Film Review: Men In Black III

1. Josh Brolin's "Jones"

2. Clever writing

3. Will Smith is funny again!
 

1. Confusing details

2. Ending felt rushed

3. Not enough Tommy Lee Jones (the real one)

THE 'MEN IN BLACK' ARE BACK FOR MORE THAN LAUGHS

When I heard that they were doing another “Men in Black” movie I admit I was pessimistic. I know I saw the sequel “Men in Black II” when it came out in 2002 but to say that it was forgettable is an understatement.

The newest installment of the series, though, seems to have taken advantage of some time on the shelf.

“Men in Black III” is smarter, funnier, and more interesting that its predecessor. It still doesn’t hold a candle to the original from 1997, but the movie is fun to watch so I’m willing to forgive.

Seeing the first two movies can only make experiencing this movie better, but the creators seem to realize that their audience may not still be sleeping on MIB sheets. It’s not difficult to follow the characters and the jokes, so if this is your first trip into the world of intergalactic alien cover-up, don’t worry.

The idea of time travel isn’t hard to get into either.

The second you hear that familiar Danny Elfman score you’ll be sent back to the late 90s.

In present day, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and Agent J (Will Smith) are comfortably policing alien visitors like cops on the beat. When a lethal convict busts out of a high security prison on the moon, things get complicated.

Boris The Animal, played by Jemaine Clement of “The Flight of the Conchords,” has a score to settle with Agent K. After spending fifty years in prison, and losing one of his arms, Boris wants vengeance on the man who locked him up, but killing him is too simple. Instead, he goes back in time to destroy Agent K in their original fight, changing the course of history.

As with any time travel movie things get messy, the plot is a bit confusing and the motives of some characters are questioned. Overall, though, it’s light hearted and never feels forced.

To rescue his partner Agent J follows Boris back to the 60s and teams up with a young Agent K, played brilliantly by Josh Brolin. This is really the highlight of the movie.

Brolin could play Tommy Lee Jones reading out of a telephone book and I’d still feel like I got my money’s worth.

Smith does his best to make sure that the show isn’t stolen by the trilogy newcomer. He’s charming, witty and hilarious. You can tell he’s having fun right along with the audience, and it’s hard not to wonder where he’s been for the last decade. Oh yeah, being serious and making me cry.

When it gets down to it, this movie delivers exactly what it promises: fun, laughs and alien guts.

If you’re willing to sit down and look at the neuralyzer (the flashy blue pen that wipes your memory) and buy into the latest adventure you’re in for a treat. Just don’t over think it, it is still “Men in Black III.”

A fun matinee with anyone that's young at heart. The 3D is a bit gimmicky so don't bother unless that's a dealbreaker. Josh Brolin isn't any less amusing in 2D.