Thread: [REVIEWS] Post all your movie and TV reviews here!

I've been a film and media student for 3 years (in college, and now university) so I've seen my fair share of films and shows. I obviously don't wanna come off as some holier than thou asshole who thinks he's "better" than other film fans, so please don't take it that way. I love films and love talking to anyone about them. Another note is that I study films, not review them, so be warned that my reviews might quite bad compared to a top notch journalist/reviewer. I did used to write for 411mania.com. Aaaaannyyways!

I think this thread is a great idea and I can't believe no one has posted any reviews yet! I guess I'll get the ball rolling with a review and see where things go. I'm going to review random films, mostly ones from TV or DVD, like this weeks film: The X-Files Movie #1

X-Files: Fight the Future Review:
I caught this movie on a channel here the UK called FilmFour, as part of their Sci-Fi week. I've been a fan of the X-Files for a mere 6 months, and my viewing of the franchise as a whole is a bit sketchy. I've just finished watching Season 2, and I caught the second movie back when it was released last year, so I was going into this film as a slightly informed fan (as opposed to a hardcore fan, or a person who is familiar with the whole series). Forgive me if I don't understand certain stories or plots that were implented in the TV show that might crop up in the film, like I said, I've only got to Season 2.

The film is like a typical episode of The X-Files, except of course with a longer running time and... SWEARING! The plot is about a strange alien virus that has been lingering under the earth since the ice age and was stumbled upon by an unlucky Texas boy. The virus was already known about before the incident by the powers that be, including everyone's favourite; Cancer Man. Without giving TOO much away for those that haven't seen it, along the way Scully gets the virus and its up to Mulder to save her and of course try to rid the world of a corrupt government. Fans will know from the show how successful he is when faced with either situation (50/50 success, of course).

There's also a plethora of other familiar faces and cameos along the way, and you get the feeling that the film was made with the X-Files fans (X-Philes) in mind. From the regulars like Skinner, to a small cameo by the Lone Gunmen, even the fanboy in me got a little excited with each new addition. Plus the little cheap shot at Independence Day, with Mulder "relieving" himself on a poster of the film on a wall. Not to mention the first exchange between Mulder and Scully near the start of the film plus the very teasing near-kiss between the two (you could almost feel the fanboys weep), this was a really pleasing film. Again, for the fans.

Which is where I feel the film may lack a bit. I loved this film, but I am a fan of the show. It wasn't any different to watching an double-episode of the show, in which case, would there be appeal to non-fans? If people didn't like the show, I would assume they won't like this film, as great as I personally think it is, there's simply better written episodes of the show (and if that won't convert n00bies, then what will?).

As mentioned, this feels like a regular episode of the show. There are moments where you're reminded this is a big budget film and you feel it's quite special, but things such as the cheap looking alien and some bad CGI really hurt the overall feel of the film. The score does its job, nothing exciting, just typical thriller music, although the subtle X-Files theme being played part way into the film was a nice addition. As far as directing goes, the director did a good job. There was some truly beautiful shots in this film and he tried really hard in the scenes with the alien(s) to keep the cuts quick so that the cheapness of the prop/costume wouldn't show as well as to cause excitement. As for the actors, Anderson and Duchovny have the same great chemistry on screen as you'd expect and they seemed to really enjoy being a part of the film. I always enjoy Duchovny's dry delivery of jokes and dark humour.

Conclusion: I loved this film, but I'm a biased fan so this deserves two ratings. For the fans this gets a 9 out of 10. For the average viewer I'd say it would be a 6.5 out of 10 because it seems to me a pre-requisite for this film is to be a fan of the show before viewing.