I am an X-Phile and while I wanted Chris Carter to do a bunch of inside jokes and focus on the 'soap opera' plots, Chris Carter delivers exactly what he has promised for months- A movie that any individual can watch, regardless of their history with the X-Files. If you have never seen an episode, I believe you could watch this film. Rest assured X-Philes, you will love it just as much despite it being a stand alone plot, see for yourself. The movie is not overwhelmingly or shockingly amazing but instead delivers superb performances by the actors who deliver just over an hour and a half of the X-Files. Unlike the first X-files movie, one does not have to have previous knowledge and should come expecting only to see a suspense and action filled episode of the show. Though I could rave about it forever, the short answer is- Chris Carter did well. You should go see the movie. Oh yeah- stay for the credits. :-)