I wanted to believe “X-Files: I Want To Believe” would be a worthwhile stand-alone film, but alas that was not the case.

The plot: Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are asked by the FBI to help with a case that involves a missing FBI agent, animal parts, human body organs, and a psychic. What exactly is this case all about? Does it involve aliens? Is it supernatural? Can the case be solved?

 

After a 6 year long wait since the series finale of “The X-Files,” the best Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz could come up with is a weak story about experimentation mixed with a Lifetime esque subplot involving Scully operating on a child? Call me crazy, but I found the fake Mulder werewolf picture far more exciting than this entire production. Carter and Spotnitz completely dropped the ball here. They could have come up with an epic stand-alone film instead of a film that resembles an episode from the atrocious season 9. The possibilities were literally endless as to what kind of story they could tell. More importantly, they had the chance to really revive the franchise for a new generation. Unfortunately, after the sequel bombed and failed to find an audience, it looks like the franchise is all but dead.

 

Now, you’re probably wondering how the cast is here, namely David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Duchovny has no real problem stepping back into the role of Mulder, but Anderson seems off as Scully. Maybe it’s due in part to the fact that she whines non-stop throughout the entire course of the film. I wish I were exaggerating, but I’m not. If she’s not preaching/whining about faith, then she constantly reminds Mulder about how she is done with the strange and bizarre FBI cases. As for the newbies, Xzibit is utterly useless, but Amanda Peet shines in her small but likeable role. Billy Connolly is also decent as the psychic priest with a dark and disturbing past.

 

Note: This two-disc DVD contains both the theatrical and extended cuts.

I did not comment on the video or audio quality as I reviewed a screener copy.

* Fox trailers, an Xzibit music video, a PSA, and two “X-Files- I Want To Believe” trailers.
* Collectibles, storyboards, concept art and unit photography still galleries.
* A 10 minute gag reel that is certainly more entertaining than the film.
* 3 deleted scenes.
* “Chris Carter: Statements On Green Production” (6:00)- Carter talks about hybrid cars, recyclable materials, and other eco friendly parts of the production.
* “Body Parts: Special Makeup Effects” (8:00).
* Commentary by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz. An informative but dull and monotone commentary track.
* A 3 part 89 minute making of titled “Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain A Secret?” This making of contains interviews, discussions about keeping the movie a secret from fans, the re-union between David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and other cast/crew members, the script, returning to Vancouver, the Wonder Con convention, leaking false information, post-production, etc.