Movie Review: Men in Black International (2019)

Men in Black International is fun, funny, and predictable. It's a light summer movie that invites viewers to relax and enjoy the ride with its two charismatic leads and entertaining supporting characters. Overall, it recalls the zaniness of the first MiB, and a sequel would be welcome!

MiB International follows the first adventures of senior agent H (Chris Hemsworth) and probationary agent H (Tessa Thompson), whose initial mission together leads to encounters with all sorts of aliens: fearsome ones, adorable ones, and of course, those bent on the subjugation/destruction of the known universe, the usual. Along the way, ridiculously awesome weapons are used, transportation choices always serve hyperspeed realness, honey, and witty banter flies back and forth almost nonstop.

While the plot is uncomplicated--an important otherworlder gives the Men in Black a mysterious item that will save their world--the background and the journey towards its resolution are enjoyable. This is an origin story of sorts for Agent H, who has spent most of her life looking for the agency and is rewarded with recruitment, in a delightful scene with Agent O (the incomparable Emma Thompson). She is assigned to the London office, where O suspects something is wrong. Agent High T (Liam Neeson), head of said office, welcomes M with open arms, while H charms the ladies and butts heads with the uptight Agent C (Rafe Spall). When M finagles herself into backing up H on a routine assignment, poop hits the fan, and the two agents must learn to trust each other and work together!

Like I said, the movie is very predictable. For instance, the real sikrot villain is telegraphed, and Chekhov's guns abound. However, there are moments of genuine unexpected pleasure, such as the existence of Pawny (Kumail Nanjiani), and the fight scenes with Riza (Rebecca Ferguson). In any case, predictability does not detract from MiB International's entertainment value. It's a story with new characters treading well-worn narrative grooves, so it's fortunate that Agents H and M have terrific chemistry and exchange lines with easy familiarity. (This is Hemsworth and Thompson's third time onscreen together.)

In conclusion, Men in Black International is a consummate summer movie: bright, bubbly, and goes down smooth. Its main themes--friendship, trust, knowing yourself--are well delivered, the special effects blend seamlessly into the scenes, and the soundtrack is fire. Best of all, it's self-aware of its attempts at wokeness, and it passes the Bechdel test! More, please!

TL;DR: Recommended for those who like fun and laughter!

---

This post brought to you by tea!