Men In Black 3

Hollywood can be a funny place. Despite a less than successful sequel, Sony decided to go ahead with a second sequel in the their 'Men In Black' franchise.

I read quite a lot of movie news and the 'Men In Black' films are an interesting story. There was a hugely successful first film and then an inevitable sequel was announced. However it was reported that the sequel may not go ahead because the cost would be too much. No doubt because the talent involved asked for more money. Despite that they managed to make the finances work and a sequel was made. It was not as well received as the first film. Even so a third film has been made. And if all the gossip about this film is to be believed, it is amazing it got to the screens.

Despite all that Barry Sonnenfeld and his team have managed to make an excellent action adventure film. The plot is much like the first two film and is identical to the first with the addition of time travel. The villains in both films are even very similar. But that doesn't matter because it is a fun film. There are not as many jokes as you might expect but there is a general light tone which more than makes up for it. I was very surprised at a very emotional sub-plot which ties the series of films up nicely.

Will Smith is definitely a very charismatic actor. He has been off screens for a while now and seems to be returning for a lot of sequels. He does not seem to be showing his full potential here. He is charming as usual and has some funny lines but not very many. Tommy Lee Jones, due to the film's plot, does not appear very much but is his usual deadpan self. Most of his role is taken by the excellent Josh Brolin. His uncanny ability to mimic Tommy Lee is wonderful. Jermaine Clement makes an excellent villain. He makes his character very menacing despite having a mouth full of teeth. I thought Emma Thompson has a nice small role. The best thing in the film for me is Michael Stuhlbarg. He is such a delightful character and Michael makes him so cute.

After the less than successful sequel and many behind the scenes problems with the script. Barry Sonnenfeld has managed to make a solid film. You should get heaps of fun out of it.