Men in Black 3, while formulaic, is a definite improvement on the previous installments in the franchise. A plot twist that delves into Agent J’s past saves the film from being too predictable and fleshes out the dimensions of Will Smith’s much-loved character. Although confusing paradoxes emerge, the inclusion of time travel provides intricacy and means that the film does not conform to the usual linear format of action comedies.
MIB3 does not exactly start well; the opening scene proves that Nicole Scherzinger’s talents clearly do not include acting and Boris the Animal’s comebacks are uninspired and clichéd. Jermaine Clement fails in his attempts to appear villainous and threatening, a flaw which is only slightly remedied by Mary Vogt’s inventive costume design. Similarly, although the alien special effects are as creative and gruesome as in both previous Men in Black films, Clement’s lack of any kind of sinister air makes Boris the Animal a caricature who is obviously incapable of posing any kind of threat to Earth.
However, the film instantly picks up with Smith’s entrance as Agent J who sparks great chemistry with both Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin (As old and young Agent K respectively). Although the writing is often stock and unoriginal, Smith manages to make every joke hilarious and revitalizes the overused cold and emotionless cop/wisecracking and light hearted cop combination. Alongside his pithy playfulness, Smith’s Agent J is a well of depth thanks to the moving and emotional twist near the end, executed perfectly by both Brolin and Smith, with Brolin and Jones working well to provide a complete portrayal of the mysterious K. Time travel in the film is not always projected coherently and contradictions arise. However, the time jump means that O, K and J are given multiple dimensions and their motives and personalities are explained. Without the inclusion of a younger K, most viewers would be unable to feel any sympathy towards the older K. The two protagonists’ shared past strengthens the connection between them and explains the warmth behind their unlikely friendship. The conspiracy surrounding time travel erodes trust for the agency and, while the mystery could have been fleshed out further, the fact that there are secrets which even Agent J is left unaware of heightens interest.
The film is altogether predictable and unoriginal but it is held up by strong performances from Smith, Brolin, Jones and Thompson. Unfortunately, MIB3’s Achilles heel is its one-dimensional villain, made all the more childish and ludicrous by both his ridiculous name and the ridiculous title of his species, the ‘Bogladites’. Many of his motives go unexplained, making it difficult to understand or see him as at all dangerous. However, some aspects of the plot are strong, and the film certainly does elicit some laughs, particularly when Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber are revealed to be mother and baby alien. The film is not a must-see but it is definitely entertaining and an improvement on Men in Black 2.