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Men in Black
By Randy White,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Lots of fun, but too scary for some kids.
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Men in Black
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Based on 27 parent reviews
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Fun movie
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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?
Part comedy, part science-fiction parody, and part action film, the movie just keeps throwing elements into the pot. What's so original about Men in Black is its unpredictable tone. 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!
Talk to Your Kids 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? Does the impact of movie violence change based on how realistic it is?
Talk about aliens. Do you think that there are other intelligent creatures out there?
Can you see why Men in Black spawned sequels including Men in Black II and Men in Black III?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork? Why is that an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 2, 1997
- On DVD or streaming: May 21, 2002
- Cast: Linda Fiorentino , Tommy Lee Jones , Vincent D'Onofrio , Will Smith
- Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
- Inclusion Information: Black actors
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Teamwork
- Run time: 113 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: language and sci-fi violence
- Last updated: August 7, 2023
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