1997's "Men in Black" is a fast, fun Sci-Fi action-comedy that remains a blast to watch even 15 years later!

Rating: 9/10 (3 December 2013)

Ah, the 90's. A decade that started with the dying gasps of the 1980's, before becoming its own beast entirely. This is perfectly reflected in its media and film. In particular, the absolutely fun, fast and funny action-packed Sci-Fi comedy "Men in Black", directed by stylish filmmaker Barry Sonnenfeld (from a script by Ed Solomon) and starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith.
Smith stars as James Edwards, an NYPD officer who uncovers a strange and possibly extra-terrestrial threat one night while chasing down a perp on the streets. Impressed with James' feat of chasing down an alien on foot, an enigmatic and mysterious agent known only as "Agent K" (Tommy Lee Jones) recruits Edwards into the super-secretive agency known as the "Men in Black" (or "MIB")- a group of men and women who monitor, evaluate and police alien life on the planet Earth. Though the two men of different generations and personalities clash at first (in a way reminiscent of many buddy-comedies), they are forced to work together to stop an insect-like creature (portrayed by Vincent D'Onofio), who is seeking a mysterious artifact trapped on Earth, in a plot which could lead to the destruction of the planet.
This is one of those perfect storms of a talented cast with great chemistry, a good script that flows at just the right pace, fantastic production qualities and a fine director to bring it all together. It's an absolute joy to watch even now, 15 years later.
Smith and Jones are perfect in their roles: Smith as an eager, loud, almost brash young man who is unconventional by the standards of most establishments, and Jones as a semi-weary older, grumpier father-like figure trying to train younger partner. They work together with an amazing chemistry and come off as one of the most likable pairings in recent cinematic history. And their back-and-forth does provide fodder for many great jokes. D'Onofrio is a lot of fun as a slightly over- the-top villain who has stolen the skin of a farmer, which he wears like a suit, causing all sorts of fun physical gags and eccentricities. Rip Torn as the head of MIB is silly fun. And supporting roles by the likes of Linda Fiorentino, Tony Shalhoub and a voice-over role by "Johnny 5" himself, Tim Blaney, are perfect.
The script by Ed Solomon is a lot of fun. He is able to find a happy balance between character development, action, comedic bits and the more broad Sci-Fi elements. It's an admirable script (especially compared to some of his past work), and while it may not do anything too daring, it's very solid and tightly constructed.
Sonnenfeld's direction is top-notch. The visual style he built in films such as the two "Addams Family" flicks and his own quirky sense of humor are allowed to run wild. Sonnenfeld creates a great quirky, fun yet still slightly serious atmosphere that works perfectly in a film such as this. He was the ideal man for the job, and I don't think there is any other director who could have quite handled this film with as much class as he did.
The rest of the production, including some amazing visual effects and awe-inspiring creatures created by Rick Baker. Set and costume design is top-notch. Danny Elfman's score is an absolute funky blast of memorable themes and fun action beats. This is an astonishingly well put-together film.
The only real complaint I have is that the film does feel very basic at times in terms of structure. (And evidently it was subject to some big editing in post production to simplify the story) And a part of me does wish it took more chances with its material and premise.
But regardless, the acting is great, the production incredible and the storytelling first class. I can't complain too much because everything is so well-done. (Although the first sequel is definitely a film I will complain about in a later review)
"Men in Black" gets a 9 out of 10. If you haven't seen it... see it now!