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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #15210 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-11-24
• Rating: Suitable for 15 years and over
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 104 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The feature film The X-Files: I Want to Believe is a satisfying if unspectacular installment in the X-Files series, taking place an unspecified time after the show's nine-year television run. Former agent Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is now a doctor, while Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) is being hunted by his former agency and living in seclusion. He and Scully are summoned back by a case involving a missing agent and a former priest (Billy Connolly) who claims to be able to see clues to the agent's whereabouts psychically, though his initial search turns up only a severed limb.

Don't expect the usual cast of characters; the FBI has completely turned over (except for the George W. Bush portrait), and the only reason Scully and Mulder are back is because agent Dakota Whitney (Amanda Peet) remembers his success on similar cases involving the inexplicable. Don't expect the same rogues' gallery either; unlike the previous X-Files feature film, which was inextricably linked to the series' convoluted mythology arc (and served as a bridge between the fifth and sixth seasons), I Want to Believe is a stand-alone piece that makes use of the series' roots in horror/sci-fi and moody Vancouver, B.C., locales. Also unlike the previous film, which was almost self-consciously shot for the big screen, this film is on a smaller scale, like a double-length episode of the series. But it's still a good reminder of the creepy vibe that hooked fans for years. And the relationship between Mulder and Scully? It seems to have resumed pretty much where it left off, at least when you take into account the long period of separation. But stick around for the end-credit sequence to take in all the possibilities for the future. --David Horiuchi, Amazon.com

Synopsis
For the devoted viewers of THE X-FILES, there can be few things more exciting than hearing the familiar notes of Mark Snow's theme song at the beginning of THE X-FILES - I WANT TO BELIEVE. This cinematic follow-up to the series picks up years after it ended, but the characters are still the same ones that audiences loved. Fans that followed the show religiously won't be surprised to learn that Mulder (David Duchovny) is currently living in hiding, still researching the paranormal while he grows a shaggy beard. Meanwhile, Scully (Gillian Anderson) is working as a doctor at a Catholic hospital. When an F.B.I. agent goes missing, the bureau calls on the pair to return to their old work. The paranormal element of their case is found in Father Joe (Billy Connolly), a former priest who is having psychic visions and leading the team from the F.B.I. to evidence to help them solve their case. Mulder and Scully return to their roles of believer and sceptic as they join in the search.
Just as in the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE is a genre-bender that combines science fiction, horror, and thriller. In fact, the film seems like a two-part episode of the show--and that's meant as a compliment. Though made six years after the series' finale (and 10 since the first cinematic incarnation), the show's central elements are intact, especially the interaction between Mulder and Scully. For those who weren't fans of the show, I WANT TO BELIEVE offers chills similar to THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS and THE BONE COLLECTOR--but minus the gore. The show was always more about the unseen horrors, and the film works well as it follows its predecessor's lead.

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Customer Reviews

Science Vs Faith
Six years since the exploits of Mulder and Scully came to an end after nine seasons. The second movie propels x-files into darker territory leaving alien conspiracy's on the back burner for a standalone adventure.

We catch up with Mulder and Scully now living together in a secluded house as Mulder browses newspaper articles looking for unexplained phenomenon and Scully has become a doctor at a catholic run hospital caring for a terminally ill boy when she is approached by the FBI, looking for Mulder to consult on a case, a female FBI agent has disappeared and a convicted paedophile priest father Joe claims to be having visions leading the FBI closer to their missing agent, Mulder reluctantly joins the search which leads to a grisly conclusion.

The X-files: I want to believe has received rather mixed reviews as a fan of the show I found it rather enjoyable but this doesn't seem to be the case with everyone. The x-files isn't a big flashy summer blockbuster its a grim mystery thriller. It goes back to its routes when the darker episodes lay rather than the more comedic centred episodes some of the later seasons took

It takes a very different tone from the first film, in an attempt to market it to a wider audience but it remains a largely fans only affair retaining classic X files flavour, on the whole the movie is about faith as both lead characters have their beliefs tested in search for the truth and it comes across the screen in a compelling form.

