I wanted to believe that, since we haven’t heard anything from Mulder and Scully for the past six years, this new film would feel like more than a 90-minute episode of the uber-popular TV show.

There are some interesting twists and turns, not to mention new characters such as Billy Connolly playing a former pedophilic psychic priest trying to help solve murders and Amanda Peet as a special agent in charge of the investigation. And, just as they would in real life, the characters played by Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny have changed, as has their relationship, in a way that should satisfy long-term fans.

But some things remain the same, and are interestingly juxtaposed: Scully still has a hard time believing in things not seen, whether they’re religious or psychic. Mulder is still open to it all, and more committed than ever to helping Scully with her belief issues. The film probably won’t revive the TV series, but it could easily spark another sequel.

Rated PG-13.

--LJM