I really don't know many people. I'm just not a very big people person. Even in that small group I do hold close, I suspect three of them were not original occupants of this planet. In fact, one of them I'm positive of. Leave it to Hollywood to prove my theories correct with "Men In Black."
James Edwards (Will Smith) is your typical New York City police officer until he chases down a criminal with gills for eyelids. The only person who believes him is a man only known as Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones). Now a member of the very exclusive group known as the "Men In Black," Edwards (now referred to as Agent J) must find an item before an Arquillian battle cruiser rains down death rays on Earth from space.
Will Smith is funny. That's not even remotely debatable. He does a great job here, totally convincing in a role almost tailor made for him, but it's Tommy Lee Jones taking over the movie as the more experienced of the two. His monotone performance and expressionless face remain the same throughout the movie and it just never gets old. This movie wouldn't be anywhere near as entertaining if it wasn't for him.
Surprisingly, the aliens are not really the focus of the movie. Sure they get a lot of screen time, but the pacing makes sure not to throw everything at the viewer early. It makes sure the audience can suspend disbelief and get into the film slowly, much like Will Smith's unconvinced character.
When the otherworldly creatures are on screen, they come to life via a variety of techniques from men in suits, CGI, to animatronics. There isn't a botched effects shot in the film and the designs are wildly original. With the exception of "Star Wars," no other film has ever had such a wild variety of completely unique alien life.
Once you add all of that to a great soundtrack by Danny Elfman, you know this one was huge success, the highest grossing movie for the studio at that point in fact (and it may still be). This is simply just a fast, funny, and hugely entertaining horror comedy in the same vein as "Ghostbusters." You can't go wrong here. (**** out of *****)
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