Men in Black
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: July 2, 1997
8.6
USER SCORE
Universal acclaim based on 685 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
612
Mixed:
57
Negative:
16
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
CRLAug 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
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9
RikiegeDec 8, 2012
A great science fiction movie that will make us see that we are not alone.
8 of 8 users found this helpful80
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8
ScorpionMay 12, 2013
Initially the plot may seem slow and coiled, but after some of the film we discover one of the best pairs of pop culture interpreted by exelente W.Smith and TLJones, besides a story that bet on its originality.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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8
ArkonBladeOct 27, 2010
a funny commendy with will smith and tommy lee jones they have great chemistry in this film . a decent plot that feels like it was just over to fast and not really given more time to devilpe into some thing more intresting with the focusa funny commendy with will smith and tommy lee jones they have great chemistry in this film . a decent plot that feels like it was just over to fast and not really given more time to devilpe into some thing more intresting with the focus being more on jokes . still a good film .… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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8
MovieGuysFeb 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
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8
Critic2012Nov 25, 2012
In terms of storyline, the film is pretty much disposable. But in terms of performances and over-the-top action, it's a slam dunk: Men In Black is a blast.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Kai82May 16, 2021
A science fiction comedy that was a surprise hit and created a successful franchise. It strengths are the awesome humor, hilarious ideas and concepts, special effects and of cause the actors. The Men in Black are based on a real life UFOA science fiction comedy that was a surprise hit and created a successful franchise. It strengths are the awesome humor, hilarious ideas and concepts, special effects and of cause the actors. The Men in Black are based on a real life UFO conspiracy theory (I hesitate to use the word real life in connection with conspiracy theories). These are men in black suits looking like or claiming to be government agents who are speaking with people who have seen UFOs or other related strange things. They want that the people remain quite about the incidents and often they are threatening or bullying those people. The movie uses this idea to full potential as the Men in Black are a super secret agency that are policing aliens on earth and protecting mankind while keeping everything secret from public and government knowledge (No human except themselves on earth knows that they exist including even former members). It helps a lot that the movie takes itself not that serious and uses a lot of opportunities to make fun of (alien) conspiracy theories. It has of cause slapstick, situational humor, quirky characters and gadgets that would be excellent in superhero comic books. Some might even be to crazy or unbelievable for comic book science ;-). After the awesome set up introduction scene we follow officer James Darrell Edwards pursuing a suspect who has some strange characteristics. This is taken some interest in him and ends with a job offer wilder than what he can imagine. I like the story, set up and world building. It is a perfect mixture of seriousness and humor. If done in a bad way it would be just hilarious or even unbelievable. Here I never doubted anything and the movie was enjoyable from beginning to end. I just remembered an advice for movie makers “If you make the movie enjoyable, interesting and immersive you can get away with a lot of stuff”. I want to praise the script and ideas. This movie is so full of ideas that set up a remarkable world and lore. I will also praise the actors. Lets start with Will Smith as James Darrell Edwards. He is the new guy who enters wonderland. He is funny, entertaining and it is one of his best performances (in comedy!). Tommy Lee Jones as Kevin Brown is the stereotype of the awesome no nonsense agent. He is the yin to the yang and together they are quite enjoyable. Vincent D’Onofrio is a great antagonist. I cant spoil why but he made an impact and positive impression. For the side characters we have the excellent Frank the pug, Linda Fiorentino as (Dr.) Laurel Weaver, Rip Torn as Zed and of cause the worm guys;-). I truly enjoyed the cast. Visually the special effects were amazing for its time and aged impressively well. ILM (Industrial Light & Magic) are legends in the business for many good reasons. The soundtrack is good too. I almost had forgotten that Will Smith was also a rapper. Overall this was a pleasant surprise for my friends and me. It was one of the best movies of that year. It is carefully made as missteps would make a laughingstock out of it. I recommend it as it is refreshing, entertaining and has great humor atop of funny ideas.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
Jollyjoe1000Nov 22, 2015
it is a good alien movie, Will smith is a good distraction, and the future teach(especially the guns) are flat out awesome. I think that Will Smith did not disappoint in this movie
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
The3AcademySinsMar 26, 2019
A classic 1990s Sci Fi comedy that has stood the test of time, Men in Black is just as charming and funny as it was upon release. This is a great movie night option, and one that now has the added backing of nostalgia. Tommy Lee Jones andA classic 1990s Sci Fi comedy that has stood the test of time, Men in Black is just as charming and funny as it was upon release. This is a great movie night option, and one that now has the added backing of nostalgia. Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are iconic in this movie, and Barry Sonnenfeld's direction is fast paced and well timed. Don't miss Men in Black!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
JPKJun 13, 2019
Hilarious Classic
Men In Black is clever, funny, goofy, creative, well written and outright lovable.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
user12Dec 15, 2017
Absolutely hilarious. Great writing, cast, and acting. Tons of re-watch value. In any case, I would recommend the original over 2 and 3. One of the best science fiction comedies.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
SakataOct 6, 2018
This movie definitely knows how to merge comedy, adventure and science fiction, toasting with the very charismatic characters played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, who are in perfect tune and have great moments of humor (although LeeThis movie definitely knows how to merge comedy, adventure and science fiction, toasting with the very charismatic characters played by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, who are in perfect tune and have great moments of humor (although Lee Jones has a serious character in hands).… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
SolariumJan 12, 2020
A+ *************************************************************************
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
