Complete Letdown

Rating: 4/10 (2 August 2002)

The original MIB was fresh, funny, and exceptionally original. This lazy follow-up to the 1997 blockbuster tries so hard to repeat the feel of the first film that the creators seem to have thrown all originality out the window. Part one was full of surprises in each scene, and the chemistry between Jones and Smith was electric. Now it feels like all of the same jokes once more and the two leads sleepwalk for the entirety of the 80 or so minutes run time. Maybe they feel that they've done it all before? The villains are totally forgettable, and the talking pug Frank (while entertaining for a scene in MIB1) wears thin after a few moments of screen time. Elfman's fun score is merely rehashed and uninspired. The only truly amusing scene had to be the cameo with Barry Sonnenfeld himself (which I won't spoil).
MIB2 isn't a terrible film, but is not a good one either. This is all so unfortunate, as the premise of the MIB has so much potential for a long running franchise. Assuming that a MIB3 is in the future, hopefully the screenwriters will dream up something original and fresh once more. In the meantime, if you're looking for a good Sci-Fi comedy pick up the original or the excellent Galaxy Quest.