Did I Believe?

Well, if you've read any of my posts below ... you know that one of the standouts of my geekiness is my love for the X-Files.

It honestly might be my favorite television show of all time. Very few shows could change so adeptly from week to week.

Every time you turned it on ... you might have seen a thriller, a science fiction episode, a drama, a horror story, or even a comedy.

So, I was really looking forward to the new X-Files movie ... subtitled I Want To Believe. Keep in mind, it's been 15 years since the series launched on Fox, 10 years since the last movie (Fight The Future), and 6 years since the show went off the air.

How excited was I? I went to the midnight showing last night. (I do have some spare time on my hands.)

My reaction ... well ... its mixed. And that's a little diappointing. I'll tell you why, while staying as spoiler-free as i can.

The goal of this movie was to tell a standalone story ... in the tradition of the series' "Monster Of The Week" episodes. No aliens. No dense government conspiracy.

The movie should please long-time fans of the show. We get to see Mulder and Scully and where they've been for the last 6 years while Mulder has been a wanted man.

There are lots of nice little nods to X-Philes ... as they're called. Some fun Easter Eggs too.

But, for this film to be a success, it needs to appeal to a wider audience. And I think that's where it fails.

The thrills weren't thrilling enough, the action not breath-taking enough, and the paranormal not paranormal-y enough.

What we get is a story about love and faith and morality. The beliefs of both of these former FBI agents are tested ... beliefs in psychic ability ... and beliefs in God.

It ends up being a deeply personal and "small" film ... about the two main characters. A film that really feels like an episode of the show, not real "grand" in scope.

And if you've invested 9 years of your life watching Mulder and Scully grow and develop .. it works.

Sadly, if you haven't and are a newbie to the "X" universe ... it might not ... because the "crime" part of the story doesn't stand up real well.

So, there you go ... I wish I could tell non X-Files fans to rush to the theatres and see this, but I can't.

If however, you loved watching Mulder and Scully for all those years ... as I did ... it's well worth the price of admission.

What's In A Name?

So, why did I go with the title that I did?

Simple, It's taken me 37 years, but I now fully understand that I am a geek.

No one WANTS to be a geek, but some, like me, are now old enough and mature enough to handle the reality of the situation.

In high school, I wasn't really a member of the "cool" crowd ... that what reserved for football players (despite the team's losing ways). But I really wasn't a geek, either. I was somehow part of the "sub-cool" crowd ... people that played sports other than football, and did well in class.

And while, throughout my adult life, I fought the "geek" label, it wasn't until 2007 that I realized that I am what I am.

What did it take to push me over the edge? Music.

While some were excited to see The Police reunion tour (which I attended) or the Van Halen reunion tour (which I wish I attended) ... I went into full geek mode for another tour.

Genesis.

I'll say it again.

Genesis.

And not the Peter Gabriel-fronted band that cool people wanted to see. Nope. The Phil Collins led version which moved from progressive rock to pop hitmakers.

Why did this make me a geek? Well, first of all, not a lot of folks admit they like Genesis. Not only do I admit that, but also admit they're my favorite band of all time.

Secondly, I didn't go see them once ... I saw them 3 times ... traveling as far as Buffalo to see a band that doesn't change it's setlist.

I also became somewhat active on the band's online site ... and even organized the Cleveland meet-up for fans coming from all around.

Oh yeah, I also bought a couple t-shirts, the first 2 of 3 re-mastered box sets of their CD's, and a huge coffee table book which basically serves as their biography.

But you know what, it felt right. As I met other Genesis fans. I discovered that, they too, felt like geeks. But, we were all able to share our geekdom together. And, had a great time doing it.

Am I geeky about anything else? You bet!

Want proof? Well, the movie I'm most excited about this summer is the X-Files sequel.

I love baseball. But, not just going to games, but arguing about players, competing in a fantasy league, and devouring just about anything having to do with the sport.

And, I'll be happy to tell you why "Arrested Development" was the greatest television show of the last 5 years.

So, expect to hear about many of these topics, and a lot more, as I dive into this blog.