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| MEN
IN BLACK II
Perhaps the most important question Agents
J and K struggle with is "Are we alone?" and "Is there anyone else
out there?" Agent J tells us towards the beginning of the film that
he wonders if he really makes a difference in the world. Sure, he
saves the planet from destruction on a regular basis, but no one
remembers, due to deneuralization. He walks down the street and
no one knows him, no connections. His life feels empty.
Review by Mike Furches and Will Lawrence Thompson |
(2002)
This page was created on July 2, 2002
This page was last updated on
August 21, 2003
Review -click here
Trailers, Photos -click here
Spiritual Connections -click
here
Forum -click
here
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| CREDITS |
| Directed
by
Barry Sonnenfeld
Writing
credits (WGA)
Comic Book: Lowell Cunningham
Story by Robert Gordon
Screenplay by Robert Gordon and Barry Fanaro
Tommy Lee Jones .... Kevin Brown/MiB Agent K (Kay)
Will Smith .... MiB Agent J (Jay)
Rip Torn .... MiB Chief Z (Zed)
Rosario Dawson .... Rita
Patrick Warburton .... MiB Agent T (Tee)
rest of cast listed alphabetically
Brad Abrell .... Mannix (voice)
Lara Flynn Boyle .... Serleena
Paige Brooks .... Laranna, Queen of the Universe
Nick Cannon .... Autopsy Agent
David Cross .... Newton
Darrell Foster .... Autopsy Agent
Jeremy Howard .... Birdman, Smoking Postal Alien
Michael Jackson .... Undercover alien intelligence officer (uncredited)
Linda Kim .... Lauranna
Johnny Knoxville .... Scard/Charlie
Biz Markie .... Beat Box Alien
Bart Mixon .... Alien Puppeteer
Michael Rivkin .... Man with dog
Tony Shalhoub .... Jeebs
Michael Bailey Smith .... Creepy
Mary Stein .... Birdlady Alien
Produced by
Stephanie Kemp .... associate producer
Laurie MacDonald .... producer
Walter F. Parkes .... producer
Steven Spielberg .... executive producer
Original music by Danny Elfman
Song by Will Smith
Cinematography byGreg Gardiner
Film Editing by Richard Pearson and Steven Weisberg
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some provocative
humor
For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM,
and MPAA.ORG.
Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG
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| TRAILERS
AND CLIPS |
| |
| CD
SOUNDTRACK |
 MIB2
- Men in Black II: Music From the Motion Picture
Danny Elfman, Will Smith
1. Worm Lounge #1 (Worms In Black) - Danny Elfman
2. Logo - Danny Elfman
3. Titles - Danny Elfman
4. Big Jeff - Danny Elfman
5. Headquarters - Danny Elfman
6. Chop-Chop - Danny Elfman
7. Heart Thump - Danny Elfman
8. Customs - Danny Elfman
9. Hunting for K - Danny Elfman
10. J Nabbed / K's Back - Danny Elfman
11. The Real Story - Danny Elfman
12. Sleuthing - Danny Elfman
13. The Defense Begins - Danny Elfman
14. The Chase - Danny Elfman
15. The Light - Danny Elfman
16. The Finale - Danny Elfman
17. Worm Lounge #2 - Danny Elfman
18. Titles Revisited - Danny Elfman
19. I Will Survive - Tim Blaney
20. Black Suits Comin' (Nod Ya Head) - Will Smith
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| POSTERS |
Men In Black - With Guns
26 in x 36 in
Buy This Poster plain, or
Framed | Mounted |
Men in Black
22 in x 35 in
Buy This Poster plain, or
Framed | Mounted |
| PHOTOS |
Tommy Lee Jones Will Smith in Men in Black 2
8 in x 10 in
Buy This Photo plain, or
Framed | Mounted |
Tommy Lee Jones Will Smith in Men in Black
8 in x 10 in
Buy This Photo plain, or
Framed | Mounted |
|
|
| BOOKS |
|  Men
in Black II: Back in Black
by Z. L. Katz
Agent Jay has had a lot of partners, but only one knew how to defeat
evil alien Serleena. Too bad Agent Kay's memory was erased! Can
Jay convince Kay to come back to the Men in Black and save the world?