Appendage7Jan 18, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The sunglasses used by the Men in Black are the Ray-Ban "Predator 2" glasses. After the film's release, Ray-Ban reported that sales of these glasses tripled from $1.6 million to $5 million.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
BaskApr 23, 2021
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1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
JJ2FAS4UDec 29, 2021
----------------------------------8.6/10-----------------------------------
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
SonyclownDec 25, 2021
Tommy Lee and will Smkith rocks in this this movie, i hope they come back as pairs again, because they are good together.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
JesseDillingerApr 25, 2023
Such a fun movie. It's a funny movie and the aliens look funny. Just a good movie from my childhood.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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8
grandpajoe6191Oct 2, 2011
"Men in Black" is a beast in entertaining the audience. It's joyfully unpredictable and fun with great characters. Great job, Barry Sonfield!!!
5 of 6 users found this helpful51
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8
SpangleJan 2, 2014
Really entertaining overall. Funny, action-packed, and intriguing, Men in Black is successful on really every front you could ask from a summer blockbuster. Not ground-breaking cinema in the least, this one is still a fun watch with greatReally entertaining overall. Funny, action-packed, and intriguing, Men in Black is successful on really every front you could ask from a summer blockbuster. Not ground-breaking cinema in the least, this one is still a fun watch with great performances from Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith.… Expand
3 of 4 users found this helpful31
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9
Rox22Mar 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 dangerousI 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
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8
Compi24Apr 26, 2013
A solidly conceived sci-fi action flick that embraces it silliness and offers up a bountiful mass of thrilling laughs.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
FranzHcriticNov 13, 2013
Few words in my vocabulary can describe 'Men in Black' other than interesting. Will Smith's comic dialogue coupled with Lee Jones' cynical role generate a fair amount of laughs. The CGI doesn't really the hurt the film, like most times in aFew words in my vocabulary can describe 'Men in Black' other than interesting. Will Smith's comic dialogue coupled with Lee Jones' cynical role generate a fair amount of laughs. The CGI doesn't really the hurt the film, like most times in a live-action movie.… Expand
3 of 5 users found this helpful32
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7
BrianMcCriticJun 20, 2013
Men in Black was such an entertaining well acted sci-fi comedy. I enjoyed the chemistry between Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith and the bugs are kind of cool.
2 of 4 users found this helpful22
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10
OzyOct 1, 2014
This movie promised to be a fun, action packed sci fi comedy. It delivered on that 10/10 it definitely aint no documentary for those of you who are confused.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
kyle20ellisMar 29, 2022
Men in Black is great fun from start to finish. If you care to look past the rather ridiculous plot (only occasionally), this is hugely enjoyable. The cinematography is skillful likewise with the direction, and the special effects areMen in Black is great fun from start to finish. If you care to look past the rather ridiculous plot (only occasionally), this is hugely enjoyable. The cinematography is skillful likewise with the direction, and the special effects are wonderful. The script is irreverent, and there are some truly great performances. Will Smith proves here he CAN act, and Tommy Lee Jones as usual is marvellous. Both make a unique and hilarious double act. Then there is fine support from underrated actor Rip Torn and from Linda Fiorentino, who is a talented actress that hasn't earned herself a high acting profile yet. The finale is a little overblown, but you cannot deny this is a fun film. 9/10 Bethany Cox… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
alejandro970Apr 30, 2017
An urban leyend made as movie that works as well. Especially for well balanced action and comedy, and because the SFX serve the movie, not reverse. Shocking chemistry Jones - Smith.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
survivorfan989Sep 1, 2013
A favourite 90's flick of mine that never gets old no matter how many times I've seen it, and was also one of the first more mature films I watched growing up (as I would have only been around 7 when I first saw it). Jones & Smith play offA favourite 90's flick of mine that never gets old no matter how many times I've seen it, and was also one of the first more mature films I watched growing up (as I would have only been around 7 when I first saw it). Jones & Smith play off each other perfectly in this Sci-Fi/Comedy/Action flick that has a nice blend of all three genres. There have been similar films to this but I think MIB pulled it off the best thanks to the actors and characters, and its one of those classic 90's flicks.… Expand
3 of 7 users found this helpful34
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10
shamusolarrySep 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 toI 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
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7
Toasty87Jul 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
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7
TyranianApr 12, 2019
Really enjoyable SciFi comedy with great acting and humour. Smith and Lee Jones are perfect.
1 of 4 users found this helpful13
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10
AlanGJun 17, 2010
Awesome. One of my favorite sci-fi flicks.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
8
MovieLonely94Oct 27, 2010
Here comes the Men in Black. they won't let you remember.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
TokyochuchuMay 27, 2013
Men in Black is a fun effects driven blockbuster. It doesn't excel in any particular category but entertains throughout the run time. Linda Fiorentino is easy on the eyes too.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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5
GrothosFeb 4, 2011
Men In Black was entertaining in many ways however there were 2 reasons I found that severely limited it. 1- The Jokes while funny seemed to be more important than the actual story. The jokes seemed to keep the story going.
2- The story wasMen In Black was entertaining in many ways however there were 2 reasons I found that severely limited it. 1- The Jokes while funny seemed to be more important than the actual story. The jokes seemed to keep the story going.
2- The story was second rate due to the jokes, too many jokes and not enough story for my taste. Make me laugh, but make a creative story line to keep me encapsulated and interested.
Because the storyline was run by the jokes, and the jokes weighed down what little there was of the story, the movie came off to me as more of a comedy series on youtube than a quality movie.

