by Men in Black (2017) isn’t what you’d traditionally call a horror movie which is probably the reason I’ve never reviewed it for the site here before. That said my son (10) is starting to be interested in scary movies and while I love the genre I’m not sure he’s quite ready for the really good stuff quite yet. So, we started with something a bit ‘supernatural’ with Men In Black. Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, it is a sci-fi comedy that blends action, humor, and a dash of conspiracy theory into a fun little flick that still holds up REALLY well.
James Edwards (Smith), a New York City cop, gets recruited into the mysterious Men in Black organization, an agency tasked with keeping Earth safe from extraterrestrial threats. Tommy Lee Jones plays Agent K, the seasoned and enigmatic partner who introduces Edwards, now Agent J, to the bizarre realities of alien life on Earth.
This is a straight up buddy cop movie. Smith’s the funny man and Jones is straight-faced and serious. Their chemistry is one of the film’s highlights. As I said, I watched this recently with my 10 year old who loved it even as the plot delves into some darker elements. The film’s visual effects hold up really well. The alien designs by Rick Baker are great while showcasing a wide variety of extraterrestrial species that use of practical effects alongside CGI.
Danny Elfman’s score complements the film’s action sequences and adds to its quirky charm like so many Elfman works. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Rip Torn’s Zed who’s the head of MIB – a tremendous bit part. Linda Fiorentino plays a local coroner and Vincent D’Onofrio plays the big bad (bug) Edgar.
Men In Black – Final Thoughts
Men In Black remains a fun, fast-paced adventure that hasn’t lost its appeal. It’s a film that successfully mixes genres, provides memorable characters, and leaves viewers with a sense of wonder about what might be hiding in plain sight. While it’s largely entertaining, it does suffer from some pacing issues, particularly in the second act but for fans of sci-fi Men In Black is certainly worth watching or revisiting. If you’re looking for a flick for a younger fan looking to step into spooky movies this is a great choice.
