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Welcome to my little personal site, where I've begun to collect bits and pieces of my life. This includes my favorite things, as well as lists that I've been keeping for years. I thought it was about time to start keeping track of those things in an easily accessible (and nicely decorated) collective!
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» REVIEW: "THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE" (2008) |
Fri. Jul 25, 2008 @ 09:24 PM |
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It's a testament to one's devotion to a fandom when they're willing to go to a midnight movie all by themselves, and then sit up at 4AM to write a review about it - but I know I wouldn't be able to sleep without getting at least some of my thoughts off my chest. NOTE: This is gonna be a long one.
THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE
Tonight, I saw The X-Files: I Want to Believe, the second movie in the sci-fi television saga that spanned 9 seasons, beginning over 15 years ago. Creator Chris Carter reunited with writing/producing partner Frank Spotnitz to bring this long-awaited sequel to the screen (the planning stages of which began in 2001), bringing along with them one of the greatest unrequited couples ever to grace the small screen: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson as FBI Agents Mulder and Scully, respectively.
I will begin this review by saying that I am undeniably, OVERWHELMINGLY bias when it comes to "The X-Files," especially its lead characters. Prepare to keep that in mind if you continue reading this review...
WARNING! PLOT SPOILERS AHEAD!I went into the movie tonight knotted up inside, anticipating the return of a world and characters that I miss terribly. It's been 6 years since the show ended and over 11 years since I, personally, became a devotee. Now, everyone was reuniting to give me more of what I've longed for: Mulder and Scully doing what they do best. After 6 years of waiting, what more could a fan ask for than a 100-minute movie? Well, a lot more, it seems.
The plot of this movie was kept incredibly secret, which is a testament in and of itself, considering the age of spoilers, leaks, and bootlegs we live in. What we did know, however, at least if you've been keeping up with news regarding the film, is that it had been classified as a "monster-of-the-week" style story (aka, a stand-alone), rather than delving into the long-running and monstrously convoluted "mythology" plotline that ran through all 9 seasons of the show, as well as the first film, X-Files: Fight the Future (1998). This makes sense, considering most movie-goers aren't going to be familiar with the complicated nature of the alien/conspiracy-related mythology - gotta allow for a broader audience, and I believe that the writers did just that, for the most part. You definitely did NOT need to be an expert on the show to follow the plot. Enjoying it, however, is another issue entirely.
I debated whether or not to discuss the plot here, so I won't go into a blow-by-blow. Just a tiny brush up and set up so I can clearly convey my thoughts. So here goes...
In typical "X-Files" fashion, the case began normal enough. Nothing apparently paranormal about it. A severed arm is found in the West Virginian snow following a woman's abduction. Turns out the woman is an FBI agent, and FBI Agents Whitney (Amanda Peet) and Drummy (Xzibit) decide to enlist the help of the reclusive Fox Mulder to find her. Just like in real life, 6 years has passed since Mulder was an FBI agent searching for 'the truth', and he has since gone into hiding following his escape from prison and an unjust death sentence in the show's series finale. His old X-Files partner and current live-in lover, Dana Scully, has left the FBI and is working as a medical doctor, and it is upon her urging that Mulder decides to take the case after discovering it was a man claiming to be psychic who led the FBI to the severed limb.
The film continues with Mulder being sucked deeper and deeper into the case, as is his nature, with Scully regretting getting him involved and trying to reel him back in. This isn't her job anymore, she says. The case gets stranger, of course, after another woman is kidnapped and the self-proclaimed psychic, an ex-priest/convicted pedophile named Father Joe (Billy Connolly), leads Mulder to a block of ice with dozens of body parts frozen inside. With Drummy and Whitney (and of course, Scully) doubting Father Joe's abilities and lack of involvement in the abduction itself, it's up to Mulder to believe that they are still on the right track.
My thoughts on the film as very divided. A lot of good and a lot of bad. I was prepared to love every second, but I'd be lying if I couldn't separate my bias from reality. So here they are, my thoughts divided:
GOOD: MULDER AND SCULLY. Oh my god, David and Gillian have the best chemistry imaginable, and it hasn't diminished over the years. It's hard to see their characters 6 years after we saw them last. Makes us long to see what we missed. But where they are in their lives makes complete sense. Chris Carter knows these two better than anyone, and he understands that how they would be isn't necessarily how we WANT them to be. And that's alright. He gives us enough to inform us of what we need to know (yes, they are a couple, and yes, they do sleep together), but...
BAD: (and this is just personal) he NEVER shows us enough of what we WANT to see (i.e. full-on, passionate, physical interactions.) Does this man not KNOW how to shoot kisses from the side? There's always darkness, a head, an arm, something! in the way. But that's just me being greedy. In a way, this "bad" thing is actually "good", because we are always left wanting more between these two. I will watch them until the end of eternity, just to see them clasp hands. Hell, just be in the same ROOM together! I don't care! That was the brilliance of the show, and it continued in this film.
GOOD: The plot is steeped with religious connotations, touching on the battles between good and evil, faith and knowledge. It brings to mind some very powerful episodes of the TV show (i.e. "Revelations") that dealt with the same issues, and while I'm usually turned off by overt religiosity, it felt right in this film. Particularly in regards to Scully's inner demons and taking into account her background as a Catholic. Some wonderful scenes took place between Anderson and Connolly as their characters butted heads, challenging each other to move past judgment.
BAD: There wasn't enough depth to the plot overall. The X-File (case) itself rose to a very weak climax, coming in far below what we've come to expect from the writers. Does it suck? No, and non-fans probably wouldn't know the difference, but it's nothing new. Elements of regeneration involving a freakish monsterization of stem-cell research is the driving force, but it never rises the the level of paranormal that I was hoping for. The first and second-thirds of the film, I felt, were incredibly engaging (well-shot, well-written, and well-acted), but it's that last third that matters when you walk out of the theater. And aside from the totally welcome appearance by a much-loved character, it lacked any real "oomph"...
