Monday, April 28, 2014

Retro A to Z Challenge: X – X-Files 1998 (plus Odd Thomas Movie Review)

The X-Files Movie – Fight the Future – 1998

After years of watching the series, fans finally got a big screen version. It focused on the main mythos of the alien colonization of earth, complete with spaceship at the end. (Which of course, Scully didn’t see!) The film was true to the series while placing the X-Files on a much grander scale.

1998 fun facts –
*Average cost of new house - $129,300.00.
*Average Income - $38,100.00.
*Cost of Gas - $1.15
*Average cost of new car - $17,200.00
*First Class stamp - .32 cents
*The biggest airport in the world opened in Hong Kong
*Free Willy star Keiko went to Iceland for eventual release back into the wild
*Europeans agreed on a single currency the Euro
*The Search Engine Google was founded.
*The Denver Broncos won their first Super Bowl

Movies released –
Titanic
Saving Private Ryan
The Mask of Zorro
It’s a Bug’s Life
The Big Lebowski
Blade
Dark City

Music released –
Rob Zombie – Hellbilly Delux
Orgy – Candyass
Monster Magnet - Powertrip

Games released –
Starcraft
Fallout II
Baldur’s Gate
Half-Life

And why is 1998 special?
Because that year, Al Diaz said someone believed in him so much that it made him believe in himself as well. It was also the year Natalie Aguirre adopted her daughter from China in April, and it was the year Jamie Ayers got married!

Father Dragon Al is an artist and writer who hails from Mexico. He’s a wise old dragon, tended to by many dwarves. (Even more the year they got a hold of my cloning machine.) Al is a multi-faceted person – devoted, caring, and a man of honor. My best friend, I’d trust him with my life. Al blogs at Dragon on a Mission.

Natalie is a writer and co-hosts a top young adult site. She gets the insider scoop on authors and agents and shares them with the world. One of the nicest people I know, Natalie is very involved and knowledgeable when it comes to books. She blogs at Literary Rambles.

Jamie is a young adult author and a teacher. She lives in sunny Florida with her husband, kids, and basset hound. Jamie has a passion for young people and a strong spiritual foundation. She’s a special lady who knows how to make everyone feel important. Find Jamie HERE



Ninja News

Milo James Fowler has a slew of new releases coming out over the next two weeks. He also signed the deal for a sequel to his novel and it will come out in November. Way to go, Milo!

C. Lee McKenzie has been featuring other bloggers for the Challenge through a contest. Each week is a new prize, and the winner drawn from those who guess the most bloggers correctly from her posts and hints. Last week, I won! Thanks, Lee.

Don’t forget - the final installment of Lord of the Clones is tomorrow! Visit Father Dragon Al and vote for your favorite. The awesome Ninja Cloner (me!) or evil Lord Baldernot (Mark Koopmans.)

Movie Review – Odd Thomas

Based on the novel by Dean Koontz and directed by Stephen Sommers.
The film follows a young man with clairvoyant abilities as he tries to uncover a terrible event that’s about to take place in his town.

The best way to describe this film is it’s a murder-mystery, supernatural, comedy thriller.
The ‘I see dead people’ concept isn’t original, but the movie executes it very well. It’s incredibly entertaining, powerful, and hits all the right notes.
It has a great cast. Anton Yelchin (Chekov from the latest Star Trek films) is Odd and plays the character perfectly and believably. Willem Dafoe is solid in his role as the police chief who not only benefits from Odd’s abilities, but he helps keep them a secret.
Overall, I was very impressed with this film and highly recommend it!

Fan of the X-Files? Following Al, Natalie, and Jamie? Read any of Milo’s books? Seen Odd Thomas or read the book? Ready to visit Al tomorrow and cast your vote? And what do you remember best about 1998…?

138 comments:

Lynda Dietz said...

I'm first! I have never even been in the first 100 so I'm pretty happy about this.

Oh yeah, your post...I gave birth to Boy #3 that year so it goes without saying that 1998 is one of my favorite years.

Hard to believe Google has only been around that long, but I don't think I even had a "real" computer until 1999, complete with a color screen and real-looking graphics, not a blinking amber prompt.

