8 Surprising Truths About Rewatching Men in Black After 27 Years

Men in Black, a beloved classic from the 1990s, remains a significant film for many. However, revisiting this action-packed sci-fi comedy nearly thirty years later reveals a number of age-related issues. While Will Smith transitioned from rapper and sitcom star to major movie icon, and Tommy Lee Jones’ chemistry with him sparkles as brightly as before, the film’s heavy reliance on special effects inevitably lends a somewhat dated appearance.

It’s undeniable that the original Men in Black stands as a hallmark in both Smith’s and Jones’ illustrious careers, setting the stage for a franchise that has since expanded into sequels and spin-offs. Regrettably, some plot elements introduced in the 1997 film inadvertently hindered the success of subsequent installments. Nevertheless, Men in Black remains a cherished classic and is celebrated as one of the greatest blockbusters of the 90s.

8 The CGI Feels Clunky Today

Men in Black’s Special Effects Are No Longer As Impressive

Agent J (Will Smith) and Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) during the tunnel chase scene in Men in Black (1997)

The 1990s marked a landmark era for computer-generated imagery (CGI), exemplified by the breathtaking visual effects in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park. This pioneering technology paved the way for films like Men in Black, successfully depicting extraterrestrial beings and futuristic gadgets with an unprecedented realism.

While Men in Black was impressive in its time, certain scenes, particularly the tunnel car chase, may appear clunky by today’s standards. The film featured a variety of CGI characters, such as the quirky Worm Guys and the memorable Frank the Pug, which feel markedly less sophisticated compared to contemporary productions.

7 The Cheesy 1990s Humor Doesn’t Hold Up

Men in Black’s Humor Doesn’t Always Hold Up

Once hailed as one of the funniest family flicks of the era, many jokes in Men in Black fail to resonate as effectively today. Characters like Jack Jeebs (played by Tony Shalhoub), an alien arms dealer, relied heavily on stereotypes that, when viewed through a modern lens, can feel uncomfortable and perpetuate negative associations with immigrant communities.

While the film’s humor showcased the rich diversity of New York City, certain gags may now tread on offensive territory. These critiques arise when watching with a discerning attitude, prompting viewers to reflect on what the film’s humor symbolizes.

6 Men In Black Has A Gender Problem

It’s the Men in Black, Not People, Women, or Any Other Gender Identity

Dr. Laurel Weaver (Linda Fiorentino) in Men in Black

From its title, Men in Black hints at a gender-narrowed perspective, revealing the male-centric nature of the organization. Female characters, though present, predominantly play supporting roles to Agents J and K. For instance, Dr. Laurel Weaver (Linda Fiorentino) is initially portrayed as a capable medical examiner, but her character quickly devolves into a mere love interest and is later subjected to the “damsel in distress”trope.

Despite the original’s shortcomings regarding female representation, the franchise has since made strides. The sequel Men in Black: International balancess out the scales by featuring Tessa Thompson as a lead agent, poking fun at the franchise’s initial exclusion of women. Additionally, Dr. Weaver’s late inclusion in the agency during the final moments of the film offered a glimmer of progress.

5 Agents J & K Could Have Been Developed More

Men in Black’s Protagonists Weren’t As Fleshed Out As They Could Have Been

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as Agents K and J in Men in Black custom image — Image Created by Lukas Shayo

While Men in Black dazzles with captivating visuals and a creative premise, the character development of Agents J and K leaves much to be desired. These heroes are propelled more by plot necessities than by any profound motivations that elevate truly memorable cinematic characters.

Agent J exemplifies the rookie cop trope, while Agent K portrays the seasoned veteran. Though both exemplify classic buddy-cop dynamics, the film lacks a deep dive into their motivations. Subsequent installments have explored their backstories more thoroughly, but this first film could have benefitted from deeper character exploration.

4 MIB’s Concept Was More Intriguing Than Its Story

Men in Black’s World Was More Compelling Than Its Narrative

K and J in sunglasses and suits looking serious for the Men In Black poster cropped

With a box office total exceeding $589 million (source: Box Office Mojo), it’s evident that audiences embraced Men in Black and it became one of the highest-grossing films of the decade. The unique premise of a hidden organization safeguarding humanity from extraterrestrials captivated viewers, drawing its inspiration from the Marvel comic series.

Immaculate worldbuilding and cutting-edge effects captured the imagination, often eclipsing the oft-familiar plotline. Following Agent J’s initiation into the new world of cosmic conspiracies, he embarked on a hero’s journey marked by common tropes found in buddy-cop flicks. While the film’s universe was innovative and enjoyable, the predictable narrative ultimately held it back from reaching its full storytelling potential.

3 Wiping Agent K’s Memory Was A Mistake

Men in Black’s Conclusion for Agent K’s Story Ended Up Stifling the Sequel

Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in Men in Black

The film introduces the concept of neuralization when Agent K’s partner, Agent D, retires, losing all recollections of his time with MIB. This motif concludes when Agent K returns to his spouse, who believed he’d been in a coma for years.

This resolution would work beautifully for a standalone film. However, Agent K’s erased memory complicated the narrative landscape for Men in Black II. Much of the sequel felt burdened by having to restore the previous film’s emotional impact, leaving audiences questioning the decision to neuralyze Agent K initially. This moment illustrates how short-sighted choices can inhibit a franchise’s full creative potential.

2 This Was Where The Franchise Peaked

Men in Black Never Again Reached the Creative Heights of Its First Installment

Will Smith points to his neuralyzer as Agent J in Men in Black

The overwhelming success of Men in Black inevitably led to sequels, yet none could match the original’s brilliance. The film’s allure stemmed from the fascinating world of intergalactic intrigue, which proved near impossible to replicate in future installments. Agent J’s awe upon discovering the universe yielded memorable moments that the series failed to recapture.

Watching Agents J and K establish their dynamic for the first time remains a cinematic highlight, enriched by the introduction of vibrant characters like Frank the Pug and the whimsical neuralyzer. Unfortunately, the franchise’s continuations only reflected diminishing returns, as the fresh chemistry between the two agents became less compelling with each new entry.

1 Later MIB Movies Squandered The Original’s Incredible Potential

Men in Black Could Have Continued in Far More Interesting Ways Than It Did

Collage of Agent K and J with guns and Molly with High T in Men in Black — Original SR Image by Shawn Lealos.

The Men in Black franchise included two sequels and a spin-off, yet these adaptations failed to leverage the original film’s exceptional potential. While the first installment contained a captivating narrative, Men in Black II felt disappointingly derivative, relying heavily on recycled humor and concepts.

Although Men in Black 3 made strides with an engaging time travel plot, the lengthy gap from the original left audiences feeling underwhelmed. The standalone sequel, Men in Black: International, faltered by prioritizing commercial gain over originality, straying from the inventive premise that could have propelled the story into new territories. The potential crossover with 21 Jump Street hinted at exciting horizons but ultimately was shelved, underscoring the franchise’s missed opportunities.

Source & Images