Rating: 
Summary: Intelligent and crafty!
Review: "The X-Files" as a television show has never really held any interest for me. I have yet to see a single episode of the show, and I doubt I'll be starting soon. Which is why it was such a shock that, upon completing the movie version of the franchise, "The X-Files: Fight the Future," I found that I completely enjoyed it from beginning to end. It will come as a surprise that, even though it helps to have some knowledge of the characters and plot of the show, it is not fully needed to grasp the storyline the movie follows. It has a classical feel to it, one that encompasses sci-fi films of the past, while giving us a powerpunch of superb acting and lasting intensity. The movie begins in the B.C. era, in the area that will later be known as the state of Texas. Two primate-resembling figures are attacked by a strange creature in an underground cave. Moving ahead to the present day, a small child is inflicted with what appear to be black worms and is taken away to an unknown location, along with the bodies of two firemen who attempted to rescue him. Soon after, a building in Dallas, Texas, is bombed and destroyed, and special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully discover that the bodies of the firemen and the boy were in the building when the bomb went off. Thinking this to be a coverup of something much more massive, Mulder and Scully begin going on an undercover hunt for significant clues as to the reasons for the deaths of the three deceased, and Scully concludes that what killed them consists of a new form of life that drains away the nutrients of the human body. Moreover, as they continue their explorations, under the watchful eye of several conspirators that have taken different sides, they find that there is a much larger coverup, one that holds the key to the destruction of all mankind and the beginning of a new species. There is not really a whole lot to say in opposition of the movie from my point of view. I'm sure a lot of the fans of the TV series will have their quibbles and problems with it, but for me, it was a satisfying movie that delivers all the goods a thriller should have and then some. The story unfolds at a slow and steady pace, which allows us to take in everything that's intrical to the plot. The story is also quite simple despite its complexity, which keeps it watchable for non-show fans as well. It begins with deaths, moves into the investigation, and becomes a cat-and-mouse thriller in which you have no idea who to trust, or what to think about the events at hand. What makes the story even better is that it does not focus solely on Mulder and Scully's quest, but also on the point of view of other important characters who play key roles. Those characters include Kurtzweil, who gives Mulder clues and hints as to the location of the bodies and events going on, and an unnamed man, whom we never know if we can trust or not during his onscreen time. Each person is introduced at different points in the movie, and some of them may lose their lives, but not before giving us, as an audience, all the information we need to keep up with the main characters' quest for the final answer to the puzzle. The movie has a surprisingly high suspense quotient, which remains somewhat subtle until the story picks up. There are the moments of building suspense, which lies in the scenes such as the one in which Mulder and Scully make a trip to Texas to search for evidence of a biological dig site where the virus was first discovered. And then we have our high-intensity action sequences, such as the one in which the two are being chased through a cornfield by helicopters, and final showdown in the Arctic as Mulder travels there to save his partner. This added intensity does a good job of keeping us involved with the movie, and also brings a high sense of the unknown to a movie whose plot is strictly that. The virus is the key centerpiece for the entire movie. While it does not tie everything together in the end, it leaves nothing unturned. First we have the beginning sequences, in which the alien in the beginning later comes back in the form of a virus that quickly infects its victims. Later comes the corn crops and bees, which are revealed to be a transportation system for that virus. This leaves us with certain questions, ones that involve the motives of the conspirators as to whether or not they are trying to expedite the virus or keep it from spreading. Some of the factors conflict, and the ending never really gives us all the answers we need, but it does achieve its goal of keeping the story moving. David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson take their television roles and turn them into brilliance on the big screen. Duchovny is Mulder, who is stern in his beliefs, and never gives in once he receives a clue until he has fully checked it out. His determination is a key part in the unfolding of the story, as well as in keeping the story moving at a strong pace. Gillian Anderson is the major brains of the duo, using her scientific expertise to discover the nature of the viral infection and where it originated. Her clues are what take them all across the country, and Anderson plays out all of Scully's intelligence brilliantly and with incredible believability. These characters speak so fluidly and seriously about their opinions and findings that we have no reason to doubt them at all. "The X-Files: Fight the Future," is surprisingly easy to watch, even if you have no background of the television show. It may prove to be a letdown for fans of the show, but those of us interested in a solid story with intensity and likeable characters that is easy to follow will be pleased with the movie's well-structured plot, character development and moments of high-speed intensity.
Rating: 
Summary: Totally awesome!
