Men in Black

Name: Men in Black
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy
Released: July 2, 1997
Duration: 98 min
Rating: 72
Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith

1997

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 685 Ratings

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8.6

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8.6	User Score Universal acclaim based on 685 Ratings

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MEN IN BLACK

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Movie Details & Credits

Columbia Pictures | Release Date: July 2, 1997 | PG-13

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith

Summary: Jones is K, a veteran of a government agency so secretive no one in power knows it exists; Smith is J, a former New York cop turned rookie operative. The two dress like the FBI but better, and drive a Ford that moves like the Stealth bomber. And, when not hanging out in their bachelor pad-cum-mission control, they flex muscle like theJones is K, a veteran of a government agency so secretive no one in power knows it exists; Smith is J, a former New York cop turned rookie operative. The two dress like the FBI but better, and drive a Ford that moves like the Stealth bomber. And, when not hanging out in their bachelor pad-cum-mission control, they flex muscle like the INS--albeit toward aliens with multiple, mutating heads. [M. Dargis]… Expand

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Genre(s): Action, Sci-Fi, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 98 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Susan Wloszczyna

The snappy sci-fi hoot Men in Black...is a kind of "Independence Day" for smart people. Read full review

Rick Groen

Sonnenfeld moves things along with alacrity and panache, serving up the exotic visuals quietly, blending in the sprightly humour efficiently, and keeping the mix at a rolling boil. Read full review

Barbara Shulgasser

The script by Ed Solomon is tight, well-paced and lighthearted. If this were a musical, Fred Astaire could have played the Jones role, although somewhat more dashingly. Read full review

James Berardinelli

The movie that "Mars Attacks!" wanted to be, but wasn't. This is a snappy, clever, often-funny motion picture that provides the perfect blend of science fiction-style action with comic dialogue. Read full review

Manohla Dargis

A great goof of a film...However daftly amusing, and periodically inspired, Men in Black is distinctly short on character and plot, even for a cartoon. Read full review

Desson Thomson

The movie, which is based on the Lowell Cunningham comic book series, throws out some wonderful implications, but they’re frustratingly few and far between. Read full review

Mick LaSalle

Summer fluff that admits to being summer fluff, but it's no better off for admitting it...Intended as lightweight comedy, but if you think about it too much, it's not so funny. Read full review

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User Reviews

CRL

Aug 26, 2011

One of the best sci-fi comedies ever that plays perfectly off of the chemistry of its phenomenal leads and it's lighthearted and smart but still somewhat crazy plot.

23 of 28 users found this helpful235

shamusolarry

Sep 17, 2011

I can't think of a single complaint I have about this movie. It's a great film that you can rewatch again and again. The casting choices were absolutely perfect, the special effects are dazzling (for their time), the story isn't hard to follow (but it's not too simple either), it's funny,I can't think of a single complaint I have about this movie. It's a great film that you can rewatch again and again. The casting choices were absolutely perfect, the special effects are dazzling (for their time), the story isn't hard to follow (but it's not too simple either), it's funny, and it's got great action sequences. A perfect action-comedy.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

Rox22

Mar 14, 2013

I utterly adored this movie when it came out. Still do, but my feeling towards it have mellowed over the years. It's funny, original and has one of the best lines in human history: "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." I love that line and it moreI utterly adored this movie when it came out. Still do, but my feeling towards it have mellowed over the years. It's funny, original and has one of the best lines in human history: "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it." I love that line and it more or less defines my personal ideology. Overall: MIB was a fantastic movie of its time and is and always will be a great classic.… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

perezangelo410

Jul 9, 2023

This movie is a beautiful classic.
I see her with my little brother twice a year.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

MovieGuys

Feb 3, 2014

Men In Black will always be remembered for its two hilarious front men and it's famous "mind-zapping" tool that is frequently used throughout the series. Although not the best, Men In Black almost makes it there.

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

Toasty87

Jul 16, 2020

Very funny in parts very slow in others the rest is all good and very enjoyable .

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

OregonJayBird

Jan 8, 2015

I don't care for Will Smith, as he is WAY over the top with his "street cred" attitude in every single show or movie I have ever seen him in. I don't get it. He is simply not nearly bad ass enough to have that much ego. Further, MIB movie contains the all too familiar cranky, veteranI don't care for Will Smith, as he is WAY over the top with his "street cred" attitude in every single show or movie I have ever seen him in. I don't get it. He is simply not nearly bad ass enough to have that much ego. Further, MIB movie contains the all too familiar cranky, veteran partner in Tommy Lee Jones who strikes me as just a crotchety old man throughout the whole thing. Great for kids, maybe, but MIB will likely not date well, so the longevity it will have with even the 13 and under demographic remains to be seen.… Expand

0 of 16 users found this helpful016

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32	#32 Best Movie of 1997
11	#11 Most Discussed Movie of 1997
35	#35 Most Shared Movie of 1997