Men in Black: International (2019)

 

 Men in Black: International (2019) – A Stylish Reboot That Misses the Classic Charm

When you hear Men in Black, your mind probably jumps straight to the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in their iconic black suits, sunglasses, and witty banter. So when Men in Black: International dropped in 2019 with a fresh cast and a global twist, fans (including myself) were naturally curious – and honestly, a bit skeptical.

The Premise

This time around, the story follows Agent H (played by Chris Hemsworth) and rookie Agent M (Tessa Thompson), who are part of the London branch of the MIB organization. The duo embarks on a globe-trotting mission to stop an alien threat that can take the form of anyone – even a fellow agent.

Unlike the New York-based adventures of the original films, International expands the MIB universe across cities like Paris, Marrakesh, and Naples. It's a more global take on the alien-policing secret agency, aiming to revamp the franchise with a fresh coat of paint.

The Chemistry is There… Kind Of

Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, who had great chemistry in Thor: Ragnarok, are enjoyable to watch together, but their dynamic here feels a bit under cooked. Hemsworth leans into a goofy, almost James Bond-gone-wrong persona, while Thompson plays the intelligent and driven newcomer. It works in moments, but the script doesn't give them enough to fully shine.

Liam Neeson also makes an appearance as High T, the head of the London MIB office – and while he brings his signature gravitas, his story line is fairly predictable.

Stylish But Hollow

Visually, the movie looks slick. The aliens are creative, the action scenes are polished, and there are some genuinely cool gadgets that bring back that classic MIB flair. Pawny, a tiny alien voiced by Kumail Nanjiani, ends up stealing several scenes with his sharp wit and hilarious one-liners.

But where the film struggles is in heart and originality. It lacks the emotional depth and clever humor that made the original Men in Black movies stand out. The plot is serviceable, but feels like it’s checking boxes rather than building a story that sticks with you.

Final Verdict

Men in Black: International isn’t a bad movie – it’s fun, fast-paced, and has some enjoyable moments. But it doesn’t quite capture the magic of its predecessors. It’s the kind of film you’d watch on a flight or lazy weekend, not necessarily one you'd revisit or rave about.

If you're a die-hard MIB fan, it might scratch the nostalgia itch slightly – just don’t go in expecting the same level of charm or chemistry that made the original trilogy a cult favorite.

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Have you seen Men in Black: International? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Did the reboot live up to your expectations, or do you think some things are better left untouched?