One of the good summer blockbusters

Rating: 7/10 (13 September 2010)

I remember when I was taken along by a friend to see Men In Black on original release, I did not expect to enjoy it very much. I had the misfortune of being taken along by the same friend to see Independence Day, a film that truly appalled me. I just couldn't help but think that this new Will Smith sci-fi blockbuster was going to be as annoying. But being the good friend I was, I accompanied him, albeit with admittedly little enthusiasm. Imagine my surprise when I had a really good time in the company of the Men In Black. Mainly this was because the jokes worked. The story about the evil aliens was strictly forgettable; it was the chemistry between the two leads and the various funny moments that made the film. I guess it's an example of what a summer blockbuster should be, i.e. it might be effects-laden but at least they are used inventively and at the heart of it all there's something genuinely amusing that doesn't take itself very seriously. I'm not exactly the world's greatest fan of these kinds of movies but the Men In Black was a pleasant surprise. And, that's it.