolly
The X-Files: I Want to Believe is the second big screen installment. This is a “stand alone” movie that most nonfans can follow without knowing the series' complicated back-story. Long time partners Fox Mulder (Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Anderson) are in a complicated relationship but still the same characters. Mulder continues his unshakable quest for the truth, and Scully, the passionate, intelligent physician, who remains inextricably tied to Mulder's pursuits. This time the FBI recruits both of them to help find a missing woman. Set in a snowbound West Virginia, body parts are being found, leading Fox and Scully to conclude a serial killer is at work. But what they find is even more horrifying.
I think I would have enjoyed this movie if it came out 10 years ago, but waiting this long for a below average sequel is just ridiculous. I thought when I heard that familiar theme music during the open credits it would rekindle my love for the show, but the exact opposite happened. I actually became irritated and resentful. I Want To Believe isn’t a terrible film but, believe me, it is a completely unnecessary one… well unless you count the big pay checks.
If you can remember back to 1998, (I couldn’t. I had to go back and check) X-Files: Fight The Future continued to develop the show’s storyline. Unfortunately I Want to Believe doesn’t do that at all. Yeah, I was disappointed. I mean I wasn’t expecting it to pick up right where they left off or to leave me hanging with a “to be continued” ending, but some fun tie-ins or maybe a few loose ends tied up would have been nice.
So I guess if you are a hardcore fan of the show… enjoy. If, however, you don’t have an X-files t-shirt or one of those famous “I Want to Believe” posters…then Skip It.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
There are some dark storylines and some very disturbing images (duh… it’s X-files). So it’s a big no for younger kids and a no for most older ones too.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
