Saving the future back in time

Rating: 7/10 (31 January 2018)

Love the first 'Men in Black', still find it an immensely entertaining film with lots of fun, thrills and excitement. Was far less taken with the second film, it was not that awful to me but it wasn't great.
While not as great as the first film (a tall order), 'Men in Black 3' from personal opinion, and most others, improves quite a bit on the second film. Could it have been better? Yes it could, and it's far from perfect, nothing done truly terribly but there are elements that come up short. But considering as expectations were not exactly high watching the film, with the worry that despite the appetising cast, that it would be one of those sequel too far films, 'Men in Black 3' was better than expected.
The script is hit and miss, there is some fun and witty humour but also elements that feel long-winded and stale. The time travel elements of the story sees some sloppy logic inconstancies, and while emotional the ending felt rushed to me.
As talented an actress Emma Thompson is she is wasted here in a far too brief role that she doesn't look completely comfortable in. Alice Eve is pretty bland.
However, 'Men in Black 3' is a good-looking, slickly photographed film with imaginative production design and make up and polished effects. The music is suitably adrenaline pumping and atmospheric while Barry Sonnenfeld directs in a way highly suggestive of him remembering what made the first film click so well.
Generally 'Men in Black 3' is spirited in pace, while having a mix of funny, witty jokes and emotional heart and a story that, while thin structurally and not the most original, has well choreographed action (the time jump is spectacular), fun escapism and charming buddy film elements.
Will Smith oozes cool charisma, while Tommy Lee Jones (despite being underused) is suitably curmudgeonly. Jemaine Clement is a menacing and enjoyable mix of the sinister and the camp, while Michael Stulbarg's Griffin is flesh crawling. Stealing the film is the revelation that is Josh Brolin.
In summary, pretty good third instalment, not top form but hardly bottom of the barrel. 7/10 Bethany Cox