At the same time, I love fun comedy and thought the movie made for fun, though pointless TV. In conclusion MIB is very fun, IF your only looking for a laugh. Otherwise your looking as the wrong movie.… Expand
0 of 7 users found this helpful07
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5
csw12Jan 9, 2013
Men in Black has some funny scenes with interesting characters that make the story move along. Will smith came across as annoying and irritating throughout the film.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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6
btzneb92Aug 13, 2012
A mildly entertaining movie, but it's as generic as it gets.
A mildly entertaining movie, but it's as generic as it gets.
A mildly entertaining movie, but it's as generic as it gets.
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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7
JoshHaroldDec 21, 2012
A very,very overrated movie.It's a good movie but it does not at all deserve the praise it gets.The movie is quirky,has great special effects,and is funny,but it is also kind of dull.
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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7
RayzorMooseNov 12, 2013
Men in Black attracts like a magnet.
An extremely smart and comical extra terrestrial adventure, twisted with humanizing moments and characteristics. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones click together in this well directed action comedy.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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3
OregonJayBirdJan 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 movieI 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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8
MovieManiac83Apr 23, 2015
Have you ever seen a tabloid headline like this: "Woman gives birth to son of six-headed alien"? Men in Black, the new science fiction comedy from cinematographer-turned-director Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty), postulates that such stories areHave you ever seen a tabloid headline like this: "Woman gives birth to son of six-headed alien"? Men in Black, the new science fiction comedy from cinematographer-turned-director Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty), postulates that such stories are not the result of fertile imaginations, but accurate representations of the truth. You see, ever since the 1960s, Earth has become an intergalactic hideout for aliens in need of a place to lie low for a while. Currently, there are over 1500 visitors, most in New York City (based on personal experience, that number may be low), and their ranks include such high-profile names as Sylvester Stallone (he obviously had trouble mastering the language), Newt Gengrich (guess what he looks like in his natural form), and Dennis Rodman (who knew?).

