film break: x-files 2

i have postponed this review for as long as i could, but there’s just no getting around the fact that X-Files 2: I Want to Believe is something of a letdown for me — and that’s after i had drastically lowered my expectations as a result of mostly discouraging feedback about the movie (critics and fans).

according to zarine, a few souls have described this film as something of an “extended X-Files episode.” after watching the film, i had to agree. in fact, if i had to rate it among the best X-Files episodes i’d seen, it won’t even land in the top 10. *sigh*

it’s a pity, really. few other TV series have a more rabid fanbase than X-Files, and although this won’t put me off the series (are you kidding?), i just wish chris carter took a more careful approach while filming this latest offering from his highly successful franchise.

so, what basically turned me off? i can’t put my finger on it really, but i can enumerate a few things that bothered me:

** i know this was dubbed as a ‘low-budget feature’ and X-Files basically has a dark theme, but i wish they had fixed up some of the shots — some scenes were too blurry for comfort, reminiscent of hastily shot low-quality films. that’s not exactly a big issue, but when a film has so many flaws this just magnifies its drawbacks.

** the fact that scully and mulder are no longer active FBI agents practically negates their potency as investigators — i hate to use the term “emasculate” here, but i think this lack of any ‘real’ authority and/or credentials to flesh out their theory sort of dilutes their appeal.
** mulder’s receding hairline, which becomes even more pronounced as soon as he shaves off his beard. and iv’e always though that scully’s hair was dark red (here it’s blond).

** lack of wow factor. i don’t know if this has something to do with the script or directorial style or screenplay, but the film definitely lacks something.

** cast of characters — aside from scully and mulder, and a late appearance by skinner, everyone else fades into background. sometimes it feels like no effort was made to even make these characters come alive. they’re almost like disposable syringes, which is a huge waste really.

there  are a few positive things about X-Files 2, mainly due to the undeniable (although a bit lackluster this time) rapport between scully and mulder. their earlier banter was a welcome respite. beyond that, everything’s a blur.

here’s hoping this won’t happen again. (after all, what’s the point of making a movie if it doesn’t even measure up to its regular episodic runs right?)