Have I mentioned I'm first today? Not that it's all about me or anything...

Helena said...

I'm getting my comment in early for a change!

When I went to go see Private Ryan, I wished my late Dad could've been with me -- he'd been a WWII vet and so for me that film was almost like a small pilgrimage.

I'm so glad for Milo's several releases! He's a superb writer.

Rachna Chhabria said...

I thought I will be the first one to comment, but looks like someone beat me to it :( well second is not bad.

1998 is one of my favourite years, Its the time I made a special connection with my spiritual master.

Titanic is one of my all time favourite movies.

Elephant's Child said...

Al is warm, wise and wonderful. As befits a dragon.

Rachna Chhabria said...

By the time I typed I became the third commenter. That's what happens to slow typers :(

Suzanne Furness said...

Looking forward to the next instalment. Al is a wise dragon, I always enjoy his posts.

L.G. Keltner said...

I love Dark City. I remember having to write a paper about that movie in college.

I turned 13 in 1998. I remember being so excited to officially be a teenager. It doesn't even seem like it was that long ago. Time sure does fly.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

No offense to you or Mark, Alex, but I've decided to vote for the sexiest one: the brown dwarf.

I feel so old after reading LG's comment. I don't remember 1998, but my 30s were a good decade.

Cheers,
xoRobyn

Unknown said...

'98 was a bad year indeed. It lead to the boom, which lead to the bust and now everyone owes Germany money.

Unknown said...

Al is a wonderful artist, and an interesting character.

I enjoyed Leonardo's role in Titanic, but out of the list of movie choices for 1998 mine would be Blade.

Unknown said...

Al is a wonderful artist, and an interesting character.

I enjoyed Leonardo's role in Titanic, but out of the list of movie choices for 1998 mine would be Blade.

Unknown said...

Al is a wonderful artist, and an interesting character.

I enjoyed Leonardo's role in Titanic, but out of the list of movie choices for 1998 mine would be Blade.

LuAnn @ BackPorchervations said...

The first thing I remember about 1998 is that my 2nd son was born on May 26th. The 2nd thing I remember is looking at the outside thermometer outside our duplex in Fort Worth and the reading being 100 degrees at MIDNIGHT!

Anonymous said...

I read Odd Thomas and enjoyed it immensely. I'll have to put it on my list to watch.

I just found Father Dragon Al. Can't wait to see the Lord of the Clones.

Ah, yes, Baldur's Gate. It's good I've moved on to a Mac or I'd still be playing that game. Many, many hours spent playing that game. Many, many hours. Have I mentioned many hours? Hmm, I really miss it….

Many hours…

I think I'm having withdrawals from Baldur's Gate…

send help….

Elsie
AJ's wHooligan in the A-Z Challenge

Natalie Aguirre said...

So interesting Google started in 1998. Amazing where it's gone.

And thanks for including me and adopting my fantastic daughter in your post. It means a lot to me, especially now.

Huntress said...

Dragons are my specialty. Cant wait for tomorrow's battle but how to vote for only one of you? The grass skirt image might be the tipping point

Tony Laplume said...

I'm glad someone helped Al believe in himself.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

There was so much I loved about the X Files. So miss that show! It was funny how much Scully missed.

YAY! for Natalie and Jamie. Both are awesome.

Your comments about Odd Thomas have intrigued me. I'll keep this one in mind.

Sheri at Writer's Alley

Home of Rebel Writer CREED 2014
Mighty Minion Bureau Team #atozchallenge

Optimistic Existentialist said...

The X Files was by far my favorite Sci-Fi show of all-time. I miss it! Fringe was pretty damn good too though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lynda, you are first!

Rachna, welcome to my world of slow typing...

LG, cool you got to write a paper on that film!

Robyn, I feel so unsexy now...

Anne, that would be funny if it weren't true.

LuAnn, that's hot.

Elsie, I'm sure we both wasted many, many hours...

Natalie, you are most welcome.

Carol, guess I'm going to have to do something amazing then.

Jemi Fraser said...

So many great people in your post today! :)

I didn't watch X-Files at the time, but I got the DVDs for gifts and I'm loving them! :)

Donna K. Weaver said...

