MEN IN BLACK: INTERNATIONAL
F. Gary Gray (2019)
3.5 STARS
One would be forgiven for believing that Men in Black didn’t need another sequel, the franchise had served its purpose and wouldn’t be the same without the cast we loved from the original. However, we’d be forgetting that both the second and third installments were delightful in their own ways; International continues in much the same vein.
Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones were vital to the success of the original and this fourth outing maintains the formula. Chris Hemsworth and Liam Neeson begin the narrative, but it’s with the Women in Black that this film truly succeeds. Tessa Thompson, Rebecca Ferguson and, returning, Emma Thompson provide the opportunity to discuss the lack of inclusivity in the title of the organisation, but, uttered only briefly, the film allows the bad-ass female cast to speak through their performances.
Expertly transplanting the comedic style, pacing and tone of the original, while utilising a change of players and scenery, there is little to bemoan in this installment. Small nods to agents K and J are present, but there’s no eye-roll-worthy cameo exploiting the opportunity. International is a joyful ride and I can’t wait for my next fix of the franchise.