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Men In Black II [2002]
from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
starring Tommy Lee Jones|Will Smith
directed by Barry Sonnenfeld

Features:

• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

An exercise in by-numbers sequel-craft, Men in Black II reheats the mix that made a hit of Men in Black but leaves the ingredients in the oven a little too long. Returning director Barry Sonnenfeld throws all the pieces up in the air and has them come down more or less in the same way. An evil alien takes the form of lingerie model Lara Flynn Boyle, when it isn't a large ball of snakes, and searches the Earth for a mysterious whatsit that can turn the tide of a galactic war. The only person who knows the current whereabouts of the Light of Zartha is Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), whose memory was wiped at the end of the first film. Agent Jay (Will Smith) has to recruit his old mentor away from his new job at the post office--where he amusingly deals with spilled cups of coffee in exactly the way he used to handle interstellar crises--then proceeds to run around until he remembers how the plot works.

It's the sort of sequel that assumes walk-on-gag characters, who got a laugh last time round, deserve to be brought back and given bigger roles, which means the talking dog and cigarette-fiend worms show up again and wear out their welcome. Smith, a bigger star now than he was in MiB, unhappily has to play straight leading man rather than whacky sidekick, and his end credits rapping hasn't improved either. Its acceptable in-flight entertainment (and miles better than the Smith-Sonnenfeld Wild Wild West), but nothing here hasn't been done before and better. --Kim Newman

On the DVD: Men in Black II boasts a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer that positively jumps out of the screen, while the Dolby Digital soundtrack hums with alien activity and Danny Elfman's classic spy film-inspired score. Disc 1 contains the film, "Frank's Favourites" (a selection of trailers for both films and videogames), a commentary from director Barry Sonnenfeld and "Alien Broadcast" (an in-movie feature that allows you to stop the film and watch a making-of feature connected with that scene). Disc 2 is packed full with a pick and mix of featurettes, detailing everything from the distinctive aliens to sound and audio looping. There is also an expansive outtake reel (most of which consists of Will Smith cracking up and Tommy Lee Jones getting annoyed), a somewhat highbrow but nonetheless entertaining documentary about Barry Sonnenfeld's comedy style, plus multi-angle scene deconstructions such as the subway worm and car chase. An alternative ending and Will Smith's music video and filmographies complete this expansive special edition. --Kristen Bowditch

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 3.0 / 5.0

• It's not clever and it's not funny
  I don't mind them making a cash-in sequel to the witty and fun "MIB", but they could at least make it funny. MIB II is a complete flop. It is dull, tedious and totally unfunny. The clever wit and charisma of the first film are gone. Everyone is just going through the motions. You sit there hoping it will liven up when Tommy Lee Jones enters the film (it takes 40 minutes for him to arrive. It does lighten up a bit, but not enough to make the film worthwhile. Avoid.

• Comes down to Earth with a thud.
  Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones return as the 'comedy' duo for special alien service 'The Men in Black' where Agent Jay must recover the light of Zartha and Agent Kay's memory.
  Their quick wit, humorous relationship and sharp tongues got them recognised in the first film as a comedy duo not to be messed with. However in this sequel they unfortunately can't pull off the charisma they carried so well in the first and are easily pushed aside, are unfunny and my respect for two of the greatest actors of all... more info

• If you like MIB give this one a go
  It's a good action packed film with the same humour in it. Great action scenes are plentiful and enjoyable.
  Yes it isn't as good as the first one but the film is still enjoyable and worth owning and watching. It's a great DVD to have in your collection and I am sure you won't be dissapointed with this film as it is a great action packed film staring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones.
  

• Why did they come back?
  I'm not a big fan of the Sci-Fi genre because it always seems over-exaggerated but I did enjoy the first `Men in Black' which had great comedy and interesting concepts, and when I sat down to watch this sequel I was thinking if the first really was that interesting, because its sequel is atrocious and in no way compares to the first.
  Smith and Jones are `back in black' and are once again hot on the trial of aliens in this poor follow up. The partnership which appeared rock solid and under control with... more info

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