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|  Inside
Men in Black II
by Brad Munson
Agents J and K are back, as a new alien menace threatens to destroy
the planet—and it’s up to the Men in Black to save the
day. This super-secret organization tracks every extraterrestrial
currently living on Earth, from Elvis to Tiger Woods. But when an
evil, voracious alien lands in Central Park with plans to obliterate
the human race, it will take the top MIB agents to avert catastrophe.
• Exclusive interviews with members of the cast and crew
• Top-secret conceptual art and special effect wizardry
• Candid anecdotes revealing the secrets of the MIB
• Dozens of declassified photographs
• The complete shooting script
Inside Men in Black II brings to life all the frenzy and excitement,
thrills and craftsmanship behind the creation of this Columbia Tristar
megahit. For fans of filmmaking and friends of MIB, this book is
a must!
About
the Author
Brad Munson has written nonfiction, fiction, and screenplays for
more than twenty years. His first novel, The Mad Throne, was published
in 1978, and his screenplays include Dirty Laundry and Sunset Strip.
A regular contributor to Cinefex magazine, Brad has worked in radio,
comics, and publishing. He lives in Pasadena, California, with his
wife and three daughters.
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| AVAILABILITY
ON VIDEO AND DVD |
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AVAILABILITY AND PRICING OF THIS MOVIE ON VIDEO OR DVD.
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|
|
| SYNOPSIS
Same
Planet. New Scum.
|
 In
"Men In Black 2," Kay (Jones) and Jay (Smith) reunite to
provide our best, last and only line of defense against a sinister
seductress who levels the toughest challenge yet to the MIBs untarnished
mission statement: protecting the earth from the scum of the universe.
It's
been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic
disaster of epic proportions. Kay has since returned to the comforts
of civilian life while Jay continues to work for the Men In Black,
the highly funded yet unofficial government agency that regulates
all things alien on earth.
While
investigating a seemingly routine crime, Jay uncovers a diabolical
plot masterminded by Serleena (Boyle), an evil Kylothian monster
who disguises herself as a sexy lingerie model. When Serleena takes
the entire MIB building hostage, there is only one person left Jay
can turn to-his former MIB partner who is now a drone in another
large government office, the U.S. postal service, and prefers simple
pleasures like his wife's cookies over standoffs with mammoth alien
insects.
It's
a race against the clock as Jay must convince Kay-who not only has
absolutely no memory of his time spent with the Men In Black, but
is also the only living person left with the expertise to save the
galaxy-to reunite with the MIB before the earth submits to ultimate
destruction.
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|  Review
by
Mike Furches
mike@furches.org
Web site www.furches.org
Mike is the Senior Pastor at United at the Cross Community Church
in Wichita Kansas. United at the Cross is a church made up of individuals
not often accepted in other churches. The church consists of former
gang members, drug addicts, prostitutes and others. Mike also speaks
nationally on various topics and is a freelance writer. To learn
more about Mike and his ministry link onto www.furches.org.
In the arts Mike has worked with top music artists such as Steppenwolf,
Marshall Tucker Band, Kansas and has an active interest in film.
Mike is pictured with his music band "Route 66."
|
| With
an all star cast including highly complimented actors like, Will Smith
as Agent J, Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K, and Rip Torn as Chief Z one
might think we end up with a movie with that would have been A O K.
This is especially true when you consider the blockbuster production
that includes Barry Sonnenfeld at the direction, Rick Baker in Make-up
and Danny Elfman providing the music.
