X-Files movie sure to please most X-philes

I have to admit it: I'm an X-phile. If you have a strong distaste for X-File-type sci-fi suspense, or if David Duchovny bothers you like a bur in your butt-crack, read no further-you'll hate the movie. As it turns out, most people that like X-Files have already seen the movie, and those who haven't have at least read somebody else's review. So this goes out to those that have never seen the show, or at least to those who don't fit into any X-phile-related category, but don't particularly object to a little romp with the FBI through alien infested government conspiracy either: go see it. Chris Carter and the gang definitely pull through with a fine piece of cinematic entertainment.

If you don't watch the show, there will inevitably be bits you don't get. Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) is the conspiracy theorist, and alien watching believer who founded the two-person FBI office called the X-Files. Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) is his skeptical partner whose job and role is to call into question every hunch he ever has, only to be continually proven wrong. Also of import is the fact that in last season's finale, the X-Files office was shut down, leaving our dynamic duo to fend for themselves at the bottom of the FBI hierarchy.

Some other key players include a bunch of old guys sometimes called "The Syndicate," whose motives prior to the movie were kept quite well hidden. One character in particular, known as "Cancer Man," has especially maintained the role of the manipulative villain. As with any good villain, though,he appears to be on Moulder's side. There are also Moulder's super-nerd buddies to watch for; they are known as "The Lone Gun-Men." Now you're ready for the real thing. Go see it.

Overall, the movie was remarkably like a long episode with a big Hollywood budget. The plot was nice and thick with some good anti-climaxes, Mulder was goofy, Scully was whiny, yada yada. The budget is used well to stage some breath-taking scenes; for example, drama in alien ships, bad-ass bee swarms and helicopter chases provided some extra entertainment. The suspense is maintained nicely, and there are some superb one-liners. All in all, two hours well spent.

Some will tell you it doesn't stand alone. As an X-phile, I can't rightly speak to that. I think the movie is an excellent installment to an on-going excellent series. If you are an X-phile and for some reason still haven't seen this thing, you'll be kicking yourself for a while if you miss your chance next Tuesday and Thursday to see it for 2 bucks on the big screen with surround sound.