After ten years (and thirteen days) Mulder and Scully are finally back in the long awaited sequel of the first The X-Files film with The X-Files: I Want to Believe.  This installment takes place six years after the season finale.  Being a “monster of the week” type storyline as opposed to a mythology one, it is much different than its predecessor, as it seems to focus more on the horror genre rather than on science fiction.

David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are back as the duo, though no longer working for the FBI.  Fox Mulder has been in hiding as a wanted man after being accused of murdering an FBI agent at the end of the series.  Dana Scully is now working as a physician and surgeon at a Catholic hospital.

At work Scully is contacted by Agent Mosley Drummy, played by Alvin “Xzibit” Joiner, who is looking for Mulder per Agent Dakota Whitney’s (played by Amanda Peet) request for Mulder’s help on a case.  Scully tells him that she doesn’t work with him anymore, but eventually she reluctantly goes to him.  Mulder agrees only on the condition that Scully accompanies him.  Thus begins their journey.

Most of the movie focuses on following the visions of psychic Father Joseph Crissman, played by Billy Connolly, while trying to find a missing FBI agent (played by Xantha Radley).  The movie also revisits the believer versus skeptic theme as well as Scully having a crisis of faith.

Much of the story is also about the relationship developing between Agents Mulder and Scully and the problems that may pull them apart.  At the heart of the film lies their love story.  Even after six years the potent chemistry between the two is still there.

The cast is also joined by Mitch Pileggi, who reprises his role as Assistant Director Walter Skinner as well as Callum Keith Rennie as Janke Dacyshyn.  There is also a “blink and you’ll miss it” appearance by Chris Carter himself.

As the storyline is not mythology, even those who have never seen the series or previous movie can jump right in.  Old fans will still enjoy the story and will be able to pick up on some of the inside jokes that have been scattered throughout the movie.  Even though the characters are already established, the film is not bogged down with needless character introductions for the new viewers; it dives right into the story.  The movie is a very suspenseful and creepy thriller though contains less science fiction then the previous film.  Don’t be expecting aliens or monsters, at least not of the nonhuman kind.  Moving away from the paranormal does, however, make the possibility of such a plot more believable, even if it makes it seem less like the show we know.  Even so, the movie will still please die-hard fans, especially ‘shippers.’

The story itself, written by Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, though not near as complex as the previous movie, Fight the Future, is compelling and well written.  Carter, who also directed the movie, did an excellent job bringing the film together.  The music is also an important part of the film.  The score, written by Mark Snow, does a wonderful job of setting the mood throughout the movie and is an integral part without being overpowering.

Duchovny and Anderson give superb performances and sizzle with sexual tension.  Even after six years they were able to slip back into their roles like they never left.  Mitch Pileggi also did an excellent job reprising his role, though it would have been nice to see more of him.  Billy Connolly was believable in his role and suitably creepy as the psychic pedophile.  However, Amanda Peet, though fairly convincing in her role, was less than stellar, and Alvin “Xzibit” Joiner though believable was rather forgettable.

Surprisingly, the movie is not laden with big special affects, only relying on them when needed, which makes the film seem more real.  The sets and props however are very realistic and creepy and help to give the story its spooky atmosphere.

Whether you have been a long term The X-Files fan or have never seen the show before, if you are looking for a solid suspenseful action movie, The X-Files: I Want to Believe will not disappoint.  If the film does well at the box office this summer, there is talk of another sequel in its future, so remember to never stop believing.