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Men in Black

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Lots of fun, but too scary for some kids.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Mostly cartoonish but definitely gross-out. Someone gets stabbed in the head, and an alien is pierced through the neck. Some scary bugs.
  • Sex:

    A sexually suggestive--and somewhat crass--misunderstanding between Jay and Laurel.
  • Language:

    Moderate use of religiously themed and sexual terms peppered throughout.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Men in Black was written by Randy White

Parents need to know that teens will enjoy the high gross-out factor immensely, but if your child is easily frightened (or scared of bugs), this is definitely not appropriate material. The story doesn't really hold together, but the inventive effects and sly sense of humor carry the day.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the movie's over-the-top weapons and violence. Does any of it seem real? Why or why not? Families can also discuss aliens. Do you think that there are other intelligent creatures out there out there?
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More on Men in Black

What’s the Story?

You have to hand it to the filmmakers -- here's never been a movie quite like this before. The central premise is straightforward enough: Aliens have been living among us for years, monitored and controlled by a secret government agency that must keep the human population unaware. New recruit Will Smith joins up and learns the ropes from veteran Tommy Lee Jones, just in time to save the world from a brand-new threat.

Is It Any Good?

What's so original about MEN IN BLACK is its unpredictable tone. Part comedy, part science-fiction parody, and part action film, the movie just keeps throwing elements into the pot. Teens will love the combination of irreverent humor, great chase sequences, and gross-out special effects.

Many kids particularly enjoy the over-the-top alien bad guys as they saunter around the countryside wreaking mayhem. But they'll save their heartiest laughs for Smith and his boyish charm. Of course, Smith's flippancy wouldn't play without Jones' earnest straight-man act. The movie is packed with fun moments: alien eyelids blinking sideways (you've got to see it), a talking pug, and supermarket tabloids proven correct. Everything you've ever read in the Star about aliens is true!

Movie Details

Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: 7/2/1997, DVD release: 5/21/2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language and sci-fi violence

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    great funny to.

    love it funny to.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Good movie but could scare younger kids

    If you're not afraid of alien guts then you definately want to see this movie! There is some strong language, but nothing to bad. There is a little confusion of sexual talk between Jay and Laurel. I really liked this movie and I hope you will too!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 3.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    overall good movie

    it was a bit slow but a good plot some alien guts, guns, and alteration of peoples minds

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    An exciting action movie that's great for older kids...

    There was one awkward moment, but other than that it's a pretty good movie.

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 4.0

    lol

    good

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in South Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 2.0

    2 is better

    not the best 2 is better

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    really funny. But they say even sh!t.And a little cartoon violence

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 0.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    ZOMG really funny!

    I laughed alot while watching this. The only violence was this one part where he blew up this alien. My mom didnt like the converstion between Agent J & that lady at the mourge.

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    :)

    well done scifi comedy. simply put.... NOT SCARY!!!

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    great movie

    Great movie i loved it!!! The only thing i did not like about it is that the first word in this movie is a cuss word. But this movie is still really good

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Great movie, but...

    This movie was really funny. I loved it! The only concerns are the language and one brief moment of innuendo. The language consists of one f-word, many s-words, and a smattering of most others.

  13. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title pause for age 17 and give it 3.0

    Pretty good...

    Okay, the reason I said for seventeen and older is because of the language. There is LOTS of language. Probably at least forty swear words. Other than that, there are a few innuendos, and a few alien gore scenes. But nothing explicit. I highly recommend an edited version, such as ClearPlay DVD Player (clearplay.com).

  14. I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    A Fun, Funny, and Engaging Alien Adventure/Comedy!

    MEN IN BLACK is a classic. From the theme song, to the aliens, to the "cricket" gun, people across the whole world recognize the famous special agents Kay and Jay. Language is the biggest issue in the film. On the side is some comic violence (off-screen deaths of humans and aliens bursting into putty), a bit of scariness (aliens in human skin), and some vulgar sexual humor (some misunderstandings and questions; example: "do you know what I like to do sometimes late at night?" (That question isn't answered).) It's fun and laugh-out-loud funny, and the acting is spot-on. A must-see, and it'll be okay for most teens, but I wouldn't take sensitive kids. Highly recommended.

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

  17. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 3.0

    Great effects for its time!

  18. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

  19. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Arizona
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

    Hilarious and entertaining! It's basically 'Ghostbusters' with aliens. A very good film for families, good for kids a mature 7 or 8+ who don't mind some scary scenes and violence.

  20. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 4.0

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