Men In Black 3 (3D)

Dir: Barry Sonnenfeld

Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement


It’s been ten years since we’ve seen the dishy Men in Black (MIB), flash their fancy weapons in order to save this earth from gross looking alien creatures. The wait has been worth it while, as the third edition of the MIB series falls nothing short of expectations. It surprises you, beyond measure, in terms of its emotional storyline and character development.

In MIB3, even before you’ve figured the scheme of things, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) goes off-screen. He’s been hunted by the vicious villain named Boris (Jemaine Clement) who is planning to destroy the earth. Agent J (Will Smith), in order to protect his partner, has to time-travel back to the 60’s where K had first met Boris and chose not to kill him. Once J is in the 60’s, he chances upon his much younger looking K (played by Josh Brolin). At first, K is sceptical of the stranger who claims to be his partner from the future. But soon they turn brother in arms to save the world. The plan is to demolish the villain so that he will cease to exist to wreak havoc in the future.

MIB3 provides all the extravagant ingredients that the franchise promises to offer. It’s got plenty of psychedelic extra terrestrial creatures, ample dose of action set pieces to marvel at and of course the regular camaraderie between Smith and Jones (also Smith and Brolin). The younger and hipper K is a toned down version of his much reticent and an uptight older-self. And thanks to the age similarity, the agents bond like a house on fire.

MIB3 is a fitting version of its franchise. But what makes it stand apart from its prequels is the treatment of the subject and the dynamics between the lead characters. The film focuses more on emotions – the human aspect of the agents’ life rather than just the ongoing action between them and the aliens. As the movie progresses we learn a lot of hidden truths about Agent J and K and a twist at the end of the movie.

Also, the film is infused with exceptional humour which pops out in the most unexpected areas. The characters make racist jokes look funny and the pop culture references to the 60’s era make the film shine even brighter. The chemistry between the leads (Smith-Jones and Smith-Brolin) is commendable to say the least. Josh Brolin excels in playing the younger version of Agent K. His mannerisms are pitch perfect.

If one had to necessarily pin-point flaws, then the second half seemed a tad bit slow for its running. Also, the 3D gimmick doesn’t do justice to the film. All that shines is the writing by Etan Cohen (not to be confused with Ethan Coen from the famous Coen bros.)
MIB 3 is your perfect weekend watch. Just grab your pop corn and enjoy the time travel into the 60’s. It’s surely one helluva ride.