Review of Men in Black (1934) by Will H — 20 May 2012
There is no denying that Men in Black is unapologetically goofy as hell, but it's also a childhood favorite, and one of the more successful science fiction comedy films ever made. From the neuralyzers, to the big shiny guns, to the "Noisy Cricket", to the guy whose eyes blink sideways, to Tony Shalhoub as a bizarre alien pawnbroker, to the giant alien cockroach that is the villain, a big dopey grin comes across my face through every damn second of this one.
Barry Sonnenfeld, a director well-known for making quirky comedy movies like The Addams Family or Get Shorty, does show a surprising aptitude for special effects, and gives the movie a very tongue-in-cheek vibe from the get-go.
Ed Solomon's script supports this style, giving lots of great zingers for the actors to use, while also keeping the story moving at a fun pace, preventing boredom. Rick Baker's effects and makeup designs are also wildly amusing and innovative, ranging from goofy mini-UFOs to weird face-stretching makeup.
But of course, this movie would probably still fail, despite the solid direction, script, and effects, if it weren't for the spectacular chemistry and comic timing between its two leads. Will Smith helped establish his top-of-the-line leading man status here, in one of his signature roles as Agent J.
Smith is charming, likable, and most importantly, funny as all hell, and he only gets better playing off of his co-star. Tommy Lee Jones does his usual schtick as K, but always comes off as the lovable old sarcastic elder, and serves as the viewer's guide into this weird world.
The movie's stellar supporting cast, including Vincent D'Onofrio, Linda Fiorentino, Rip Torn, and the aforementioned Shalhoub, all add in interesting side tangents, that help give the leads something to do every time the movie threatens to dull.
Danny Elfman's score is goofy, but befitting the movie. Men in Black is worth the 98 minutes it lasts onscreen, and will forever be remembered as a cult favorite of the 1990s.
This review of Men in Black (1934) was written by Will H on 20 May 2012.
Men in Black has generally received very positive reviews.
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