Men in Black (1997)

Directed by: Barry Sonnenfeld | 98 minutes | action, comedy, science fiction | Actors: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub, Siobhan Fallon, Mike Nussbaum, John Gries, Sergio Caldéron, Carel Struyken, Fredric Lane, Richard Hamilton, Kent Faulcon, John Alexander

‘Men in Black’ may have become a bit of a victim of its own reputation and hype, overshadowed by Will Smith’s megahit and its associations with a Hollywood blockbuster. Because although there are certainly nice effects and big(r) action moments in the film, it is not really a standard blockbuster or action spectacle. Those who go to watch ‘Men in Black’ with this expectation may be slightly disappointed and disappointed. And that would be a shame, because ‘Men in Black’ is a funny, casual movie with great cast members and a charming retro science fiction atmosphere.

The fact of government officials trying to hide or disguise the (political) truth from the public is, of course, often a harrowing reality in the United States (and many other countries) and it is interesting that it plays a low role in the film, but ‘Men in Black’ is above all an unpretentious comedy with funny special effects: the film should not be seen as a social criticism. ‘Men in Black’ is a bit of the same as ‘Mars Attacks’ with its nod to the pulpy sf movies of the fifties and sixties, but generally works better than this somewhat chaotic, star-packed film by Tim Burton .

The success of ‘Men in Black’ is almost entirely due to the perfect comedy duo Jones and Smith. The rigid, cynical old hand “K” (Tommy Lee Jones) and his young, naive, but also wise and fanatical partner “J” (Will Smith), have an infectious chemistry together and effortlessly take the willing viewer on their incredible adventures. . K and J’s confrontations with the most diverse and bizarre creatures are often so hilarious because of their dry observations and fun interactions. Such as when meeting a trader who can always grow a new head or when they have to cut down an oversized cockroach.

But the supporting actors also contribute, such as the sarcastic yet charming coroner Linda Fiorentino and the convincing make-up alien Vincent D’Onofrio, whose skin is very loosely around his head and who moves jerkily and has trouble getting out of his chair. words to come. Tension and really great spectacle are actually not present, but the light-hearted atmosphere of the film is very contagious, and combined with some fun action and creative special effects, this makes ‘Men in Black’ a great popcorn film.