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Men In Black II [2002]
![Men In Black II [2002]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51TFMNEFN0L._SL160_.jpg)
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 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen Dolby Digital 5.1 Subtitles: Dutch, English (Hard of Hearing) Disc 1: Director Barry Sonnenfeld's Commentary Alien Broadcast Alien Escape PS2 Game Promo The Chubb Chubbs' Short Film Men in Black Training Video Theatrical Trailers Disc 2: Alternative Ending Blooper Reel Exclusive Featurettes -- Take 2: Looping MIB II Animatics Montage: Serleena Arrives Rick Baker: Alien Maker Cosmic Symphonies: Elfman in Space Design in Motion: The Look of MIB II Squish, Splash, Sploosh: The Stellar Sounds of MIB II Creature Featurettes -- Alien Esoterica Frank the Pug - Jarra - Jeebs - Jeff the Worm - Scrad/Charlie - Serleena - The Worm Guys Barry Sonnenfeld's Intergalactic Guide to Comedy Will Smith "Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head)" Music Video Five Multi-Angle Scene Deconstructions Theatrical One-Sheets Photo Gallery Filmographies DVD-ROM features: MIIB Crossfire Intergalactic Game Demo, Screen Saver, Concept Designs, MIIB Script Weblinks
RRP: £24.99
Our Price: £0.48 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk 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.
Editorial
Special Features
Editorial
Synopsis
Reuniting director Barry Sonnenfeld with most of the original film's cast, MEN IN BLACK II picks up with alien-monitoring secret agent Jay (Will Smith) in a rut. Weary of the isolated life of an MIB operative, Jay continually fires new partners until MIB director Zed (Rip Torn) teams him up with the talkative pug Frank (voiced by Tim Blaney). Together they investigate an "alien-on-alien" murder witnessed by the lovely Rita (Rosario Dawson), who Jay immediately falls for. The case eventually leads Jay and Frank to track down agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), who now works at a rural post office, completely unaware of his former life. Unfortunately, it's what Kay can't remember that may save the world from destruction at the hands of the shape-shifting alien Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle). As Jay attempts to jog the memory of the reluctant Kay, Serleena takes over MIB headquarters, building up to a big New York City showdown.
A fast-paced follow-up to the 1997 sci-fi comedy, MEN IN BLACK II sticks to its guns, offering up more action, aliens, and intergalactic weirdness. This time around Smith and characters such as Frank and the wisecracking worms are the focus, although Jones makes the most out of his screen time with his deadpan persona thoroughly intact. And, as with the first movie, MIB II features plenty of enjoyable scenes, including an underground romp involving a subway-sized alien and Frank the Dog's head-out-of-the-car-window rendition of "I Will Survive."
It's not clever and it's not funny
Review date: 2007-07-14 Rating: 4 out of 10
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.
Similar Products
- Men In Black Collector's Edition (1997)
- Independence Day [1996]
- I Robot - Single Disc Edition [2004]
- Wild Wild West (widescreen version) [1999]
- Hitch [2005]
Reviews
Comes down to Earth with a thud.
Review date: 2007-05-20 Rating: 4 out of 10
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 time was diminished.
Predictability and over exaggeration are words in the dictionary and if you look them up you may find 'Men in Black II' listed. As a comedy genre you always expect jokes in every scene and there are but they are really unfunny and it's such a shame to see the talents, especially of Smith, wasted.
His character is up to his usual tricks with romance and ass kicking attitude running riot around the streets of America. But his overall act as Agent Jay appears shallow and uncomfortable, contrasting his role in the first.
The character of Agent K has also changed from the first with Jones portraying a more bored and unenthusiastic character.
Will Smith has this knack of letting us down when it comes to sequels.Bad Boys was great, Bad Boys II not really. Men in Black was ground breaking; this one comes down to Earth with a thud.
If you like MIB give this one a go
Review date: 2007-01-30 Rating: 8 out of 10
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?
Review date: 2006-08-23 Rating: 4 out of 10
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 humorous dialogue in the first film was unfortunately diminished here as EVERY SINGLE joke is predictable and usually unfunny although Smith has his moments.
For me personally it is a shame to see Smith acting this way because I admire him but to star in this film downgrades his persona as he can't pull off his charm and charisma which he had in other films such as `Hitch' and `Independence Day' Jones to can't pull off the cool character that was portrayed in the 1997 box office hit `Men In Black'
The film is easy enough to understand but the whole plot about `The Light of Zartha' is exaggerated and sometimes completely blown out of believability.
The reason the story didn't work because it was not convincing of the genre. We have all the typical aliens as you expect, which was also blown out of proportion with graphics instead of story trying to win audience's votes. Almost all of the incidents happening are coincidental and unrealistic with audiences expecting more of a challenge for the characters instead of them `coincidentally' stumbling across their actions.
The story should have been fast flowing and energetic like the first but never came close with too much dialogue happening and not much action when required. When dialogue is required however it never is. The action scenes too are exaggerated and can never convince me.
There have been rumours about a third but after seeing this I know its wise to let the series finish.
Don't watch it
Back in black
Review date: 2005-10-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
MIB2 is a thoroughly enjoyable film that is perfect for passing some time. It's short at just 84 minutes but some films that are unnecessarily long can outstay their welcome. MIB2 is short and straight to the point and that's what I like about it. The action and special effects are ok without being too extraordinary (very comic book style) but it is the humour that really hits the spot - I laughed out loud on many occasions. MIB2 comes on two discs and is packed full of extras making it excellent value for money - loads of features, a short (and funny) animated film, Will Smith's "Black Suits Coming" music video and so much more. I recommend this DVD very highly for pure entertainment.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Tommy Lee Jones|Will Smith
Creators:
Tommy Lee Jones|Will Smith (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment
EAN: 5035822271838
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: PAL, Widescreen,
Release date: 2003-01-27
Number of discs: 2
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 84 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2002-07-03
Language: English (Subtitles For The Hearing Impaired)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: English (Subtitled)
Language: English (Original Language)