Film review: Men in Black III (3 out of 5 stars)

Director: Barry Sonnenfeld

Starring: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Jemaine Clement

THE Men in Black concept was a great idea when it started, faltered somewhat in its sequel but is back in pretty good shape for this third outing.

You pretty much know what to expect from Will Smith and he’s in fine form as Agent J.

In fact, with a cast that also boasts Tommy Lee Smith, Josh Brolin and Emma Thompson, that aspect of the movie isn’t going to be in doubt.

However, the comic element is a bit lacking, with some of the jokes so subtle they can easily pass you by.

You have to be very aware in one scene that ‘aliens’ the organsisation are investigating are famous people (eg I think I saw David Beckham’s face).

The plot sees alien Boris the Animal (Clement - half of musical comedy duo The Flight of the Conchords) going back in time to 1969 to kill Agent K (Jones) which will set off a sequence of events, ending in the Earth being taken over.

Smith also time travels to prevent this happening and meets the young Agent K (Brolin).

Of course, 69 was a very different time as far as race relations were concerned and the whole issue is handled quite well, albeit briefly.

The action sequences are full-on and especially in the IMAX screen the 3D is impressive.

The ending at Cape Canaveral with the moon rocket launch is particularly good.

Overall, it’s an entertaining way to spend 102 minutes, but you won’t need to think too hard.

Steve Payne

Screening courtesy of Cineworld Crawley