I always enjoyed watching “The X-Files” and was bitterly disappointed in the way the series ended. It was abrupt, lacklustre and inconclusive. So naturally I was interested when I heard that the franchise was to be resurrected for another cinematic outing. I, like so many fans, was curious to see how the characters would be developed and whether if any of the more famous story lines would be used. The fact that series creator, Chris carter, was to direct the film increased my expectation. However, the film that has finally been released (at the height of the summer, amid so much competition) seems to be quite different from what the public were expecting.

Former FBI spooks Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) are reinstated to investigate the mysterious abduction of a young female agent. A psychic paedophile priest (Billy Connolly) who has visions of the crime, assists the two agents and as a result makes them confront a few of their own demons. Whilst unravelling a plot involving bizarre experimentation, Mulder and Scully struggle with their relationship and a sceptical pair of FBI colleagues. There is no conspiracy, or shoot outs, alien activity, CGI, or major explosions. The film is very low key.

Unlike the first feature film, the plot does not focus on the series' established "mythos" and instead works as a standalone story, similar to many of the "what monster is it today" episodes that were frequently seen in the TV series. This has been done in an attempt to appeal to a broader audience, but ultimately works against the film. It all seems a little too understated and un X-Filesish. The only above average performance in the film is Billy Connolly. But one good performance is not enough to sustain the film. Also, the major selling point of the original series was the on/off relationship between the leads. This film ruins this mystique by finally settling the storyline. Mulder and Scully as an item simply does not work..

There is a strong degree of moralising and religious debate, which is far from subtley handled. Connolly's character raises several ethical issues but the script seems ill equipped to explore them to any satisfaction. All things considered, this really is a bit of a misfire. It does seem strange that a major studio such as Fox would bring a franchise out of retirement simply for such a basic film. I'm sure writer/director Carter was attempting to go back to basics and not be artistically fenced in by previous material. But I think he took too many steps back on this one and we are left with a film that is content to be no more than a TV episode.

XoD.