 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Men in Black
- Review Date: June 24, 2003
- PG-13
- Genre: Science Fiction
- 1997
Common Sense Media says
Lots of fun, but too scary for some kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that comic mayhem and gross-out creatures from other planets define Men in Black. Scary creatures and life-threatening situations are frequent. The film, however, is as clever as it is exaggerated; some of the most destructive violence is implied, happening just off-camera. Still, young or sensitive kids who can't readily distinguish fantasy from reality may be disturbed by the barrage of exploding insects, grotesque morphing from human to alien life form, and cartoon violence (characters blow up, are vaporized, stabbed, shot with ray guns, and more). There's plenty of swearing ("damn," "goddamn," "bastard," "hell," "s--t") and a few insults, including "d--k" and "pr--k").
What's the story?
The central premise of MEN IN BLACK is that 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 Agent J (Will Smith) joins up and learns the ropes from veteran Agent K (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!
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Men in Black'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?
Can you see why Men in Black spawned the sequels Men in Black II and Men in Black III? Would you like the series to continue?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Men in Black
Awesome and funny alien movie. Kids will love it.
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Kid, 12 years old
January 31, 2011
AGE
Good for most tweens!
Very funny movie, lots of cussing, some violent scenes but violence is unrealistic
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Kid, 12 years old
December 31, 2010
AGE
too many swear words
i dont care what anybody says this film is soo funny. great acting by will smith
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Kid, 10 years old
June 22, 2010
AGE
you might say what is this movie but what the heck are you doing this is made to make you laugh your butt off
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AGE
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
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AGE
mainly 11+
there are a is a bit of swearing in this movie
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AGE
Suggested MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for language, sexual humor, and gory sci-fi violence.
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AGE
men in black is one of the best sci-fi movies ever but the movie has some violence and some language used.
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Kid, 12 years old
December 30, 2009
AGE
great funny to.
love it funny to.
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| Topics: | space and aliens |
| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Barry Sonnenfeld |
| Cast: | Linda Fiorentino, Tommy Lee Jones, Vincent D'Onofrio, Will Smith |
| Genre: | Science Fiction |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 2, 1997 |
| DVD release date: | May 21, 2002 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | language and sci-fi violence |
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