By a round of hands who here was asking for a 3rd MIB?
Hmmm…. no one? Here I thought it’s been over 10 years since MIB II, surely someone has been clamoring for more Will Smith? Still nothing?
Ya me neither.
That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate the effort, there are plenty of instances where I was given something that I had never asked for. Socks for Christmas, as an example. But much like those that gift socks on Christmas, giving us another MIB is really just Hollywood trying to go through the motions since it doesn’t have the imagination to give anything new or refreshing. It’s been over 15 (!!) years since the original MIB launched, and while it was pretty awesome for its time (that could be the nostalgia talking) – I think it should belong there. Sure Smith and Jones slip back into the roles quite comfortably, but I’ve always preferred Jones’ stiff delivery to Smith’s over-enthusiasm. It’s too bad that Jones isn’t in the movie that much, but there is a (redeeming) catch.
Spoiler Alert: Smith needs to go back in time and ends up working along side a circa 1969 Agent K. Here’s where the real gem of the movie lies; Josh Brolin (No Country For Old Men, Milk) is amazing. His uncanny delivery of Jones’ dry humor, and mirror image mannerisms save what would otherwise be a by the numbers sequel. Really, if you are going to see the movie – Brolin would be my “A Number 1 Duke of New York” reason for doing so. Seriously. Brolin.
The antagonist of Boris the Animal is played by Jermaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords). I think they missed an opportunity by making him try and be overtly badass, versus allowing more of his natural humor to slip out. His casting in that role was puzzling at best. I also spent the first half of the movie trying to decide if the person under all the Rick Baker make-up effects was Tim Curry or Eddie Izzard – he wasn’t even on my radar.
The rest of the film was classic MIB with good special effects (even if some did appear a bit rubbery) and solid humor. But despite the fact I do think it’s better than the 2nd film, I still feel that it’s an answer to a question no one was asking. I hope you’re still thinking of a question that fits, as the 4th film has already been greenlit.
Just what we always wanted… more socks.