In many ways, Men in Black is 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. The screenplay, credited to Ed Solomon (and based on the Marvel comic book by Lowell Cunningham) has a sly, sophisticated edge that many blockbuster scripts lack. Sonnenfeld's direction is crisp and the editing is tight, resulting in a film that clocks in at a mere ninety-five minutes, which proves to be a nearly-perfect length.

That's not to say that the movie is of masterpiece status, or even light on flaws. There are plenty of minor problems along the way, and the ending is somewhat rushed and anticlimactic. On the whole, however, viewers are less likely to remember the glitches than the clever one-liners, subtle parodies, and effective use of visual effects to integrate aliens into everyday existence. Men in Black's deliciously unconventional spirit lends a refreshing twist to a premise that has fueled numerous conspiracy theory movies and one currently-popular television series.

The chief pleasure of Men in Black isn't being dazzled by the special effects, but enjoying the deadpan performances of Tommy Lee Jones (whose offhand attitude towards the most bizarre events would make Jack Webb proud) and Will Smith. This is a rare case when the multi-million dollar, computer-generated creatures don't upstage their real-life co-stars. Smith and Jones are a fine pair, and the film's focus on them never wavers. However, while the two leads can't complain about screen-time, the supporting players have all been short-changed. Linda Fiorentino, who gets third billing, is vastly underused, appearing only peripherally throughout. Vincent D'Onofrio (as the bad alien's human host) and Rip Torn (as Zed, the leader of the Men in Black) don't fare much better.

A word of caution for those who expect to see Independence Day 2: despite the attempts of certain marketing campaigns to link the two, they're vastly different in scope and intent. Men in Black is an outright comedy (in fact, some of its satire is directed at movies like last year's box office champ), not a pastiche of worn sci-fi/adventure elements, and there's no big space battle to be found. In fact, from the opening credits to the closing ones, our heroes stay firmly rooted on terra firma. Those accepting Men in Black for what it is will likely agree that this is one of 1997's more satisfying big-budget offerings.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
EpicLadySpongeFeb 2, 2016
I present to you... possibly one of the best movies featuring both Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith. You'll pretty much enjoy it the same way as I did and you're going to love it.
0 of 6 users found this helpful06
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7
LoletinAlexisJan 21, 2019
Men in Black is a film that sins of a cliché argument too seen already even in its time, 22 years ago.

Its special effects are mostly lazy, and the aliens do not stand out in the dark, not because of their limited screen time or theirMen in Black is a film that sins of a cliché argument too seen already even in its time, 22 years ago.

Its special effects are mostly lazy, and the aliens do not stand out in the dark, not because of their limited screen time or their uninspired design.

However, it incorporates elements that work well, such as the Men in Black Agency and the protagonists, making this a funny movie.… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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7
JamesdayzMar 22, 2019
This movie was a favorite for a lot of people in the 90's and kids growing up from the 90's as well. The director is already a favorite of mine just because of addams family thank you Barry Sonnenfeld for that one and this one. MIB doesn'tThis movie was a favorite for a lot of people in the 90's and kids growing up from the 90's as well. The director is already a favorite of mine just because of addams family thank you Barry Sonnenfeld for that one and this one. MIB doesn't hit a dark tone like its comic did but out of all that humor you see some very dark speculations like the great attractor and the way they combine certain sightings or weird historical facts that led to nowhere this movie was very good and inspired many after it. The Buddy cop routine was dead wasted by the time MIB showed up but somehow it just worked with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones leading the charge.… Expand
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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9
DerekReideMar 11, 2019
It's fun, hilarious, and refreshing! It has an absolutely peculiar plot and overall weirdness (in a good way) to it. It's the main reason as to why I want to see 'Men in Black: International'.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
PerineumJan 14, 2020
Will and Tommy make a hilarious comedy duo. There is also plenty of action and alien effects.
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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10
HolographicJan 22, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The driver smuggling illegal aliens along a road marked "375" claims to have been "fishing in Cuernavaca." 375 refers to Nevada State Road 375, known as the "Extraterrestrial Highway" for being near Area 51. Cuernavaca is the Mexican city which British ufologist Gordon Creighton claimed a flying saucer had crashed near in 1951 and the saucer's dead aliens thereupon whisked away by the U.S. Air Force with Mexico's alleged cooperation.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
Sosmooth1982Jan 4, 2023
Another favorite movie of mine. Aliens disguised as humans. Mmmmm sounds like real life. This movie is hilarious. I got one question, you ever flashy thing me? Lol!
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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8
perezangelo410Jul 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
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7
[Anonymous]Feb 3, 2006
MIB isn't anything more than it is...lite-headed, sci-fi spoof carried well by two great actors. But if that's all you want, MIB will do the job. Don't be fooled by the image of two guys carrying big guns, as the action's MIB isn't anything more than it is...lite-headed, sci-fi spoof carried well by two great actors. But if that's all you want, MIB will do the job. Don't be fooled by the image of two guys carrying big guns, as the action's not a big priority, and thus isn't impressive. For great alien-blasting action, watch Starship Troopers.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
drlowdonJan 3, 2021
The Men in Black are a highly funded yet, top secret government agency, set up to deal with alien life in the galaxy and on Earth. When the agents discover a deadly plot involving an intergalactic terrorist to mismatched agents must workThe Men in Black are a highly funded yet, top secret government agency, set up to deal with alien life in the galaxy and on Earth. When the agents discover a deadly plot involving an intergalactic terrorist to mismatched agents must work together to present a catastrophe.