Natalie totally rocks. Her page is a must-see. I've added so many books to my TBR list from there.

And StarCraft. That's a game we do as a family. A couple of years ago we spent New Years Eve (in 3 different cities) playing together).

Michelle Wallace said...

Hey, I saw Titanic... and on the big screen too! Yay for me! LOL
I also won a prize in the first week of C.Lee's contest. It's been lots of fun!
Father Dragon is very special... warm and wise and wonderful...
I've read Milo's work. He's an amazing writer.

Mason Canyon said...

Must admit, I'm an X-Files fan. In fact, watch the series reruns yesterday on Chiller. Lot of good movies out in 1998. Waves to Al, Natalie and Jamie. Congrats to Milo. Odd Thomas sounds good. Wishing the awesome Ninja Cloner much success and victory in the contest.

Unknown said...

Yay for the X-Files, Google's birth, and for the Broncos. (I hope they do it again soon with Peyton!) I loved the Blade franchise and Dark City.

Busy year, 1998. I'm happy for Al, Natalie and her daughter, and for Jamie.

Congrats on winning Lee's contest!

I'm a huge Koontz fan, and I'm so glad his Odd Thomas character has caught on. I'm dying to see the movie!

Arlee Bird said...

Only saw a few episodes of X-Files. Went to see the film and I don't recall being blown away by it, but maybe because I wasn't all into the show.

Lee
Wrote By Rote
An A to Z Co-host blog

kjmckendry said...

My second daughter was born in 98, so it was a great year for us.

I never really got into watching X-files but I didn't really watch tv when my girls were little, any free time was devoted to sleeping.

Congrats to Milo!

Jo said...

What I've watched of the X Files I thoroughly enjoyed. Not seen enough of them sadly. I saw a lot of those movies and enjoyed them.

I am pleased to say I am grandmother to Father Dragon whom I agree is a wonderful man.

Bish Denham said...

You know, I never watched the X-Files. Maybe that was during the time when we stopped watching TV for several years...

Google being founded is interesting. It would be another five years before I got anywhere near the internet!

Rhonda Albom said...

Old Thomas sounds like a movie I will enjoy, as was the X-Files. I loved that TV series, and remember being really excited to see he move.

Brandon Ax said...

It is always nice to have people believe in us. I can't wait for Al's post tomorrow.

Brandon Ax: Writer's Storm

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, that's cool.

Lexa, you'll really enjoy the movie.

Chemist Ken said...

That's when Half-life was first released? Wow! that's one of the first titles that helped get my wife interested in computer games.

Still waiting for Half-life 3....

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Way to go Milo!

Re: X-Files. I'm always the last to come on board for popular shows. I was talked into watching one episode. Unfortunately it was horrible depicting two brothers who kept their mother under their bed. She was alive and only a torso. I couldn't watch it again for a while,but when I did, it was about an alien and I liked it.

Jay Noel said...

Congrats Milo!

I was just talking about this movie yesterday. I want to read the books first, but someone said they didn't like the movie. But I'm guessing it's because she loved the series so much.

Nicki Elson said...

Ha, jinx on the X-files (Guess it's not such a big surprise since there are so very few X's to choose from & we're both doing retro).

All hail Father Dragon, Natalie & Jamie!

Glad to hear they did Koontz right w/ the movie.

Unknown said...

As a huge X-Files fan back in the day, I can honestly say finally getting a big screen version was very exciting :) Too bad the series went downhill after that...

Odd Thomas: haven't heard of it but it sounds like fun! I'll have to check it out!

Off to visit some new blog friends now!

Happy Monday,
Jen

Jeremy [Retro] said...

X marks the right spot... cannot believe how much has changed in 15 ish years... you would think we were heading for better things in life, hope and well everything. If we had a crystal ball to see the future, I would have been prepared for it. Though that might have been an "X" file... theme out.

Thank you for making your A to Z extra special by adding so much life and care... you are a great person... Happy May!

Jeremy

Christine Rains said...