 In
this much anticipated and overly hyped sequel, most of the original
cast returns with some of the old enjoyable aliens from the previous
Men in Black. Tommy Lee Jones plays a stoic character as well as
anyone in the business and follows through in this film. And to
say that those years he roomed with Al Gore in college didn't help
him learn anything. Jones is back with a passion and he does as
much with a weak script as one could possibly do.
 Will
Smith is also back but after his recent dramatic performances in
such films as Ali someone forgot about his
side-kick comedic role that made his part so enjoyable in the first
film. As a result we see a more serious character that just does
not provide the humor of the first film. There are a few laughs
and outside of a new character Frank, a comedic little pug dog,
there are not many laughs.
 While
there is much to be lacked in this movie there are some good and
fun qualities to think about. It is ironic that the villain who
would destroy the world is Serleena who takes on the role of a sexy
Victoria's Secret model. Lara Flynn Boyle does an adequate job at
this role although one can't help but believe that her acting qualities
were not the primary reason she received the role. If her acting
were featured nearly as much as her body I would be willing to debate
this one but the reality of it is that this is not the case. In
some regards she does show that there are certainly dangers behind
certain lifestyles. Unfortunately those giving in to the temptations
of sexual desire and sin do not always realize the power that that
sin possesses. This is portrayed nicely during the first of the
movie when one gangster tries to have his way with Serleena. He
quickly finds out that there are serious consequences for his actions.
There
is also the component that sometimes what we are looking for in
life to provide satisfaction and safety is right under our noses.
We often get so busy looking for the things that are "out there"
that we forget to look at the things that are right at home. MIB
ll does a good job of this component.
 I
generally try to find Spiritual components in a film and critique
them from that perspective as well as the technical perspective.
In that regard I was actually quite disappointed in this film. I
also see value in going to movies just for the fun without any deep
meaning or concept having to come across. In MIB ll I felt as if
I was disappointed on all grounds and all levels. The alien scenes
were disappointing, the story week, and the direction and action
sequences lacking. This being said from someone who on the surface
would have really liked this movie. I like all of those involved,
Elfman's music direction for example in Spiderman is marvelous.
Rick Baker is a legend unto himself. I still believe he deserved
the Academy Award for Planet of the Apes,
and Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are among the best at what they
do. I just felt that all of these individuals along with Sonnenfeld
fell far short of their standard expectations in this film.
I
will comment that despite the nature of the villain in this movie
there is nothing that would really prevent me from taking my child.
I would suggest that the movie is for children over the age of 10
however. I would just recommend not seeing it and if you must wait
until the release of the DVD or VHS. I would recommend the first
Men in Black which is a fun movie and entertaining time.
Being
the 3rd planet from the sun plus a movie On a Scale of 1-10 MIB
ll was a disappointing 4 |
Review
by
Will Lawrence Thompson
|
 Will
Smith and Tommy Lee Jones are back and sleeker than ever in Men
in Black II. This time around the jokes come faster (the movie
is under 90 minutes in length), the cars are nicer (Smith drives
a Mercedes), and the antagonist is a Medusa-like bunch of snakes
who makes itself up to look like a Victoria’s Secret model.
Sound exciting? You bet. Good for laughs? You bet. However, MIB
II fails to live up to its predecessor in lack of plot and character
development. Those going expecting a similar ride to the first
Men in Black may be a bit disappointed, but those going for a
summer sci-fi rollercoaster of laughs and aliens will be well-pleased.
However, MIB II’s strength lies in asking and answering
some important questions.
Smith
and Jones reprise their roles as Agents J and K (respectively).
Smith has taken over the role of head MIB agent and has gone through
a series of replacement partners, all of whom he has deneuralized.
When an evil alien seeking the Moon of Zarcon left long ago returns
to earth and disguises itself as a Victoria’s Secret model,
it’s Agent K (Jones) who can save the day. Unfortunately,
K has been deneuralized (or “flashy-thinged”), thus
erasing his memory of all MIB information and experiences. The
only hope is to deneuralize K and get the Moon of Zarcon off planet
Earth before it explodes.