Men in Black is without doubt one of the best movies of the 90’s. Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones prove to be a great on screen team and provide plenty of great action, and plenty of laughs. The sequels may have all been a let down, but the original is still a great watch.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
gracjanskiOct 16, 2021
Very entertaining movie with a good and surprising story. The humour was good also. Only Will Smith was a bit annoying with his overcool acting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
KaprawiecDec 7, 2016
My favourite alien comedy. Will Smith is as good as always, the concept is briliant, movie is full of fresh ideas and now a true classic. Highly recomended.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
MovieMasterEddyApr 3, 2016
The recent Pentagon report on aliens at Roswell, N.M., (which tells us there are no aliens) and the release of "Men in Black" (which tells us that the Earth is teeming with the suckers) have come together in some sort of delicious irony.The recent Pentagon report on aliens at Roswell, N.M., (which tells us there are no aliens) and the release of "Men in Black" (which tells us that the Earth is teeming with the suckers) have come together in some sort of delicious irony. Which one do you believe and which one do you laugh at? Whatever your choice, you can be sure of one thing, at least: "Men in Black" pumps much-needed humor into the whole conspiratorial, doom-and-gloom subject. We can finally chuckle at the idea that we’re not alone.

As with director Barry Sonnefeld’s "Addams Family Values," the movie’s completely on the surface. It’s all punch lines and sight gags, with its thematic concerns barely registering on the subatomic scale. If you retain anything after this movie it’ll be because you took dutiful notes or you’re just weird that way.

For 98 soon-to-be-forgotten minutes, you can laugh at the extraterrestrial creatures who seem to have crawled, hopped and slithered out of Tim Burton’s bag (actually, they’re the inventive work of creature-meister Rick Baker and Industrial Light & Magic). Most important, you can enjoy the chemistry between alien-bashers Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, who show up for duty with two different approaches to comedy.

Smith is all sassy attitude, he’s the Fresh Prince turned NYPD cop. And he gets to say his favorite phrase -- "Now that’s what I’m talking about!" -- at least twice. Jones, whose interior is almost as tough as his exterior, grounds his partner’s antics with a dour, sure deadpan. With their dark suits, shades and official just-the-facts demeanor, they suggest the Blues Brothers trying to make it through an episode of "The X Files."

When NYPD detective Smith is recruited by a mysterious government agent known only as K (Jones), he discovers a whole new vocation -- and a brave new world. Thousands of aliens, he learns, are either roving the planet in human disguise or rubbing flippers with each other in a government alien camp straight out of the "Star Wars" bar.

It’s the job of the organization -- the Men in Black agency (MiB) -- to track down these out-of-town scum, capture ’em and book ’em. One of the MiB’s biggest occupational problems is keeping society unaware of its work. (We couldn’t handle such trauma, see.) This means employing a flashing device called a Neuralyzer that erases the memory of anyone who happens to witness an MiB alien bust.

Smith, whose identity is erased and whose agency-given name is now J, is thrown into a mission right away. He and K have to save the world from a malevolent space maggot (in the hilariously loose-fitting human form of Vincent D’Onofrio) who plans to cause the usual, Earth-wide destruction. Their investigations bring them into frequent contact with Laura Weaver (Linda Fiorentino), a deputy medical examiner who’s too smart for her job ("I hate the living," she complains), and who proves very helpful.

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.

"Is it worth it?" asks the soon-to-be J, as he considers working for MiB.

"Yeah, it’s worth it," says K, "if you’re strong enough."

A comment like that suggests J will be emotionally -- as well as physically -- tested. But most of the time, his biggest problem is spattered alien slime. He doesn’t need strength, he needs a good dry cleaner.

On another occasion, K declares that certain familiar innovations (e.g. Velcro, microwave ovens and liposuction) were actually plundered from captured aliens and are used to finance MiB. What a marvelous concept! But the movie never returns to this tip-of-the-iceberg revelation. Mostly, "Men in Black" (scripted by Ed Solomon) is about the laughable and the immediate:

"Your skin is half off your bones," says D’Onofrio’s wife, after the unfortunate human has just been killed and his flesh used for the sinister maggot’s outer shell. The alien yanks and pulls his fleshy face until it’s stretched gruesomely across his face.

