X-Files: I want to believe

[ssampier]

I finally rented this one. I am somewhat disappointed. It establishes the Scully-Muldur relationship (sorta

Spoiler

since the relationship obviously did not work out

).

The main plot seemed like it just ended, somewhat anti-climatically. The new FBI agents seemed somewhat random to me. I didn't have any love or hate for them;

Spoiler

like how ASAC Dakota Whitney died and I didn't particularly care

.

Worst of all it didn't hint at a sequel.

A "B" effort at best.

 

[timbannock]

I was ignored by a lot of people in the first thread about this movie here when it first came out because I was so heated about it. Probably won't change anything, but:

This movie was terrible. Carter and Duchnovy have both been quoted as saying "No relationship outside of partners and good friends," but obviously this movie changed that (I don't have the heart to dig up quotes right now, but if you want them...)

Beyond that (and that's one of my minor quibbles; I could really care less about that), the movie was just bad. Two plotlines that clearly did not have much bearing on one another, and some REALLY bad pacing issues. Also note how Scully figures out how to save the boy: by Googling the phrase "Stem Cell Research," noting the first link says those words in it, and then writing down that phrase and underlining it.

That's some good detective work right there.

[/irony]

I can't think of anything that's to like about this film, just on its own merits, never mind the fact that it's X-Files, and carries with it the requisite baggage of that mythology.

Terrible.

I'm glad you got some enjoyment out of it however.

 

[ssampier]

You are right. That part was bad. I did not particularly like that plot thread with the sick boy, so I ignored it. I would have preferred they develop the main plot more.

 

[timbannock]

To be fair, the main plotline did have some clever ideas to it. More tightly focused, that would have made a great 1 hour episode.

I've been watching Millenium Season 1 recently, and that main plotline felt very Millenium to me. Sick and twisted people doing sick and twisted things...but ultimately, they are people. No aliens, vampires, etc. Just sick, f'ed up people.

Perfect for Frank Black ;-)

 

[Mark]

They should write double episodes every two or three years and film them as short movies. they could bring them out as limited run or limited number of screens until they no longer warranted it, then do direct to video until either Duchovny or Anderson kicks.

 

[ssampier]

I would be in favor of that.

 

[Mark]

It's too bad this last one was a bit disjointed but if they made plans in the longterm, they'd be able to set up some more convincing relationship arcs and even tie in some subplots to the movies over time. Like an extended series.

 

[megamania]

I found my videos of seasons 1-2. Back when it was exceptionally good. and like Heroes is now, it steadily seemed to lose focus and fall apart after that.

I think I may have seen 4-5 episodes from seasons 3+ grand total and the first movie which felt more like the TV show with a better budget. I still have not rented the new movie.

I wonder if Heroes will go this way next.... TV specials or movies (low budget)?

 

[timbannock]

I found my videos of seasons 1-2. Back when it was exceptionally good. and like Heroes is now, it steadily seemed to lose focus and fall apart after that.

I think I may have seen 4-5 episodes from seasons 3+ grand total and the first movie which felt more like the TV show with a better budget. I still have not rented the new movie.

I wonder if Heroes will go this way next.... TV specials or movies (low budget)?

It definitely lost focus shortly after that, but some of the writing was at its best in those "midling" seasons...humor was actually funny, serious stuff was VERY serious and dark. But the plot itself kind of ran away from them it seemed.

Honestly, X-Files doesn't need a crazy budget to be good, just strong writing. It's more about characters and the horrors they faced, as opposed to awesome special effects. Although I still think Carter's got something left in him, I'd say have a couple people who worked on the better X-Files script polish up the story and dialogue, and you'd be golden.

Heroes is a little more FX-laden from what I've seen, but it too would lend well to a "mini-series" style of format. Instead of stand-alone movies or a full TV season, just do a handful of hour or two-hour episodes and package them as a mini-series. Great format for both shows to continue. More focused, less long-term commitment from actors and producers/financial backers, and it satisfies the demand for these products without sacrificing quality.

Almost a no-brainer, if I understand the entertainment biz at all (which I might not).