The X-Files
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How do you top five years of a TV series like The X-Files? If you're series producer Chris Carter, there's only one direction to take the TV show that's had millions world-wide trusting no one - to the big screen of course. And The X-Files Movie certainly starts with a Hollywood blockbuster bang: when a bomb destroys a US Federal government building, it doesn't take FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) long to find evidence of a conspiracy which could mean he end of life on earth

TV series regulars and newcomers such as the mysterious Kurtzweil (Martin Landau) help or hinder Scully and Mulder as they struggle to uncover the startling truth that the TV show has been building up for the last five years. On top of this, we're treated to more of the "will they/won't they?" sexual tension we've come to expect from our favorite alien-busting duo as their relationship is tested to the limit.

Mixing big-budget action with the TV series' trademark dark and brooding atmosphere, The X-Files Movie provides answers to many of the series' long-running questions, while also posing a few that hint at a new direction for Mulder and Scully. It's a worthy expansion of the series and a greta place for newcomers to start.

Available February 17
Rated M15+
Director Rob Bowman
Stars Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny and Martin Landau
Duration 116 mins

X-Facts
Not that The X-Files would ever be less than completely realistic, but according to the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens, it's impossible to grow corn in Tunisia.

The sinister FEMA organisation mentioned in the film really does exist - only it's real purpose is far more innocent than the movie would have you believe. It co-ordinates flood rescues and comes up with disaster management plans.

In real life, actor William B Davis, who plays the Cigarette Smoking Man, doesn't smoke. For the purpose of the movie he smokes herbal cigarettes.

X-Xtra Facts
Scully's mobile phone number in the film is 555 1013 - which is a combination of Chris Carter's birthday (October 13) and the name of his production company.

Fox's first name is the same as Carter's childhood friend, while Mulder is Carter's mother's maiden name. Scully's name is the same as US sports commentator Vin Scully.

A hospital scene featuring David Duchovny's naked backside was cut from the final version. For posterity a photo was given to Carter, to which he said, "It's not something I'd put on my wall."

Based on the award winning TV series, The X Files Movie follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) as they embark on yet another paranormal adventure. This time the intrepid pair is drawn into a web of intrigue while investigating the bombing of a Dallas office building and the secrets buried inside. Thanks to Mulder and Scully, you can be assured that "the truth is out there".
Available only to rent February 17.

Fans of the cult TV series won't be disappointed by Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully's (Gillian Anderson) ascension to the Big Screen. The intrepid twosome are hotfooting it through Texas in pursuit of a mysterious mutant virus. You guessed, this is no ordinary bug but a very spooky blast from the past, an ancient nemesis threatening to engulf all humanity. The action kicks off with the bombing of an office building in Dallas and ends up in a secret installation in the frozen wastes of Antarctica as S&M slug it out with the forces of intergalactic evil. Martin Landau also stars as the enigmatic Dr Alvin Kurtzweil. Available at Video Ezy February 17.

The transition between TV series and motion picture has no doubt given creator, Chris Carter, the opportunity to tell his story to a broader audience. His key objective being that you can understand the movie even having missed the TV series. But don't kid yourself, whether you're an X Files fan or not, this movie will impress.

The X Files series has won acclaim from fans around the world. After several successful seasons and numerous awards, including the prestigious Golden Globe Award for Best Drama, it was inevitable a film based on the series would be made. And what a superb job they have done.

The film explores the realm of a global conspiracy as the US government attempts to cover-up their involvement in the existence of extra-terrestrials. Whether for professional ambition or personal intrigue, FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) investigate the highly classified occurrences known as "The X Files". As they investigate, we ourselves ponder the thought that maybe there are secrets hidden by our Government and perhaps the truth is out there.

X-Files: The Movie is a pure winner and if you're not an X Files fan before you see it, you sure will be afterwards.
Daniel Hoppo

Genre: Science-Fiction/Action
Released: 17 February
Rating: M15+
Stars: David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson