Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Tommy Lee Jones | ... | ||
Will Smith | ... | ||
Linda Fiorentino | ... | ||
Vincent D'Onofrio | ... | ||
Rip Torn | ... | ||
Tony Shalhoub | ... | ||
Siobhan Fallon Hogan | ... |
Beatrice
(as Siobhan Fallon)
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Mike Nussbaum | ... | ||
Jon Gries | ... | ||
Sergio Calderón | ... | ||
Carel Struycken | ... | ||
Fredric Lehne | ... |
INS Agent Janus
(as Fredric Lane)
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Richard Hamilton | ... | |
Kent Faulcon | ... | ||
John Alexander | ... |
Based off of the comic book. Unbeknownst to other people, there is a private agency code named MiB. This agency is some kind of extra terrestrial surveillance corporation. Then, one of the agency's finest men only going by the name "K" (Tommy Lee Jones) , is recruiting for a new addition to the agency. He has chosen James Edwards (Will Smith) of the N.Y.P.D. Then, one day, a flying saucer crashes into Earth. This was an alien a part of the "Bug" race. He takes the body of a farmer (Vincent D'Onofrio) and heads to New York. He is searching for a super energy source called "The Galaxy". Now, Agents J and K must stop the bug before it can escape with the galaxy. Written by John Wiggins
"Men in Black" and "Galaxy Quest" are in my mind the best sci-fi comedies ever made, because they are both hilarious parodies of two different cultures. Whereas the latter spoofed obsessed fans who take sci-fi entertainment WAY too seriously, this one spoofs the paranoid, tin-foil-hat brand of conspiracy theorists. It has funny characters, witty lines, and does not at all take itself seriously.
There are a lot of small details that can take multiple viewings to catch. One thing I found funnier the second time I watched it is the scene where Will Smith has just been severely lectured by his boss in the interrogation room when Tommy Lee Jones enters, asks a few questions, and tells Smith to come with him. Smith: "I can't, there's still a lot of paperwork to fill out." Jones: "No, the paperwork is all taken care of." Smith's boss (walking by): "Hey, nice work, Edwards!" This is one of many quick, funny scenes that you only really get if you're paying attention.
All the actors do a good job, too. I thought Rip Torn was the funniest character, and Edgar the bug was hilariously gross. Linda Fiorentino was one of the coolest female characters ever. She put Ripley to shame. Every time I watch this, I want to marry her.
Overall, it's a great comedy that is clever and fun all the way through. 8/10 stars.