I'm a big X-Files fan. I've not heard anything about Odd Thomas, so I'm glad you reviewed it. Makes me want to see it more now. Can't wait to see what Al has in store for tomorrow! 1998 was the year I met my husband in person.

Unknown said...

Loved the X-Files Movie.
I still haven't seen Odd Thomas or read the book. I might have to put that on my list.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

I loved the X-Files. Big Blue was my favorite episode.

Workingdan said...

I never was a big fan of the X Files tv series. I watched it occasionally and was moderately entertained. I did enjoy the movie...and found myself angry that Scully never did see the spaceship. She will always doubt the existence of aliens!

Other movies released that year that were my favorites was Saving Private Ryan and The Big Lebowski.

And I love Rob Zombie! His music has always been a joy, regardless of any lyrics about living dead girls or the like. The music itself is enough to trump any lyrics that otherwise doesn't suit my fancy.

Madeline Mora-Summonte said...

I never really got into the X Files TV show - not sure why. The big romantic sap that I am totally loved Titanic. :)

Beverly Stowe McClure said...

I loved the X-files. Also Titanic and Private Ryan. I've read most of the Odd Thomas books, just finished the most recent one and hope to see the movie soon.

Going over to vote for you now.

Have a great week.

Al Diaz said...

By the Dragon Ancestors! There are tears in my eyes now. So many that I'll blame it to the cold bug bugging me because, you know, I don't get sappy on you. Although I must say I am deeply honored by your words and most of all by your trust. I treasure that.
1998 was probably the one year I can remembre best of the last century. It was indeed a great year full of kindness. My only regret is that I probably didn't appreciated it as much as I should at that moment.
Oh and the video is so good I was tempted to invite you to a preview premier. Bad news is that your number took so long that The Baldinators will come in another installment. This dragon sometimes wishes to be an octopus.

Loni Townsend said...

I wanted to see Odd Thomas, but when I went to rent it, it wasn't available yet. I did find it peculiar that it went straight to video. But I'm glad to hear it won't be a disappointment!

farawayeyes said...

I remember the X-Files movie as being somewhat of a disappointment.

Must get by to see Father Dragon. I haven't been there in awhile. Thanks for the reminder.

mail4rosey said...

Wish I would have bought a boat load of Google stock in 1998. :)

Leovi said...

Yes, wonderful The X-Files Movie!

Frankie Miller said...

Hi Alex - yea a fan of the X-Files.
I recently joined Al.
Jamie Ayres - yes, she has the greatest sense of humour - a lovely lady.
I'm going to visit Natalie.
Tomorrow - Alex!

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan said...

Somehow 1998 doesn't seem that long ago.

All hail the power of Google! Where would we be without it? Wait, let me search for the answer....

A Beer for the Shower said...

Did someone say Broncos? Yes, 98 was an awesome year for that. So was the year that followed. And thus was the rise of John Elway, and the sad, sad decline of Brett "I texted my junk to a girl while married, played till I was 60, and do jeans commercials now" Favre.

River Fairchild said...

Al is a true sweetheart...er, dragon. The dwarves rock, too!
I'll be there tomorrow, trying to supervise Jezebel. ;)

Kathe W. said...

I knew you would choose the X Files for today! How could you not? Cheers!

Jennifer Hawes said...

Loved the X-files. A teacher friend of mine used to work for Scully as a nanny back in the early 90's. She came to US from Australia and got a very cool job:)
Odd Thomas sounds like a good movie.

Ragtag Giggagon said...

So much darn material on every post here, Alex. The X Files answered little even after such a long run. The movie should've done more, too, methinks. The second movie was even less on point! :-0
But they were good in themselves as entertainments. Great review.

I was looking at the Reflections suggestion, about making a Linky on the A-Z Challenge blog. I dunno if I did ANYTHING right for the blogging A-Z Challenge, other than daily posts. I dunno if I should've been using the Linky technology throughout or what!

We/You guys should do video tutorials for the next one, so us fools make sure we get everything right!

Pat Hatt said...

The X-files was great, I watched the movie before I watched the series, it was still great. Saw Odd Thomas the other day when I was browsing, never knew it was good though.And free willy was free, yippee lol

SK Anthony said...