SPOILER
AHEAD
As
in the first MIB movie, the struggle between the young agent and
the older agent still exists. This time around, however, Agent
J, the younger “new hotness” as he describes to K,
thinks he has it all down pat and can boss the older Agent K around.
Not so. J’s actions prove to be rash and could have brought
the downfall of their mission had his reactions been carried out.
K’s more seasoned instincts save them a world of trouble.
But J is not the only one who needs correction. Agent K makes
a vain attempt at driving the new car in flying mode that almost
proves disastrous. Fortunately, “the new hotness”
is there to save the day from the “old and busted.”
In a world where young and old generations clash constantly, it
is rare to see that both sides of the coin serve a purpose where
the other cannot.
 Perhaps
the most important question Agents J and K struggle with is “Are
we alone?” and
“Is there anyone else out there?”
Agent J tells us towards the beginning of the film that he wonders
if he really makes a difference in the world. Sure, he saves the
planet from destruction on a regular basis, but no one remembers,
due to deneuralization. He walks down the street and no one knows
him, no connections. His life feels empty. When J meets an attractive
young woman at the scene of an alien crime, he takes her out to
coffee, reveals his identity, and does not deneuralize her (and
thus breaching MIB protocol). We later find out that Agent K made
a similar decision in not only becoming emotionally attached to
an alien, but having a child with her. The child is the Moon of
Zarcon and the woman Agent J is attracted to and must be jettisoned
from Earth in order to save the planet.
Both
J and K acted based on their feelings in the moment rather than
what they knew they were required to do, much as we humans do
when we sin. These actions can come back to bite us later, whether
it be an hour, a day, or years (in Agent K’s case). However,
both J and K realize their mistakes and take the necessary actions
to rectify their wrongdoings. K almost sacrifices himself to get
the Moon of Zarcon off the planet and J makes the sacrifice of
letting the woman he wants go.
The
most poignant scene in the film is also the final scene. Agents
J and K are in the MIB locker room with the dog and Agent Z. J
is feeling down that the woman he had hoped for was gone and the
other men attempt to console him with talk of their previous,
successful romantic adventures. As J becomes frustrated, K walks
over and opens one of the lockers, one marked with a warning.
The locker opens to reveal that it is one locker in thousands
on a wall in what appears to be Grand Central Station for extra-terrestrials.
Agent
J, in the midst of his sulking over a lost relationship is given
his answer. We are part of something much larger than just our
own lives. As Humphrey Bogart says in the final scenes of Casablanca
“The problems of three people don’t amount to a hill
of beans in this crazy world.” Bogart was right. Not that
our problems don’t matter and that we shouldn’t feel
sad or angry at times, but those emotions need not rule our lives.
There is a higher purpose for all humanity. Even when it feels
we may be toiling away for nothing and no one notices, we do have
a higher purpose, sent from God Himself. (More)
-
Smith
is not longer the new agent, the token black guy swagger and
humor is quite apparent. Jones does an awesome reprise as
agent K, the often stoic but not without guile and emotion.
-
Special affects and make-up artistry provide the wacky, fantastic,
and believable MIB world. As with the summer’s other
big sci-fi blockbuster Minority
Report, product placements abound as a Burger King and
other shops reside in the MIB home base.
-
Lots
of new weird and gross aliens, as well as some familiar like
the worms and Jeebs (the lovable yet disgusting pawn shop
owner)
-
Overall, not as engrossing as the first. Perhaps the movie’s
tone is best summed up by the opening scenes depicting a low-budget
paranormal sightings tv show telling of a particular adventure
of the MIB.
-
The
film feels like an episode in a comic series, which it essentially
is. It does not feel like quite as epic as the first, but
more episodic. The villian fails to evoke any sense of disgust
or fear, the henchman are all laughable, and the climax not
very engrossing.
|
| |
Review
-click here
Trailers, Photos -click here
Spiritual Connections -click
here
Forum -click
here |
| COMMENT
ON THIS FILM |
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