radamanthe

This is by far the worst X-Files episode i have seen. It tries, as is obvious from the ending, to pass a message of understanding and reconciliation among different peoples and cultures, but fails miserably, since it uses every anti-Muslim stereotype currently available. The Muslims we see are all terrorists on a mission to destroy America, with the sole exception of a woman-the mother of a suicide bomber-that gives a humanistic speech at her son's deathbed. Of course Chris Carter doesn't bother analyzing the motivations behind Islamic fundamentalism, which are political, but instead rests on the lazy explanation that their religion tells them to go blow themselves up. Also featured in the episode is a pair of FBI agents who are basically the younger versions of Mulder and Scully but their storyline doesn't go anywhere and by the end of the episode nobody cares about them. The ending dialogue of Mulder and Scully was particularly cringeworthy as it balanced between stereotyping and ignorance about the roots of Muslim "hatred" and lovey-dovey ideas of love and peace among peoples, animals and plants. Chris Carter please have mercy on us!!! Only Anderson and Duchovny know how they managed not to crack up when uttering such nonsense. The only memorable thing from the episode is Mulder's silly dancing while tripping on placebo pills, maybe this can be seen as a metaphor for this whole inane episode. P.S. How come the torso of a suicide bomber isn't torn to pieces and he is instead in a hospital bed with head injuries??

Excellent episode reminiscent of old times. Mulder and Scully investigate a case of genetic abnormalities in children and the revelations are incorporated competently to the main story of the rebooted series. The dialogue is improved compared to the first episode and there is palpable chemistry once again between the two actors. The writers don't bother explaining how the X-Files are reopened and Mulder and Scully work together again, i guess this is something fans of the show might have to take for granted in order to enjoy the remaining episodes. Nevertheless, what i found interesting in this episode are the two separate daydreams of Mulder and Scully concerning their son William and life with him. It was a nice way of showing the differences of their personalities and their common anxiety and concern for their adopted son. My vote is nine.

Excellent thriller that tries to throw light at the consequences of the war on drugs. Emily Blunt's character is involved in a barely legal military operation at the US-Mexican border, in order to bring down a brutal Mexican drug cartel, only to discover that the rationale for the operation was altogether different. I know that quite a few people here complain about the selection of Emily Blunt for the main role, but i believe she has done a great job together with the rest of the cast. Her natural fragility provides a nice contrast to the male dominated world she inhabits and highlights the compromises she eventually has to make. The movie's direction and cinematography are great providing some beautiful and dramatic landscapes and the music is also very good. Overall, one of the best movies of 2015.