Movie Review: Men in Black II

Men in Black II

The comic book heroes of Men in Black are back in Men in Black II. Will Smith returns as Agent Jay now partnered by a man who we all know immediately is just not right for the job (and who provides a few nicely understated comic moments). Tommy Lee Jones, who was Jay's original partner Agent Kay, now works for the US Post Office and recalls nothing of his long career monitoring and managing extra-terrestrials on earth. When an enemy from the past returns, however, Jay is forced to attempt to reactivate Kay with the hope that Kay just might remember something - anything! - that could help the men in black to save the planet one more time.

Lara Flynn Boyle is an interesting choice to play the enemy alien, and it turns out she's quite capable in the role. Tommy Lee Jones is, as always, very good, and it seems almost like the part of Agent Jay was written for Smith because he's a natural in it. Once again, the special effects and the make-up effects are terrific, and as an added bonus, we get to see a whole lot more of "Frank", the alien who only looks like he's a little dog. So what's my problem? It's a lackluster and predictable storyline.

Once again, the earth is in imminent danger of destruction when an evil alien returns to the planet looking for something that will give her great power. The earth is incidental; she both threatens to destroy it or to give it into the hands of some alien criminals if she doesn't get what she wants. The situation is, of course, complicated a great deal as more aliens also get involved and make some pretty impressive threats themselves. Despite decent performances and superlative effects, I was constantly able to predict with accuracy what was about to happen next, and many of the moments I'm sure were supposed to be humorous just weren't funny. Men in Black II will probably initially do well at the box office on name recognition alone, but I'd be surprised if it didn't fizzle after the word gets out that it isn't half the movie its predecessor was.

FAMILY SUITABILITY: Men in Black II is rated PG-13, primarily for violence and sexual innuendo. Although the first movie is suitable for kids younger than 13, I'll stick with the rating for this one and suggest that parents don't let anyone under 13 see the movie unless the child is exceptionally mature.