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- First reviewJuly 28, 2008
- Last reviewJuly 28, 2008
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firemountain's Reviews
Overall rating
5
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5
A Thought-Provoking and Romantic Thriller
PostedJuly 28, 2008
firemountain
from Chicago, IL
I loved IWTB, so much so that I returned to see it again this weekend (and was almost surprised to find that I enjoyed it even more the second time). Granted, I'm a longtime fan of The X-Files, but I saw the movie with non-Philes and casual fans and all of us enjoyed it.
This is not your typical summer movie with blow-em up shots and cheap laughs. It's a very thoughtful and thought-provoking thriller. It's dark (literally and metaphorically) but with an unmistakable undercurrent of hope and the power of belief. All of the primary characters in the film are struggling with questions of faith, from the heroes themselves to the psychic disgraced priest that leads them and the FBI in a desperate search for two missing women.
I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone, but suffice it to say that the film is an amazing character study of both Mulder and Scully - who they are, and who they are to each other, at this point in their lives. Six years after the series ended with the two of them effectively on the run from a death sentence imposed on Mulder, we meet up with them again to see that their lives have changed dramatically. Scully is a practicing physician; Mulder is essentially a recluse forced to live under the radar of the government and cut off from the tools and access he once used to search for the Truth. *** A mild spoiler followsin the next paragraph***.
Although the film wants to surprise you about 25 minutes in with the revelation that Mulder and Scully are now partners in a different sense (they're in a longterm relationship and have lived together in the same remote house for some time), I think it's important for people familiar with the show to go into the movie knowing that status. There's no more teasing about their sexual tension and attraction - no more near-kisses interrupted by bees. They finally figured out that they were in love with each other and did something about it (FYI, this didn't entirely happen offscreen but will be news to anyone who didn't follow the show during its final two seasons). They're not, however, without their problems and the film focuses immediately on what could drive them apart. They're at different places in their lives and a major theme of IWTB is how the two of them can reconcile what each of them wants and needs. It's moving and it's romantic, and strikes just the right balance between humor and angst. Bottom line, if you like Mulder and Scully, you'll love this movie.
The X-File at the center of the film has nothing to do with alien mythology and, viewed on its own terms, is probably not among the strongest standalone plots the 1013 crew have written. But there's more than adequate tension for a mystery-thriller and the movie is really elevated to something special by the performances of Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, and Billy Connelly (in a complicated role that should make us all pause to wonder whether even the most depraved person can strive for and achieve redemption).
I found myself thinking about the themes and ideas in IWTB long after I left the theater. As I said, the meaning of faith is a central question of the film: what does it mean to have faith in God? In another person? In a relationship? In the strength of your own beliefs? All of this gets explored in a very satisfying way. Utimately, the film is about Mulder and Scully moving forward together, taking risks, and being brave in a world where darkness will always try to shadow them.
Last but not least, for X-Files fans, there are plenty of subtle nods to elements and people who were important in the series. These characters have grown and changed but not so much that you won't find them familiar and endearing. Considering what the two lead characters went through and how much they suffered, I enjoyed seeing them finding some measure of peace in this film as they figure things out.
I'd see it again, and I'd recommend it to anyone who can appreciate a taut, twisty, and cerebral thriller with great arcs for two characters with whom almost everyone is familiar (at least in passing). Go check it out - and don't wait for the DVD or you'll miss some terrific cinematography and action sequences that play best on the big screen!!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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