Film Review: Men in Black 2

The men in black are, er, back

Back again to protect the earth from the scum of the universe are agent J and agent K (Messrs. Smith and Jones respectively). The science fiction odd couple are on the trail of a nasty, but seductive medusa like alien Seerlena (Lara Flynn Boyle), who threatens the existence of earth.

MIB it may be but really it is MOTS (More Of The Same). A thin plot, plenty of wacky aliens, some cool posing, and a hatful of clever one liners. Nice work if you can get it and not a bad way to spend an evening. However there is no escaping the fact that the men in black are pale shadows of their former selves. Jones is jaded while Smith fails to sparkle and is given little opportunity to, by a patchy script.

Linda Fiorentino who ended up as agent L at the end of the first film is sadly missing, leaving Smith and Jones to carry the film. Director Barry Sonenfield goes back to the original characters but fails to inject any originality into the sequel.

Expensive but harmless fun, especially useful for keeping the children entertained for a few hours Men in Back is a major disappointment that does not live long in the memory. In fact, I wish someone would flash a light in front of me, and make me forget the whole thing.

Kevin Smith