BAD: It felt as if chunks of scenes had been removed, because within the last 20 minutes, we lost sight of some of the characters I wanted to see more of, like Father Joe and Xzibit's skeptical Agent Drummy. By not including them in the climax, it made their characters seem almost pointless, which is unfortunate, since I felt they both had so much more to offer.
GOOD/BAD: this is two-fold; "good" for fans of the show, "bad" for those who aren't familiar. The final conversation and revelations between Mulder and Scully during the last few scenes is EXTREMELY "X-Files"-like. It's so common to see them discussing where they are in their lives, where they want to go with their relationship, etc, following this whole ordeal, and I found that very refreshing. Why? Because I care about them - a LOT. But if I didn't know how common-place this type of chatting was? I'd be totally lost and think it pretty dull. Take that for what it is.
GOOD: There were a lot of little nuggets for the fans that didn't detract from the plot, and non-fans would have been none-the-wiser: Scully discovering Mulder's boredom by finding pencils stuck in the ceiling, Mulder's affection for sunflower seeds and his very dry humor, an acknowledgement of Mulder and Scully's son, William (who she gave up for adoption in the show's 9th season) -- these were things we wanted and needed to see as fans. And Chris Carter delivered, for the most part. We even got a tag during the credits, which was a small - and nice - surprise.
BAD: A LOT of snow. Next time, have the movie take place in New Mexico.
I have to say that I liked the movie very much, regardless of it not being all that good. The heart of "The X-Files" was always the relationship between Mulder and Scully, and that, at least, was handled with great care. In that respect, the film was a success. The X-File case that this particular film centered on, however, was not a success. Instead, it was a dud that could have benefited from more fleshing out at the end. Yes, it was better than the worst "X-Files" episodes, but nowhere near some of the best. And as a movie, it needs to be able to bring in audiences, and I'm not sure this will.
I can conclude, though, with the assertion that, despite its flaws, I would welcome any future films, and hope that when they DO make another one (*cough*alien-invasion-in-2012*cough*), it succeeds where this one failed. Hey, all they need to do is look at the best episodes of the show and take some notes. There's a perfect "X-Files" movie out there in our future... I just hope that one day, we'll all get to see it.
Rating: ** out of 4
Click here to watch the trailer
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» REVIEW: "IRON MAN" (2008) |
Fri. May 2, 2008 @ 03:55 PM |
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Today... I saw Iron Man, and my doubts were squashed.
IRON MAN
I will be the first to admit that my expectations were incredibly low for the new Iron Man flick, based off of the successful Marvel comic series. Regardless of what pre-buzz said about it, I couldn't help but feel it would lack any substance or uniqueness.
I will also be the first to admit that I was incredibly wrong. The ever-talented Robert Downey Jr stars as Tony Stark, a billionare weapons expert responsible for some of the most powerful and effective (not to mention dangerous) weapons being used throughout the world. When he is captured by enemy guerrillas in Afghanistan, he learns that his weapons are also being illegally trafficked to the other side. Asked to build a powerful missle in exchange for his freedom, he instead builds an all new self-sustaining weapon of his own. In a matter of weeks, he becomes "Iron Man."
Not only were the special effects and action electrifyingly stupendous, the pacing and script for the film were unexpectedly superior to any "superhero" (and I use that term loosely for the unique purposes of this film and its title character) film in recent years. Robert Downey Jr, known for independent features and scene-stealing minor roles in a number of under-rated movies, is able to animatedly recite any line as if it were conceived of his own thought - with fluidity and naturality unlike any actor today. Nothing seems phony, nothing seems forced or rehearsed. It all comes solely from his mouth, making each of his scenes pleasant and engaging.
The plot itself isn't any less dynamic. PLOT-RELATED SPOILERS TO FOLLOW!! Following his escape from his captors, he returns to his technologically advanced home in Malibu a changed man; a man ready and willing to commit his skills to saving lives by improving on the suit that saved his. Even the montage sequence of Stark creating the refined suit is worthy of praise, and I can't say enough about it. It's humorous without the hokey contrivity of Michael Bay's Transformers, and the action doesn't overwhelm to the point of dizziness.
The supporting cast was also very skilled. They included Jeff Bridges as Stark's influential business partner, Terrance Howard as the head of a covert Air Force division, and finally, Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Stark's loyal assistant (who managed to NOT annoy as much as I anticipated.) Every one of these characters was utilized successfully, giving them significant material and lead-ins for parts in future films in the franchise.
While aspects were predictable (this was a summer blockbuster/superhero movie, after all), such as the development of a villian which everyone could see coming, it still managed to surprise and intrigue. Oftentimes, when films use an advanced technology as a focule point, it seems so unrealistic and far-removed from what we're capable of now. That can often make me just roll my eyes and wait for the ridiculousness to pass. BUT HERE, I actually believed that it was not only possible, but probably already exists! Maybe not, but if it can make me think it does, it wins at life.
While I think this film would be viewed as 'pretty good' or 'pretty cool' by those people who had super-high expectations, I - who had NO expectations - was INCREDIBLY impressed. I can't wait for the sequel (if you go see the movie, STAY UNTIL THE END OF THE CREDITS!) and I'm so proud of Robert Downey Jr - he is so bomb and deserves this kind of praise and attention.
Don't miss out. This movie is a whole helluva a lot of fun, and for being the first big summer blockbuster, it sure doesn't disappoint.
Rating: ***½ out of 4 stars
Watch the trailer here.
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