Today’s quick review: Men in Black II. Five years after Agent K’s (Tommy Lee Jones) retirement, Agent J (Will Smith) has become the Men in Black’s top agent. When Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle), a dangerous alien from K’s past, returns to Earth, J must bring K out of retirement to stop her. Along the way, J forms a connection with Laura Vasquez (Rosario Dawson), a witness to one of Serleena’s crimes.
Men in Black II is a sci-fi comedy and the sequel to Men in Black. Men in Black II has a pair of strong leads, a smorgasbord of inventive alien designs, and a fun sense of humor. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return as Agents J and K, members of the Men in Black, an organization dedicated to keeping the Earth safe from alien threats. The two make for a sharp comedic duo: Smith gets to play J as an experienced agent, while Jones gets to show off more of his deadpan.
Men in Black II hits many of the same notes as the first film, but with enough of a twist to make them feel fresh. The role reversal between J and K gives the film a reliable source of humor, and with no need to establish the universe, Men in Black II is free to jump right into the story. The sequel also brings back some favorite supporting characters from the original, including Frank the Pug (Tim Blaney), Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), and Zed (Rip Torn).
Men in Black II shares the same drawbacks as the original. The movie is short, not even reaching a full hour and a half, while the plot is even more bare-bones than the first one. The bizarre alien designs can be hit-or-miss. Though punchier than its predecessor, Men in Black II still relies on its tone to convey humor more than individual moments, and the tone is even more ridiculous than the first’s, removing some of the original’s already-minimal grounding.
Watch Men in Black II when you are in the mood for a short, energetic sci-fi romp. Apart from a weak plot and a farfetched premise, Men in Black II is light and enjoyable film that fans of the original are likely to enjoy. Skip it if you are looking for a solid sci-fi plot or subtle humor.
6.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for amusing humor and two good leads.