MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL (2019) Review
Directed by F. Gary Gray
Here comes the Men (and Women) in Black, galaxy defenders.
The fourth installment of the out-of-this-world franchise doesn’t feel new storywise but it’s entertaining and fun enough that the audience would smile after watching the film.
If I were asked which installment I liked the best? I’d probably say the third one. Because there’s a surprising emotional punch at the end of that film that made it more than just a popcorn flick. That emotional punch is lacking in this sequel. Men in Black: International goes back to building a buddy action comedy movie, introducing its new lead characters Agents H and M.
Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson’s chemistry is already a sure ball because of Thor: Ragnarok. The two are obviously energetic and fun to watch. And adding new villains to the franchise is somewhat exciting as well. But it all follows a certain formula that is too predictable the twists and turns isn’t helping the film’s climax to be out-of-this-world enough.
I’m not sure if we really need another Men in Black movie, International is far from being a solid blockbuster movie, but it is a welcome addition. I kind of miss franchise, the world it introduced 22 years ago. And though Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones aren’t back, Hemsworth and Thompson are definitely worthy to be the frontliners of possible new installments to come.
3 OUT OF 5 STARS
‘Men in Black: International’ is now showing in cinemas nationwide from Columbia Pictures. Rated PG by the MTRCB.