Men in Black (PG-13, 1997)

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.

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!