I wanted to believe this would be something special. But somehow deep down I knew the second (and probably last) movie for the X-Files franchise wasn't going to meet my expectations.

I would like to say X-Files: I Want to Believe is at best on par with an average episode of the television show, but the reality is that the TV show was usually of above average quality.

That's not to say it's a bad movie, but it's not a great movie either. It's just simply watchable.

Much of the 'I want to believe' stigma comes from the actions of a psychic paedophile priest played by Billy Connolly, whom I have always thought of as a terrific drama actor whenever he is given the chance.

Mulder and Scully's relationship has blossomed but gone haywire along the way, but we are not privy to much more than the occasional clue. The story is actually OK albeit very gruesome, but I think Chris Carter's execution and script could have been tighter. If only some of the mystery and conspiracy that made the original series so attractive had carried on, perhaps...

If I had to compare it to the first X-File movie 'Fight the future', I would say the former is a much better movie. X-Files: I Want to Believe may have had too much to live up to in this regard, or maybe X-Philes like myself were expecting too much. I long for the return of the days of Alex Krycek and the Cigarette Smoking man, but alas we know that will never happen.

One thing was clear by the end though, with no indication of a sequel or continuation in sight, I would hazard a guess that the lack-lustre box office takings may have sealed the last nail in the coffin for the Franchise, unless the torch is passed on to some new blood.