Review of Men in Black (1934) by Harry W — 09 May 2013

Men in Black is a rich original idea that combines many film genres to form a hilarious and action packed science fiction adventure with impeccable leads and clever writing which makes it a fine mix of Science Fiction, Action, Comedy and Buddy Cop entertainment.

Honestly, this is one of the most perfect roles for Will Smith because it combines his ability to play a stereotypical fresh prince, of MIB this time and it incorporates his skills as a comedic actor and ability to handle action entertainment perfectly, all while never hitting the level of Bad Boys that wouldn't be appropriate for children, while Men in Black pulls it off.

And in a nostalgic role, Tommy Lee Jones resurrects the talent of playing a merciless action badass which won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor when he portrayed Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard in the 1993 film The Fugitive and it's lesser sequel US Marshals. To see him contributing to action cinema what he does best and making the audience laugh at the same time is a treat with Men in Black.

And the performance of Vincent D'Onofrio was a creepy one, but it perfectly succeeded in cementing the alien feel his character needed to have, so he was great to have on board. I haven't seen him in much lately, but it's great to know he's in a film that practically everyone I know has seen, or at least heard of.

Lastly, the comedic efforts of Rip Torn were absolutely hilarious in terms of physical humour and his iconic throaty voice which sort of makes him the American Brian Blessed, and so as the leader of MIB he makes for a good laugh.

Men in Black is a very well crafted blend of genres which includes comedy, action and science fiction as well as satire and it successfully capitalises on the success of the characters it's leads are famous for, so honestly it's just obvious that Ed Solomon's adaptation of Lowell Cunningham's story is rich in the script and directed excellently by Barry Sonnefield, so it's difficult not to enjoy.

It's still creepy, but enjoyable nonetheless thanks mainly to the leads.