I liked the X Files, sadly I haven't seen all of the episodes, now I'm not sure why.

I have to check out Al's blog for the final installment, you guys are so funny. Oh, I hadn't heard of Odd Thomas but looks interesting to me. I'll have to watch it now. ;)

ilima said...

I've read Odd Thomas and I really like Anton Yelchin. Good to hear you liked the movie.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ken, once we get them hooked, we're free to play even more!

Teresa, what an episode to start with!!!

Jay, this movie was good, the second one awful.

Jen, yes it did.

Thanks, Jeremy!

Christine, were you friends online first?

Dan, that was irritating she didn't see the ship.

Al, you are most welcome. So there will be two videos?

Sandra, that made me chuckle.

River, keep an eye on her.

Jennifer, that's cool!

Scribbler, you did fine...

Nate Wilson said...

Ah yes, I remember gas at $1.15/gallon fondly. And Dark City. Though for me, The X-Files movie was somewhat forgettable (probably in part because I stopped really watching after season 5.)

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I didn't like the X-Files movie. I do want to see the movie "Odd Thomas" and you just reminded me of that in your review.

Liz Blocker said...

YAY X FILES! I'm still such a fan, even so many years later. The reruns on Netflix are still as good as ever :)

Robin said...

1998 was a good year for three special bloggers:)

Haven't seen Odd Thomas... In fact, I hadn't even heard of it until today.

Birgit said...

Loved the X files and watched every episode even the infamous inbred one. I have not heard about Odd Thomas but sounds intriguing. Now I want to see John Carter as I caught the last half hour of the film. I am bad that doesn't spoil it for me it just makes me want to see the movie or read the book more. 1998 was a fun year:) It was a year after I was married. We were happy and saving for my future home(It ended up being mine). hey-2nd time-fun year-yahooo!

D.G. Hudson said...

Odd Thomas looks interesting. Might want to see that movie.

Congrats to Milo! He has worked hard to achieve his success. . .AND, I've read several of his stories and one of his books. I still have one or two to finish. Milo is one of my role models - to be as tenacious and as prolific as he and Roland.
Hard acts to follow. . .

Chrys Fey said...

I never saw The X Files Movie. But I have seen Titanic, Saving Private Ryan, The Mask of Zorro, It’s a Bug’s Life, and Blade. So that's almost all of them. ;)

Kim Van Sickler said...

X-Files was great! But my favorite scary paranormal show had to be Kolchak the Night Stalker with Daren McGavin. Oh, that show freaked me out. Might have had to do with my impressionable age at the time.

OK I will go visit Jamie now! She reminds me of Helen Hunt.

Mina Burrows said...

I still love the X files and I liked the film too. I wish that show kept on going. *sigh* Maybe they'll bring it back.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

What's so wonderful about your blog, Alex, is I know all these writers you talk about. That is special. Oh, and I loved X-files. On Friday nights I'd rush home from pizza restaurant to be home in time to watch the opening credits. I was about 30 minutes away. Won't tell you how fast I was going on country roads. shame on me.

Unknown said...

I miss gas for 1.19 :)

cleemckenzie said...

I was (am) a total X-Files fan. There was something very compelling about that series: the writing, the charisma between the main characters to name two.

Your spotlight on Father Dragon and Natalie were great today, and I'll swing by and meet Jamie. She sounds wonderful.

Thanks for the shout out. Greatly appreciate that.

Lisa said...

I didn't know there was a movie "Odd Thomas!" I've read three or four, I forget which, of "Odd" series and really enjoyed them. Now I have to go look that up! Thanks Alex!

The Angry Lurker said...

Great fan of the X-Files, was there at the start and even as it got weirder at the end!

Cherie Reich said...

Love, love, love The X-Files! I own all the seasons and the movies and some of the books. LOL!

Julie Flanders said...

I just loved the X-Files and Mulder still makes my heart skip a beat LOL.

Lots of great bloggers to celebrate today.

Laura Clipson said...

All of Europe except for the UK, since we always have to be different...and we love our pounds and pennies :)
I remember when France used to use francs, and Italy used lira. It really is much easier now.