"There, that’s better," he growls.

Obviously, making a movie that’s genuinely funny and entertaining is already a great achievement (especially during the summer), but with a little more work, this movie could have been worthy of repeated viewings, a sci-fi gas for the ages. Instead, it’s just the best yuk of the week.… Expand
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6
FilipeNetoFeb 12, 2018
Comedy with disgusting scenes: not recommended for those who ate popcorn.

In this comedy sci-fi movie we went into the parallel world of the MIB, special agents that regulate and supervise the entry, stay and exit of aliens on our planet,Comedy with disgusting scenes: not recommended for those who ate popcorn.

In this comedy sci-fi movie we went into the parallel world of the MIB, special agents that regulate and supervise the entry, stay and exit of aliens on our planet, ensuring that we, humans, never know about it. For this, we follow the early career of Jay (Will Smith again fraternizing with extraterrestrials after "Independence Day"), alongside his senior partner, Kay (Tommy Lee Jones, whom we never see a smile) in an effort to rid the world of a kind of giant cockroach, very upset with humans.

The film is an adaptation of the comics by Lowell Cunningham and can largely satisfy those who read it. Its directed by Barry Sonnenfeld (who has made other comedies starring Will Smith, as "Wild, Wild West") and has Ed Solomon's script. The two protagonists were well up to the challenge and their interpretations were great, with perfectly memorable comic situations. Of course, being a humorous movie, no one expected to see psychologically complex characters but, nevertheless, Jones achieved this effect by showing the most dreamer and something unfortunate side of his character, which was a positive bonus in this film. The correlation between the two actors also looks very good, which helped in the interpretation of their characters. Two equally unforgettable characters are Frank, the talking pug (voiced by Tim Blaney) and the Worm Guys, which arise at some point and are recurring in the comics. The visual and special effects were very well and were effective but didn't wondered or surprised. However, the special effects aren't enough to make a movie. They aren't the movie, right?

Less good points? There are few, less relevant, so we can go over them. The most important or worthy of contraindication may be the existence of some repulsive scenes, with crawling insects, viscous liquids, saliva and things like that bathing the protagonists and, surely, causing vomits in some more suggestible viewers. So, this is a good film to see ... but without consumables.… Expand
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5
clem666May 1, 2021
If the scenario is interesting and promising at the beginning it feels like it truly lacks in depth. 'Men In Black' could have been way more political than it actually is. All this movie does is presenting diverse species of aliens withoutIf the scenario is interesting and promising at the beginning it feels like it truly lacks in depth. 'Men In Black' could have been way more political than it actually is. All this movie does is presenting diverse species of aliens without connecting them to each other, making the lore looking even more superficial than it is. The story totally focuses on K (Tommy Lee Jones) and J (Will Smith) without adding any content but the classic 'You're the new rookie on this job and I'm the badass tired veteran' type of plot.

The acting is really poor as Tommy Lee keeps the same impassive face all along while Will Smith is okay, but still a totally stereotyped character. He can't be anything else than this street childish young man, pretentious and sometimes honestly disrespectful, trying to make his own rules on the tasks he is asked to do.

The movie claims to be a comedy but except for a few scenes that are funny by the turn of events they showcase, no actor appear to be really funny. 'Men In Black' perfectly stays in the between of being childish and aiming to a teenager public. According to me they underestimated the opportunity of crafting a marvelous universe by giving more place to aliens rather than to focus on a human paranormal organization. There are a impressive and numerous amount of incoherent scenes covering the stupidity of some of the characters' acts. The villain of the movie is disgusting as they tried to make him the most repelling they could to underline his badness. The climax is very predictable and as boring as unsurprising. The only moment it could have been more emtional is when K makes his special demand to J at the end but the movie regrettably fails at making it a great scene between all of these other so-called funny ones.… Expand
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8
liamexeApr 18, 2023
Really, the story could have been better. I appreciate the originality, though. And not just in terms of technology. The difference is that it doesn't appear as though there will be another following this one. as though just that film wasReally, the story could have been better. I appreciate the originality, though. And not just in terms of technology. The difference is that it doesn't appear as though there will be another following this one. as though just that film was involved. But I'm so glad that MIB 2 exists. I adore movies, therefore it goes without saying that this is still one of my favourites.… Expand
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10
GiugiOct 2, 2022
Beautiful and hilarious science fiction movie with lots of little pearls that make it an unforgettable film.
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