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Under cover of darkness, hideous terrestrials land stealthily on earth. One such grotesque
creature morphs into a sexy and glamorous but evil woman named Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle) in search of the Light of Zartha, left on earth by kindly aliens from another planet
25 years earlier. When Serleena threatens to destroy the earth within the next few days, the Men in Black (MIB), a secret organization that protects the earth from invading
aliens, goes into action. Top Agent Jay (Will Smith) seeks the help of Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), a former MIB agent but who is now a postal worker. Only Kay has information
concerning the whereabouts of the "Light," said to be a source of great power for the domination of planets. Unfortunately, Kay's memory has been erased by a "deneuralizer"
and has to be restored first before he can join Jay in the MIB again. Time is of the essence. Will Kay's memory be restored before Serleena gets to him? How can the MIB keep
such sparkling "Light" from being found by creatures endowed with unearthly powers?
When the original MIB grossed $600 million in 1997, that was no loose change. This sequel, based on the same
Malibu comics, tries to approximate that initial success by recreating the same fantastic world of the storybook, myth and science fiction but dressing its heroes in
contemporary sleek black suits and Ray-Bans, as well as arming them with the sophisticated "gewgaws" of a highly technological future age. The two lead actors Will Smith and
Tommy Lee Jones have their roles tailor cut for them. Nominated at the Oscars for best actor in "Muhammad Ali," Smith shows some versatility in this film though it does not
give him many opportunities for acting. Jones is the perfect foil to Smith and the chemistry between the two is very palpable as they reprise their roles in MIB. This film is
light, bright and intended to be funny, though viewers' chuckles are muted. The storyline is nonsensical and pointless but may be entertaining due to the very good special
effects; yet again, these can satiate.
For the very young, this movie can be traumatic with all the weird nightmarish creatures, slimy reptiles and
grotesque humanoids, though these are frequently experienced as most shows are replete with them. The film may give the adult viewer relaxing moments and some respite from the
daily barrage of bad news, but it has no values to offer. We feel good and secure that the good triumphs over evil, but there are no provoking thoughts to reflect on, no
striking insights to help us see life clearly nor any inspiring message to encourage us to live nobly.
(Date reviewed: July 19, 2002)
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