Grade (B+)
A highly imaginative script and strong performances turned this one into a great feature film for the popular science-fiction show.
“THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE” the popular television show that ran throughout the 90’s saw its first full-length film hit the big-screen in the summer of 1998, while the show was still at the peak of its popularity. All the familiar faces turned out for this blockbuster film as Agent’s Mulder and Scully take on one of their most dangerous cases.
This script follows the agent’s as they begin to uncover clues leading them to suspect there is an ongoing classified operation involving the colonization of aliens on Earth. The more evidence Mulder and Scully unearth, the more attention they get from those who want this secret operation to remain such, a secret. As they get closer to the truth, they will find that not only their careers, but their lives will be in danger.
Despite eighteen-years since the release of this film it still holds up as a compelling science-fiction mystery. Something that I love about this movie is the close feel it held to the television-series. Anyone who sat back, watched the show at the time and ever wondered what the result would be if this series created a longer, more elaborate story, with a large budget, will be pleased with this big-screen telling. Because that thought is exactly what this film delivered in my opinion. The story was ambitious, detailed, and creative in developing the main plot. In addition, the script was able to incorporate all the familiar faces from the show, as well as continue to develop the two leads and their ongoing personal chemistry.
The plot was able to hold the true “X-Files” feel with this story that gives all the science-fiction, conspiracy and suspense that made the television show such a huge hit. I have seen this one several times and its re-watch value is very strong. The writing was very good and created many intriguing conversations between the characters throughout the film, something that gives it a nice pace and commands your attention.
This film was great at getting things started quickly. With the characters already being known to us there was no time needed to build introductions and this makes the first-act free to dive right into the story as it builds the plot. There were many layers to this script but it all weaves together great. The story-line also included moments that continue to build the relationship between Mulder and Scully, yet it never loses its focus of telling an imaginative tale about aliens and conspiracies that keeps you up in your seat as the scenes pass.
David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson were also excellent once again in their performances of Mulder and Scully. They continued in their strong chemistry with each other which was something that in this movie and the show captured the emotional level of this couple being more than friends, and co-workers. This story-line forces these two characters to rely on one another more than ever and the drama this creates between them is something that make this film so enjoyable. Regardless of the many cases they worked on the show, this film really delivers the feeling that this is truly their toughest assignment.
When you watch these characters on television you can always assume all will work out for them, but this film was able to build the slightest bit of doubt. The case they try to solve in this one is held secret by the highest of powers and with detailed writing and a great set-ups, there was always a small feeling that Mulder and Scully may not get their way, and it results in a compelling first viewing. As well as fun to watch over again despite knowing the outcome.
In the end “X-Files: Fight the Future” was all fans could ask for. This felt like an episode from the show only on the big-stage, making the stakes in this one feel all that much higher. The writers never lost focus of what made the show so great and didn’t lose focus of its intentions or tone because of being a full-length feature. There were many great film elements on display in this one and makes it still a very entertaining movie to this day, and a great science-fiction tale.
– Starring –
David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, John Neville, William B. Davis, Martin Landau, Mitch Pileggi, Jeffrey DeMunn, Blythe Danner, Terry O’Quinn, Armin Mueller-Stahl
– Directed By –
Rob Bowman
Time: 121 min
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For some intense violence and gore)