First rate sci-fi comedy

Rating: Null/10 (15 August 2011)

Men In Black, adapted from a relatively low-profile comic, works perfectly in almost every way.
It tells of how gung-ho policeman Will Smith is recruited by cynical, weary Tommy Lee Jones to join the select band of top secret operatives who are tasked with the job of maintaining public order over the large number of aliens who, unbeknownst to the general public, live on earth.
These two parts perfectly suit Smith's and Jones' screen personae, but they also enjoy sterling support from Linda Fiorentino, Rip Torn, Tony Shalhoub and, especially, Vincent D'Onofrio, not normally known for his comedy chops, in a performance which is screamingly funny.
But equally impressive are the host of aliens, good, bad or just plain everyday going about their business, who populate this world. And the special effects, both physical and visual, are terrific.
The film works well both as comedy and as science fiction.