Review: Gosh it was weird seeing David and Gillian on the big screen after watching the series for so long! But it was really cool! I really had no idea how a movie was going to differ from the TV series before I went to see it, but anyone who has seen the show is sure to notice a difference! For one thing there is no way the budget for an episode is as big as it was for the movie. For instance, the huge explosion! And the large cornfield with bee-filled buildings. The movie is totally awesome! David and Gillian have never done a better job acting. I was really amazed to see them even better than they had been. Even non-fans of the series will understand the movie though. There's no secret that only us X-Philes know!
Rating:
Summary: Everthing One Would Expect-Even Better Now
Review: I am glad to see that this film has been given positive reviews. True, the film is now a few years old, but it will withstand the test of time for any X-files fan out there. To me, the movie now seems just like an extension of the story of these two characters that for me, redefined how good television can be. With the movie, we get more of what we want with the X-Files. Since the first two seasons have been released on DVD, I've bought both of them, and the third is soon to come. Seeing the episodes all together and in order makes me like this movie a hundred time more, just because of the story that Chris Carter has woven throughout these eight incredible seasons. Some reviews below this have critisized this film for being 'less than it should have been' and 'just one big long episode, nothing more'. That first statement I disagree with completely. The second is totally true. But, it is a big long episode with cinematic scope. On the DVD commentary, Chris Carter even mentioned that this film WAS the pivotol, huge episode of the X-Files. It just has what I think is good cinematic appeal. The story continues the story that the television show set up through the first four seasons. It continues on to uncover all new truths to the government conspiracy surrounding the existence and plans of extraterrestrial life. In the end, we see enough pieces to realize just how big it is. Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny play their roles brilliantly. These two roles, in my opinion, are the best two ever written for television and film together. These two actors fall into their parts so well, they create two totally different and very beleivable characters. The chemistry between these two characters is portrayed so well that you might even feel like Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are two real people. This film and the television show portrays a deep love between these two people, not filled with sex or too much physical attraction, but by overwhelming respect for one another. It is so nice to see this for a change, instead of the regular stuff we see in most movies. I think Duchovny and Anderson portray their respect for each other very realistically; in other words they don't end up in bed together the same night that they kiss each other on the forhead! Hats off to these two actors who really did and still do their job so well. The X-Files had an image to maintain for its fans when making this film. Obviously this is Chris Carter's story, but it had to live up to what the fans would expect. In my opinion, the movie did. When I first went to it in theaters, I was 14, and didn't love the show as much as I do now. I still was a major fan. When I saw it and it was finished, I remember thinking that it was really good. Now, when I see it nestled between two seasons, when I see it as part of the whole big picture, I absolutely love it. When it was in theaters, I remember thinking that they could have done something more with it. Now I wouldn't want it changed for anything. This is a different kind of Cinema that we have ever seen before. This film fits in exactly with the television show, only now it is written as one big episode that is started and finished in two hours, while still leaving it hanging to continue season 6. It is filmed with style and the same craft that the show is filmed with, only now with a widescreen cinematic scope. The story and the characters, as I said before, are something we don't get in many movies today. This film is fresh, thrilling, thought provoking, believable, and an all around good time. As I said before, it is even better now, seeing what has happened since. To say a few things about the television show, now in season 8. I was skeptical about these new characters that have come on the show. Let me just say that I am more than happy with what Chris Carter has done since David Duchovny wanted less time on the show. Also, we are seeing Gillian Anderson more tired acting and different than she was in the beginning of this series. This might be because she wants OFF, but she is the only one who can decide that. She is still playing her role brilliantly, and the change in her is just what the show needed, and exactly what would be expected to happen to anyone who has suffered such a loss. Good job Mr. Carter and Ms. Anderson for keeping the show real! The new characters are great as well, and wonderful editions to the show. Well, one last thing to say. The last episode that was aired, 'THIS IS NOT HAPPENING', was incredible. It reminded me how special and different this show really is. And Mr. Carter, doing more films after season 9 would be a really good thing! I think it would be best if the films, unless they become a series in themselves, should stay focused on the 'big picture', like Fight the Future was. The conspiracy ones are the most interesting I think, and provide the most thought. More movies about the conspiracy, plus maybe a few 'stand alones' would be great! Thank you everyone involved with the X-Files for creating something this good. This show is what makes television worth watching.
Rating:
Summary: Great Entertainment, Even for a Non Fan Like Me.
Review: Not being the Biggest X-Files fan on the face of the Earth (meaning i've only seen about 5 or 6 episodes (please fan's, don't give me a "NO" vote yet, keep reading) I didn't see this film at the Cinemas. But when I finally did see it, I was very suprised at how enjoyable it was, even for us non fans. The story was relatively easy to follow, we got all the info we needed about past events to feel knowledgable enough, the Action Set Pieces are worthy of any Summer Blockbuster and the Conspiracys are Actually Believable. I hope that when the show ends they continue making films, there is endless fodder for the big screen, and endless money to be made.
