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Men in Black II
Review by Mike Furches (Mike's bio)
Directed by
Barry Sonnenfeld
Writing credits (WGA)
Comic Book: Lowell Cunningham
Story by Robert Gordon
Screenplay by Robert Gordon and Barry Fanaro
Tommy Lee Jones .... Kevin Brown/MiB Agent K (Kay)
Will Smith .... MiB Agent J (Jay)
Rip Torn .... MiB Chief Z (Zed)
Rosario Dawson .... Rita
Patrick Warburton .... MiB Agent T (Tee)
Produced by
Stephanie Kemp .... associate producer
Laurie MacDonald .... producer
Walter F. Parkes .... producer
Steven Spielberg .... executive producer
Original music by Danny Elfman
Song by Will Smith
Cinematography by Greg Gardiner
Film Editing by Richard Pearson and Steven Weisberg
MPAA: Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some provocative humor
With an all star cast including highly complimented actors like, Will Smith as Agent J, Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K, and Rip Torn as Chief Z one might think we end up with a movie with that would have been A O K. This is especially true when you consider the blockbuster production that includes Barry Sonnenfeld at the direction, Rick Baker in Make-up and Danny Elfman providing the music.
In this much anticipated and overly hyped sequel, most of the original cast returns with some of the old enjoyable aliens from the previous Men in Black. Tommy Lee Jones plays a stoic character as well as anyone in the business and follows through in this film. And to say that those years he roomed with Al Gore in college didn't help him learn anything. Jones is back with a passion and he does as much with a weak script as one could possibly do.
Will Smith is also back but after his recent dramatic performances in such films as Ali someone forgot about his side-kick comedic role that made his part so enjoyable in the first film. As a result we see a more serious character that just does not provide the humor of the first film. There are a few laughs and outside of a new character Frank, a comedic little pug dog, there are not many laughs.
While there is much to be lacked in this movie there are some good and fun qualities to think about. It is ironic that the villain who would destroy the world is Serleena who takes on the role of a sexy Victoria's Secret model. Lara Flynn Boyle does an adequate job at this role although one can't help but believe that her acting qualities were not the primary reason she received the role. If her acting were featured nearly as much as her body I would be willing to debate this one but the reality of it is that this is not the case. In some regards she does show that there are certainly dangers behind certain lifestyles. Unfortunately those giving in to the temptations of sexual desire and sin do not always realize the power that that sin possesses. This is portrayed nicely during the first of the movie when one gangster tries to have his way with Serleena. He quickly finds out that there are serious consequences for his actions.
There is also the component that sometimes what we are looking for in life to provide satisfaction and safety is right under our noses. We often get so busy looking for the things that are "out there" that we forget to look at the things that are right at home. MIB II does a good job of this component.
I generally try to find Spiritual components in a film and critique them from that perspective as well as the technical perspective. In that regard I was actually quite disappointed in this film. I also see value in going to movies just for the fun without any deep meaning or concept having to come across. In MIB II I felt as if I was disappointed on all grounds and all levels. The alien scenes were disappointing, the story weak, and the direction and action sequences lacking. This being said from someone who on the surface would have really liked this movie. I like all of those involved. Elfman's music direction for example in Spiderman is marvelous. Rick Baker is a legend unto himself. I still believe he deserved the Academy Award for Planet of the Apes, and Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are among the best at what they do. I just felt that all of these individuals along with Sonnenfeld fell far short of their standard expectations in this film.
I will comment that despite the nature of the villain in this movie there is nothing that would really prevent me from taking my child. I would suggest that the movie is for children over the age of 10 however. I would just recommend not seeing it and if you must wait until the release of the DVD or VHS. I would recommend the first Men in Black which is a fun movie and entertaining time.
Being the 3rd planet from the sun plus a movie on a Scale of 1-10 MIB II was a disappointing 4.
Copyright 2002, Mike Furches. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Mike Furches: Mike is the senior pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kansas. The church, located in the inner city of Wichita has a unique ministry to former gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others often neglected by the church. Mike also is involved in freelance writing and speaks nationally. Check out his web page for more information: http://www.furches.org/ E-mail Mike |
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