The-Reel-McCoy -- Men In Black

Buy the movie!

Buy the poster!

picture from Men In Black Men In Black

Rated: PG-13

on this movie

Other Men In Black (links)

Men in Black is everything that it should have been, and more. It plays on all of our stereotypes leaving no question unanswered as to "what really goes on" between our government and aliens.

The special effects are convincing enough to keep our concentration, and so is the plot. This in fact is a very well made movie. And, most importantly, it's fun to watch!

This movie would have perhaps done very well with two no-named actors. But Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones brought this movie to another level.

What can I say about Tommy Lee Jones? He has shown time and time again why he is such a great actor. And this time was no exception. No one could have filled his shoes. With a dry sense of humor and knack for authority, Mr. Jones is the perfect complement to Mr. Smith.

Will Smith proves once again that he's in Hollywood to stay. He was very good as the new recruit to the top-secret government agency: the Men In Black, "providers of immigration services and regulators of all things alien on earth." Following him through the recruitment process was very fun. What Smith brings to the screen is a charisma and enthusiasm that is easy to identify with and to like. He was simply perfect. My favorite line by Will Smith: "Did you ever use that flashy red thingy on me?"

Two other characters who were extremely entertaining were Edgar (the bug who stole a farmer's skin), played by Vincent D'Onofrio and his (the skin's) wife Beatrice, played by Siobhan Fallon (both are shown left). D'Onofrio was hilarious walking around really oddly with slowly decomposing skin hanging off his face. And Fallon was classic as the timid rural housewife. These two displayed an odd sense of humor that was very appropriate for the movie and quite funny.

The only area of improvement that I can possibly think of would be that Will Smith's character should have shown more struggle and attachment to loved ones before leaving everything behind. A night spent sitting on a park bench hinted at this, but that was it. And this fault should be attributed to the script, not to Smith. He did everything he could with what he had.

As a final note, I would like to congratulate Danny Elfman on the many notes that he composed for this score. The music was great; it suited the comic book style of the movie very well.