"THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE" Review by R. L. Strong
**** out of 5.
20th Century Fox Film Corporation presents a Ten Thirteen Productions David Duchovny Gillian Anderson "THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE" Mitch Pileggi Blythe Danner William B. Davis Armin Mueller-Stahl John Neville & Martin Landau as Dr. Alvin Kurtzweil Music by Mark Snow Special Make-Up Effects by Alec Gillis & Tom Woodruff, Jr. Co-Producer: Frank Spotnitz Edited by Stephen Mark Production Designer Christopher Nowak Cinematography by Ward Russell Executive Producer: Lata Ryan Produced by Chris Carter & Daniel Sackheim Screenplay by Chris Carter Story by Chris Carter & Frank Spotnitz Directed by Rob Bowman
In an era when most Summer Event films combine the most elaborate special effects with the most insignificant story lines, it is indeed a slap in the face to the industry when a television series can show them how it show and can be done. This is no faint praise. "X-Files: Fight the Future" is so far the best Summer thrill ride.
The plot opens in the prehistoric past as two Neanderthal men run across the frozen tundra of Texas (!?) hunting down a strange creature. Finally reaching it's cave, the two Dawn Men search the caverns. One is attacked and killed by the unseen creature. The second Neanderthal, manages to kill the beast. But it is here that the mythology of the 'X-FILES' comes into play. The survivor is infected by the creatures blood, which swarms like leaches under the ape man's skin. We flash forward to present day Texas, where four boys are playing in a field, looking for fossils. One of the boys (Lucas Black of TV's 'American Gothic') falls into a cave and is, himself infected by the black blood.
Fox Mulder and Dana Scully are introduced while investigating a bomb threat at a Federal Building in Houston. Unable to stop the explosion from accruing, Mulder and Scully escape within a hares breath of becoming part of the rubble (a marvelously suspenseful scene that gives the viewer a real feeling of danger). Contact with the enigmatic Dr. Alvin Kurtzweil (played marvelously by Martin Landau), leads Mulder back into his old habits. The difference this time is that Scully is starting to believe as well.
I don't want to give away anymore of the plot as that would rob you of one of this summers most enjoyable thrillers. If you are a fan of the television series, I feel that you may be a little disappointed as the film answers some of the shows more interesting questions. But it also, brings up as many new ones. And that is as it should be. The never been an avid follower of the series, I believe that, that has changed for me. To say that the concept intrigues me is to be redundant. This is one of the most well thought out scripts of this year. Kudos to Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz for such fine writing.
The performances of David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson are top notch. Gillian proves more than worthy of the Emmy's she has won for her portrayal of the analytical Dana Scully. David Ducovny is no slouch either. Mulder develops into a more involved individual in this film. He is forced to become less of a loner. His self mocking and indifferent attitude about anything other than the X-Files is given a serious shock here. The chemistry between Mulder and Scully is, shall we say reserved romance. These two characters are obviously very fond of one another. I'm not going to say that Mulder and Scully consummate their relationship, but I can say that as of this film it is more than professional.
The supporting cast is equally good with surprising cameos by some very talented actors. Of course, William B. Davis returns as the Cigarette Smoking Man (I still prefer the moniker 'Cancer Man'), and is as sinister as he's ever been. But the big surprise is John Neville as The Well-Manicured Man, we get to know a bit more about this character here. And his change of heart (?) is nothing if not believable. The cameos by Blythe Danner, Glenne Headly and Terry O'Quinn are marvelous surprises and their brief appearances are wonderfully timed presentations.
Rob Bowman reveals himself to be a very strong director. His visual style is not intrusive, but at the same time carries a marvelous use of space and shadow. The cinematography by Ward Russel is sumptuous. You've never seen corn fields look this ominous. The collaboration between these two individuals has fostered one of the most enjoyable adaptations of a TV series since 'Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Khan'. The effects (both visual and physical) are stunning. It's almost impossible to tell where one takes up. This is seamless work and kudos go to all involved. A special note of praise to the make-up effects team of Alec Gillis & Tom Woodruff . They have done the impossible. They have given us an alien being that we have never seen before. One that you'll believe to be real.
"X-Files: Fight the Future" is just what we've needed this summer. A serious genre picture that does not dumb down to the lowest common denominator. This is as good a conspiracy film as "JFK", but fortunately not nearly as plausible. Or is it?!
Copyright 1998 R. L Strong Nothing in this article may be quoted or re-printed without the express written permission of the author.
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