Notes Along the Way with Mary Montague Sikes said...

The year 1998 was one of the final years before the world changed with 9/11. Love the price of gas then!

Mary Montague Sikes

Roland D. Yeomans said...

1998 was a great year for movies, wasn't it? ODD THOMAS is one of my favorite prose characters -- I was afraid to see the movie until now. :-)

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Liz, I've rewatched most of the episodes on NetFlix.

Birgit, you have to see John Carter now. Books are also great.

DG, you said it.

Kim, I watched that show when I was a kid!

Joylene, that made me chuckle.

Lee, thanks to your cat for letting me win!

Kyra Lennon said...

Oh wow, has Titanic really been around that long?! I was still at school when it was first released!

Carrie-Anne said...

I graduated high school in '98, and am proud I've never seen Titanic. It was so annoying how all the girls at my final high school were mooning all over it and seeing it over and over again. From what I've read, there are a LOT of anachronisms and historical inaccuracies.

Al Diaz said...

Yes, there will be two videos but in the end there can be only one winner.

Sherry Ellis said...

I liked the X-files series. They were pretty cool.

Milo James Fowler is on a roll!

Susan Kane said...

I saw all the films, loved them, esp. Dark City.

1998? A strange year, full of good and bad.

I enjoy the flashes to the back. the facts remind me of the moments of that particular year.

Anonymous said...

Excellent post Alex, good films and things of interest.

The best thing of 1998 was I became a grandmother for the first time.

The worst: Ten days later lost my dear mum then my husband 2 months later. Rollercoaster year I guess.

PK HREZO said...

I remember that year well.
Three awesome bloggers featured today!! And A-Z almost over. Bet you're excited and a little sad at the same time. :)

Anonymous said...

Baldur's Gate - the game that got me hooked on gaming in a major way... first really immersive game world that I can remember.

Crystal Collier said...

Yay for Milo!

Zorro... Oh man. That soundtrack is epic, and the movie? One of my all-time favorites.

Odd Thomas--one of my top ten books of all time. Yup. We saw the movie the day it came out. In the theater. I liked it, and it definitely incorporated many of the aspects of the book, but they did change a couple things. Dean Koontz is one of my all time favorite authors.

True Heroes from A to Z

Bevimus said...

I loved the X-Files movie!

The masterful Dragon is the kindest person around. Natalie and Jamie are both new to me and demand a visit, needless to say.

Big congrats to Milo!

Funnily enough, we just rented Odd Thomas on Netflix- now I'm looking forward to watching it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Carrie-Anne, sure there are, but I will admit it's a great film.

Susan, that's how I remember years and moments in life.

I'm sorry, Yvonne.

Pk, mostly exhausted!

Crystal, I've never read the books but really dug the film.

Beverly, enjoy!

Rusty Carl said...

You make Odd Thomas sound good. I'll check it out. And '98 was the year my beloved Vols won the football national championship. So, that's worth mentioning.

Dean K Miller said...

Big time fan of X-Files. Found the movie palatable, but I wanted more. A great list of movies that year and Odd Thomas sounds good as well.

mooderino said...

The first X files movie was pretty good, the second one, ooh boy, not so good.

mood
Moody Writing

S. L. Hennessy said...

Zorro and Blade. A fantastic year.

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

The Big Lebowski. Saving Private Ryan. And Titanic. What a great year for movies.
Oddly, I never watched the X File although my husband had loved it before he met me, and my BFF loved it too. I was too busy at that time to watch TV, doing what I do not know.
Odd Thomas sounds cool. I will try to see it! thanks! jean

Andrew Leon said...

I never got into X-Files, but it does seem to be an X-Files day.

Anonymous said...

I just remembered another good thing for 1998. In my rollercoaster year
I first met Danny Boy.

Yvonne.

J.L. Campbell said...

When the X-Files was on, I tried never to miss an episode.

You've featured some cool people today.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

You know, even though I did watch the X-Files TV show, I don't think I've ever seen the movie...I'll have to correct that.

1998 had some really good movies...wow.

Cate Masters said...

I loved the Odd Thomas movie too! It followed the book very closely. Hope they make more Odd Thomas movies.

