But, after nine long seasons and one feature film, Duchovny and Anderson decided to hand in their badges and move on to bigger and newer things. Never thinking that they would one day return to their roles, the two actors worked on diversifying their careers and appeal.

Anderson took roles in many indie films such as A Cock and Bull Story, The Last King of Scotland, while Duchovny found his success again on the small screen with Showtime's 'Californication.' Either way, both actors seemed to have created a new fan base and a new sense of themselves within the hectic world of Hollywood. However, both just couldn't get away from the past.

Now, after almost six years without a hint of a reincarnation, both stars are back and ready to solve another government conspiracy. Yet, something is a little different this time around as neither the plot nor the actions of this film have anything to do with the extra terrestrial. Instead, the film carries a sinister plot dealing with a psychic, numerous dismembered body parts and the sole question of belief and perseverance.

At the very beginning we are reintroduced to Special Agent Dana Scully, only now, she has moved on and become Doctor Dana Scully. Working in a religious hospital, Scully finds herself emotionally attached to a dying boy who shares the age of her lost son. The side plot seems excessive; however, by film's end you really get to see just how instrumental the hospital scenes truly are.

One day, while dealing with her patient, Scully is approached by the FBI for information about Mulder. They need his help in dealing with a new case of theirs that involves the life of an agent. Uninterested at first, Mulder eventually agrees to tackle the problem head on, a situation that Scully was hoping would never happen again.

Fascinated with the story and its origins, Mulder becomes encompassed by the facts and speculations, sending Scully on a frenzy to clear her mind and stay focused on her patient. However, just as it always does, Mulder's quest wins out, dragging Scully into the mix as she attempts to keep her partner out of trouble and both of them alive to the end.

Staged as a stand-alone story, a technique that was used for some of the most acclaimed and fan beloved episodes, the film comes across as being a little messy. Never getting into the heart of the case, the plot fails to involve any type of paranormal and carries the perception of a crime drama dealing with the psychic world.

Never is the word alien, extraterrestrial or even conspiracy spoken out loud during the film. Nor is there any signs of the unknown or clever twists that helped make the series so popular in the early nineties. Instead, the film relies on the discomforting relationship between the two agents and the growing apprehension that quickly rests in the audience.

Because of this approach, many non X-Files fans will be able to follow along with the story and appreciate the film for what it is. However, for the exact same reason, most die-hard series followers will be frustrated by the absence of the paranormal. The fans are used to seeing and hearing about a high powered government conspiracy, so the fact that this film is lacking that distinguishable characteristic will both help and hurt in the long run.

In fact, I would have a very hard time categorizing this film as sci-fi. There is simply no clues to derive that there is life outside our own atmosphere, and there is clearly no reason for the spooky, yet identifying theme that graces the beginning of the film.

However, there were a few small instances where the past did play a part in the present plot line. From Mulder's sister being abducted to the growing sexual tension between the two leads, the small glimpses helped to bring the series back home, and thankfully so.

As polar opposites, Mulder and Scully have always had a business partnership unlike any other. However, through the years, a sexual tension began to develop. Sadly, nothing was ever able to come of the mutually growing affection due to what each stood for. They care about each other's well-being; however, neither is able to change their own beliefs to fit that of the other.

Luckily, the film investigates the growing relationship between the two. Taking you to a personal level that was never really examined on the show, this film gives audiences an inside look at just how different the two former partners are. Their morals, priorities and beliefs are so obviously seperate that audience members are finally able to see and understand the two characters on a personal level. If nothing else, the film allows that connection and understanding, moving the overall story of Mulder and Scully further along.

By doing this, the film is able to carry a sense of discovery, understanding and normalcy � three words that I never thought I would use to describe one of the most inventive and shocking series to ever grace the small screen.

Though the film will probably be criticized for its lack of 'X-Files' moments, I personally can't harp on it for one simple reason, it was written, directed and acted so well. The characters were strongly formed, the clues were adequately shown and the conclusion was inventive and alarming, two characteristics that blend well with the 'X-Files' franchise.