Duchovony and Anderson slip back into their roles with ease, the relationship between them starting as complete but as the movie progresses it threatens to tear itself apart as the pairs beliefs clash.
The chemistry between the two stars is still ever present as they play off each other well be it their romantic relationship or their conflicting theories. Their relationship is a key part of the movie which x files fans will get more out of than casual viewers, when together they remind us what made the pair so watch able all those years ago.

Billy Connelly gives a good performance as the priest,he portrays a man who is loathsome of himself praying to god for forgiveness while also blaming the almighty for his despicable urges convinced his visions are sent by god to help absolve him of his sins, a complex character handled well by Connelly

Xzibit and Amanda Peet join the cast as FBI agents leading the the manhunt these characters only are there to advance the plot and they are developed little. For example agent Drummy (Xzibit) dislikes Mulder and his beliefs but its never explained why. The two characters are very constricted always remaining as background players.

The only other familiar face to reappear is Walter Skinner towards the end of the movie while only present for a few scenes its great to see him back again helping Scully tracking an AWOL Mulder, it livens up the pace as the movie reaches its climax.

While a stand-alone movie there's still titbits for the fans to pick up on references to William, the poster in Mulder's room,call backs to the series various villains such as 'pusher', generally little bits but is pleasing for fans but will most likely be lost on others.

On the whole the x files: IWTB is a satisfying addition to the franchise the pace can occasionally lag (Scully's terminal patient sub plot) its light on action and can feel a bit underwhelming in a summer of blockbusters but the magic's still there between the stars the story is a spine tingling absorbing mystery and its great to see the pair back in action. It's enough to Believe again- 7/10

Note- just to clear up any confusion this is actually a 3 disc set
disc 1- The movie
disc 2- Bonus features
disc 3- Digital copy

It wasn't that bad...
I was a fan of the X-Files back in the day...when it was at its pinnacle. I didn't care for the Robert Patrick/Annabeth Gish nonsense which followed later. The best episode for me was Redux, which at that point attempted to bring all the UFO mythology together, the core work of the X-Files. Even the film (Fight the Future), which I watched recently was a good bit of entertainment. However, from the reviews I had seen, I knew that this film wasn't what most fans wanted to see. Firstly, the film centres around a series of killings, a bit like the niche episodes that the X-Files used to do, it didn't centre around alien abduction and Government Conspiracy. Quite frankly, I can see why Chris Carter didn't do this. When Mulder and Scully entered the FBI building for the first time in years in I Want to Believe, they were greeted with a picture of a smiling George W Bush. Hinting at Government conspiracy and deceit won't do in this day and age...Governments take us into illegal wars and literally leave you standing in the wind when Hurricane Katrina hits. Wars and Hurricanes - how bad is a bit of whispering about alien abduction be compared to this? If aliens turns up on Bush's watch, somehow they will be blasted out of the sky by the time Act 2 takes effect in the film. What I am saying is, the episodes about alien abduction were appropriate back in the mid 90s, now we know that there are worse things that can happen... Chris Carter had a challenge of writing an X Files film for a 2008 audience and he didn't do too much of a bad job. This film is good. I found it a well paced thriller (serial killer - the race against time to save the latest victim). Billy Connolly gives a surprisingly good turn as the priest with paranormal abilities to detect the victims. David Duchovny & Gillian Anderson also show that their characters have moved on. They seem royally cheesed off when they hear from the FBI at the beginning of the film needing their help. However, Mulder once again becomes enticed working on an X-File, while Scully couldn't care less for the FBI's hunt for the killer (she only goes along with it at the beginning of the film to get Mulder out of the house), Scully's passion now lies in caring for her patients, especially a terminally ill boy. It also shows how Mulder and Scully's relationship has moved on. The ending is pure nonsense, but so was Eugene Victor Toombs getting killed by an escalator back in the day. On paper, this film may not necessary appeal to the hardcore X File Fan, but I think that this is a solid effort nonetheless. Gillian Anderson was right: If the Dark Knight had not encompassed the critics and the box office, the X Files may have stood a fighting chance and may be had a little success. I personally think that this is a good film and worth a look...you just need an open mind!

Not exactly a case for Mulder and Scully
When Chris Carter revealed the first footage from the new X-Files movie at this year's Comi-Con Festival 2008 in San Diego accompanied by stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, it was greeted with crowds of hysteria by the festival's visitors. It showed Billy Connolly rushing through the deep snow atop a frozen lake, an FBI search team equipped with helicopters and Alsatians following behind him. He would drop to his knees and cry..."Its Here!.....Here!.....it's Here!". Great stuff I can tell you, and certainly enough to get you very excited about the prospect of the new movie.

Indeed, it's very appealing to see Duchovny and Anderson back on the screen together after 6 years since the show aired it's final episode. The X-Files show was always of a high quality, and the first X-Files movie, released in '95, was also very well produced. The same can be said this time. X-Files creator Chris Carter, making his feature debut, has put together a very detailed and original story for our intrepid heroes to unravel. This time around the story has nothing to do with the alien mythology: the thread that ran through the core of the series. Here we have a stand-alone mystery enabling those who've never seen the series to enjoy and appreciate what the X-Files was all about. This was a wise move by the creator. That it has been 6 years since the show finished, it is also entirely possible that there is a whole new audience that may not have even heard of the show - and therefore, may have been completely indifferent to Chris Carter serving up another round of his alien invasion conspiracy.

So.....Just what exactly is this new adventure about? The production has been shrouded in secrecy since its inception with even the actors somewhat in the dark regarding the movie's script and story - and this is perhaps the first opportunity for a reviewer to identify where the problems with this picture may lie. The idea of keeping plot details secret was a marketing masterstroke during the heights of the show's popularity, compelling the audience to tune in to find out more. Everyone wanted to learn of the phenomena that Mulder and Scully were investigating each week. But 6 years after the show ended??!! There is not the same level of interest in Mulder and Scully anymore, and during a recent visit to the cinema to see another movie, I heard several very audible groans from the audience when the trailer for this movie was shown. You cannot employ the same marketing tactics for this movie that you used six or seven years ago! It just won't work! Audiences are just not as interested in the X-Files as much as they used to be. And the marketing department at Fox Pictures should have known this! There is also a certain amount of mis-direction with regards to the content of the picture. The film is trailered to suggest that Mulder and Scully will be hunting down some kind of terrible creature or beast, some kind of mutant human - possibly a werewolf. But this is absolutely not what you get! Don't misunderstand me, I am a big fan of the X-Files and very much in favour of being surprised when I go to the cinema. But by the end of the first act, when it becomes apparent what the film is really about, you will very likely be disappointed. Fox Pictures obviously realised this in advance and had the movie marketed as a horror.

Another problem with the picture is the release date. Why open a slightly macabre movie like The X-Files, which may be obscure to some, during the height of the summer season only one week after the most long-awaited picture of the year: The Dark Knight? Given the film's subject matter it would have been more suited to a late September release, or perhaps October. The story is set during the dead of winter showing FBI search teams wrapped up in thick insulated coats struggling through blizzards. To release the film during the summer was completely inappropriate, when audiences prefer to see fun popcorn blockbusters drenched in sunshine.

To give the movie it's due; it is very well made, well acted and well directed. But the film's main problem is that it comes across as a very straightforward FBI/Police procedural: competently put together but nothing spectacular - perhaps an illustration of the movie's relatively tight budget (approximately $30 million), quite low for a studio picture. But there is still much to enjoy; Mulder and Scully's relationship developed to the point where they are now sleeping together, and thankfully, being honest with each other. Their more intimate moments are quite affecting, and there is a very emotional sub-plot with Scully (now a Doctor) battling to cure a terminally ill child at the medical facility where she works. The supporting cast also do well; Amanda Peet and rapper Alvin `Xzibit' Joiner feature as other FBI agents on the hunt for a missing colleague, and finally; (Yay!) Mitch Pileggi appears in the final act as Assistant Director Walter Skinner, adding a bit of excitement to proceedings as Scully struggles through the snow whilst trying to locate a missing Mulder.

The DVD is released in both a single disc and double disc format. Both versions available are Chris Carter's Director's Cut. The Single Disc edition has the movie and a few trailers. The 2 Disc Edition is packed to the brim with numerous documentaries and featurettes. It is also equipped with a Digital Copy of the film for you to download to your relevant ipod media etc.

In conclusion: a well made but slightly underwhelming drama. Roll-on the next alien invasion movie!