SpacerGuy said...

X files were good fun. I love murder mysteries, Odd Thomas sounds good too. Goodluck with the battle of the clones, I'll be cheering the winner on.

Nicole said...

I became a fan of the X-Files by default because the one TV that most of us flocked to growing up was taken over by two of my cousins...who were die-hard X-Files fans. The music was creepy but it grew on my after a while. However, as much as I enjoyed watching the show, to this day, I still haven't seen the movie.

If I can recall correctly, those die-hard "X-Files" cousins of mine were disappointed in the movie, so I kinda ignored the big-screen adaptation since I figured if they didn't like it and they were hardcore fans of the show, then I might be better just sticking with the TV episodes.

I still want the Mulder and Scully action figures. I've been holding out on ordering them but would love to have them so maybe I'll get around to finally picking them up one of these days :)

I can't say that I'm familiar with Odd Thomas. I doubt I've read that or any of Milo's books. I don't remember much about 1998 except for maybe it following the death of one of the biggest rappers involved in the East Coast vs. West Coast beef that claimed the lives of two popular and influential figures in hip-hop.

~Nicole
A-to-Z Co-Host
The Madlab Post

LynNerdKelley said...

1998 seems like just yesterday to me. What blew me away is the fact that Google started up that year. They've come a long ways in a short time.

Kelly Polark said...

I was very into Third Eye Blind and Hole in 1998 musicwise.

And I only saw two of those movies listed!!

And I agree, Natalie is such a sweet, nice person!

Maurice Mitchell said...

Great year for Al, but a bad year for X-Files. That movie was so-so.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Moody, just say it - the film sucked.

Andrew, everyone was desperate for an X.

Cate, I hope they do as well.

Nicole, the first movie was good. Skip the second as it was aweful.

Brian Miller said...

nice. i read odd thomas but have not seen the movie...will have to check that out...i was a late tagger on of the X files...saw the movie before going back to the series

randi lee said...

Hi Alex!

Al Diaz is great.

I remember seeing X Files in the theater. I was a HUGE fan of the show so when the movie came out I was first in line opening night. My friends and I used to "play X-files" in the fields and pretend we were hunting UFOs and all that jazz. Ahh, youth...

Anonymous said...

Wow! Thanks for the A*W*E*S*O*M*E shout out, Ninja Captain! It was one of those days but you just made it all better :-) Getting married is definitely what I remember most about 1998!

J E Oneil said...

Wow, I think I actually remember the Broncos winning the Superbowl. I've watched a grand total of one in my lifetime and that was it.

I had no idea there was an Odd Thomas movie. To be honest, I wasn't too wowed by the book, but maybe the movie will fix the problems I found in it.

CA Heaven said...

Powertrip by Monster Magnet is a long-time favorite. Actually, it's a family-favorite, so we often play it in the car.

Last summer my older son was to a concert with Monster Magnet, and he was able to catch one of the drumsticks when they were thrown from the stage. As a good son, he gave it as a gift to me >:D

Cold As Heaven

Truedessa said...

Hmm..thanks for the review on
Odd Thomas this is one I might
have to view..seems like something
I would enjoy watching.

How are you today Alex?

Michelle Stanley said...

I loved watching the X Files series, and another sci fi called Psy Factor. I like your post and will look out for Odd Thomas. Thinking of getting the book first. http://www.writer-way.blogspot.com

Kirsten said...

Thanks for the recommendation on Odd Thomas! I might have overlooked this one otherwise.
And it's great to see Jamie Ayres on your blog. She's a really inspiring writer.
Kirsten @ A Scenic Route

klahanie said...

I was going to try and comment before you published your posting. Maybe next time.

X-Files movie was something I've actually watched. I'm always trying to spot the different locations in Vancouver.

Nice shout outs. You are an encyclopaedia, sorry about the weird spelling, an encyclopedia of facts about so many. Xcellent stuff.

1998, cannot remember anything.

Gary

G. B. Miller said...

Definitely not a fan of X-Files (I thought it was really overblown). Love Monster Magnet and that c.d. seriously rocks.

