Movie Breakdown: Men In Black: International

Pre-Screening Stance:

I certainly want Men In Black: International to be good, but I haven’t really come across much that indicates it will actually be worth seeing.  Maybe it’s just one of those rare times where the trailers haven’t given away all the best parts?  Fingers crossed.

Post-Screening Ramble:

I didn’t hate Men In Black: International, but I can’t say that I liked it either.  Director F. Gary Gray went into this with plenty to work with – a franchise with an inherently fun premise and a cast that includes Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Emma Thompmson, Liam Neeson and Rebecca Ferguson – and yet what he churned out is a flat, largely uninteresting film.  Now, I don’t think this is entirely his fault, as the script (from Matt Holloway and Art Marcum) is pretty weak and full of things you’ve already seen in previous entries (a new agent, a world-ending weapon, etc.), but he generally does nothing with what he does have and the result is a film that’s pretty much a slog to get through.  I did enjoy Nanjiani as the tiny sidekick Pawny and Hemsworth/Thompson do look like they’re trying to have some fun, but overall it’s just not enough to overcome a nonsensical plot (something about a mole in MIB), poor pacing, one dimensional characters and a surprising lack of aliens.

I can’t advise that you see Men In Black: International at a theater.  It’s not so much that the film is awful, it’s more that it’s just wholly uninspired and not worth the cost of admission.  One day though you’re going to catch it on some streaming service and my guess is that you won’t loathe it.

One Last Thought:

One of the few scenes in this film that got a real laugh out of me involves Chris Hemsworth and a hammer.  The man will forever be Thor, no matter the movie.