Rating:
Summary: Essential, but not great
Review: Enjoyable, but not edge-of-your-seat. The extra features leave a bit to be desired.
Rating:
Summary: Good...but its a two hour episode
Review: The movie was good, but it seemed less like a movie and much more like a two-hour episode that used more money. I don't watch X-Files that often, so I was probably not as disappointed as some people, but I was a bit letdown. I loved watching it, but it seemed like they should have made it for TV.
Rating:
Summary: Letdown in Theaters, but a treat at home
Review: Being a HUGE fan, I couldn't wait to see this when it came out. The TV series was so well produced, and for the mostpart well-written, that I felt it's "theatrical" quality would surely prove to be fantastic on the big screen. Unfortunately, my expectations were met with a letdown, and I left the film feeling jipped. Sure there was still the great characters of Skully and Mulder (the most likeable in recent TV history), but the story was less than inventive and in my mind proved that all Fox wanted to do was pull more non-viewers into the fold. Last week though, I broke down and purchased the DVD in DTS and went home to watch it. WOW, not only did I enjoy the movie more, but the DVD was of an extremely high quality. The picture was beautiful (better than the Theater), and the sound...absolutely perfect. I have to say that Chris Carter and his talented team of producers certainly inject great care and attention to detail in their DVDs. I also have the first season set on DVD and the transfers from film are crisp and the audio clear. Definitely worth the money, and one of those series that you can pop-in on rainy day and enjoy it no matter how many times you've seen it. The movie is cut from the same cloth, high watchable and infinitely enjoyable. Now if they would just get Mulder back everything would be perfect.;-)
Rating: 
Summary: X-File Movie....or Show?
Review: Another hit... show? I thought the show was supposed to be a movie? Thats what probably a lot of you are asking. But, the movie is literally just like a show! The only real big thing was when Scully gets stung by a virus-carrying bee and, well, I won't tell you the rest, just go and watch the movie/show for yourself and see that the movie should really be called a show. Go on, stop reading the reviews and see for yourself!
Rating:
Summary: Aliens and bees and corn fields, oh my!
Review: "The X-Files: Fight the Future" is an endlessly fascinating and complicated movie that ties together all the mythology pieces from the popular series upon which it's based. Although I think that people who never watch the show can enjoy this movie, I doubt they can understand it very well. Heck, I watch the show religiously and I still don't think I understand everything. However, it succeeds in introducing the audience to the characters of Agents Mulder and Scully, without rehashing the things that are familiar to the fans of the show. When we are first introduced to our favorite duo, their conversation on their cell phones is enjoyable to both old audiences and new ones alike. The film also makes clear the deep affection and love Mulder and Scully feel for each other--something regular viewers already know--which comes to a head in the famous hallway scene outside of Mulder's apartment. The film is top quality, as we've come to expect no less from "The X-Files," with an intelligent story-line, great action sequences and special effects, and plenty of aliens to satisfy the sci-fi junkie in all of us. But don't get me wrong--you don't have to be a sci-fi junkie to enjoy this film. You have to like a good suspense/thriller, with some action, intelligent story-telling, and yes, a little bit of hinted-at romance. I mean, for "The X-Files," any 'Shipper will tell you that this is a pretty romantic movie. As one of those so-called 'Shippers, I was very angry at that darn bee, which was my biggest disappointment. The DVD itself is nicely presented, with all the theatrical trailers, an informative commentary track by Rob Bowman and Chris Carter, and an interesting behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. Best of all, it has added footage not originally in the theatrical version. This DVD is sure to please all forms of movie-goers. =)
Rating:
Summary: dts Edition: spectacular!
Review: The dts edition of X-Files Fight the Future is an EXCELLENT DVD. The sound is insane, truly immersive and detailed, you can hear EVERYTHING from the movie and even some stuff you probably didn't when seen on video or the previous DVD release. The video quality is equally good, being very clear and no noticeable flaws. For those of you who haven't seen the film yet, you won't NEED to see the series up to the point where the film was made, although it would definitely aid your understanding of some of the more subtle plot points and in-jokes. Anything else that you'd need to know is recapped at the right point, so previous knowledge of the series is not necessary. While not divulging ALL of the secrets of the series (in fact the movie can sometimes raise more questions...), the conspiracy is finally laid out in the open (I won't spoil it here, of course). If you are a fan of the series, you HAVE to see this movie. If you're not, this might be the catalyst for you to start getting into it. Enjoy!
|