Father Nature's Corner

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I'm ready for the showdown tomorrow between you and Mark. I'm a big fan of Odd Thomas and am looking forward to the movie.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

X-Files is forever. Saw The Mask of Zorro at Odean theatre before it closed down. I loved going there because they had an open roof and I could look at the night stars. Still miss it. Ninja or Bald Man? So hard to choose. Gee never thought I'd say that. A-Z is almost over and it has been a fun ride.

Oh and I realized I had the wrong link for the Enders Game petition. It has been corrected.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Randi Lee, that made me chuckle...

Jamie, you are so welcome!

JE, watch it and let me know.

Cold, damn good catch. I never catch anything.

Trudessa - beat! Heading to bed soon...

Michelle, thanks for stopping by!

Gary, you comment before I post and we are calling Ripley's!

Sheena-kay, that does sound like an odd statement!

Mary Aalgaard said...

The dragon illustration is great.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Odd Thomas sounds interesting. And yay for Natalie, Jamie, and Al!!!! 1998 . . . the first year I went to a CreationFest three day concert event - super fun! And the last time I water-skied well - four months pregnant.

Leslie S. Rose said...

I know this will come as a shock, but I have action figures of Mulder and Scully on my desk. Every few years my kids and I watch the alien mythology episodes in order. Loved the first X-Files movie, the second one was a dull thud.

Anonymous said...

Some of my favorite bloggers and authors are mentioned here. :)

mshatch said...

Ooh, I didn't know Odd Thomas was made into a movie! Sounds like a must see for me :)

Shell Flower said...

Yay, Jamie, and good luck today!

Shell Flower said...

Yay, Jamie, and good luck today!

Ella said...

I am a huge fan of Anton-I can't wait to see it~

1998, I was leaving Florida-tired of all the hurricanes and humidity!
lol-look where I ended up...

Natalie and Jamie sound really sweet! And who doesn't know the gifted dragon, Al~

Suze said...

Today, I tried reading the fun facts to guess the year but couldn't keep the year veiled from my eyes. They were too quick! :D

Patricia Stoltey said...

1998 was a very good year -- I took my solo trek to Norway, and my husband and I retired and moved from Florida to Colorado. Both were great decisions.

I'm loving all these wonderful YA writers. They're producing so many excellent books!

The Happy Whisk said...

Love the X-Files. The first movie was more like a long episode and the second movie was total crap.

My four cents.

Rumer Haven said...

Good grief, I think I saw Titanic in the theater four times that year...and the fascination has persisted--since moving to London from the States over five years ago, I've been to Southampton three times and am still awed when I see that dock.

And relieved the UK didn't board the RMS Euro. May the GBP not go down with that ship...

In any case, go Milo James Fowler! I've been following his career since he was still an aspiring author, and my jaw just drops over all the stories he's had published. Truly prolific and terrific. Bravo on his new series.

Nicole said...

I haven't watched old school X-Files in forever! I need to break those out again.

Toi Thomas said...

I never got in to Xfiles as much as I wanted to when it was on the air, but Netflix has fixed that problem.

Elizabeth Seckman said...

Jump to comment form...always use that function, duh.

Anyhow, I declared the fifth. How could I ever choose between you and my bald cyber brother?

I still don't quite get the Big Lebowski, but maybe I need to watch it again...maybe it will grow on me...like mold.

Deniz Bevan said...

I was such a huge X-Files fan! I think that was the first movie I ever went to on opening night.

Stephsco said...

I was obsessed with The X Files--had there been DVD seasons released I would have binge-watched, instead I VCR-taped re-runs and scoured local video stores for dual-episode VHS tapes they had out of earlier seasons. I had to catch up, Okay? A friend somehow got me an enormous poster for the movie from the actual theatre, which I still have.

I think the show went downhill after season 5 but I stayed faithful almost through the end--I gave up on the alien love child in season 8, but have since completed the entire series and would like a T-shirt to commemorate (season 9 is rough).

Unknown said...

Used to love watching the X-Files, especially like the first film! I remember laughing at the cinema when Mulder was peeing against the Independence Day poster in the alleyway Haha http://www.deepfocusfilmstudies.com/the-x-files.html