Men In Black International? I scoffed as we saw the first trailer for it during one of our movie jaunts.  I wondered: “Who needs this film?” Who could replace Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in one of the best films of my generation?  Absolutely no one.

That’s the point. Men In Black International is not meant to replace the classic MIB films.  The film is an extension of the MIB Universe. It has two big, black suits to fill. Did it hit it out of the Universe or merely stir up Galaxy dust?  Read on for my honest review.

Men In Black Synopsis:

The story follows Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) and rookie Agent M (Tessa Thompson) of the London MIB division. Agent M. has always dreamt of working for the organization.  As a child she had an alien encounter and set her heart on donning her own black suit. One she does she gets paired up with Chris Hemsworth’s more experienced Agent H. H is handsome, arrogant and completely full of himself.  The partners become entangled in an alien murder mystery that sends them traveling the globe via all kinds of fast, fun vehicles.

Kid Congeniality’s Non Spoiler Review:

Men In Black International has all the ingredients of a smash hit:

• Buddy Movie √
• Hot modes of transportation √
• CGI Aliens √
• Terrific cast ( including Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson) √
• A funny alien sidekick (“Pawney” steals the show)
• Menacing bad guys √
• Mystery and intrigue √
• Cool gadgets √
• Clever Easter eggs √

MIB International is a fun ride. Its action packed and the antics of Agents M & H in Morocco had me thinking of good old Indiana Jones. Unfortunately MIB International fails short of blasting the viewer into intergalactic nirvana.

What MIB International is Missing:

• Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones- No cameo?  Come on!  A twenty second FaceTime call would have sent the audience into a galactic frenzy,  The audience was waiting to go in 100%.
• More aliens. Wise-cracking “Pawny” steals the show.  Sure there were aliens in the background but we hardly got to know ’em.
• The plot was obvious. I figured out where we were going as soon as Agent M spent her first day at headquarters.  A little more meat to the plot and the story could have soared.
• More laughs. They hit some funny notes but need to ramp it up a notch to put the comparisons to the original to rest.

Should You See It:

The kids will love it.  My son laughed the entire time and ate up Pawny.  Fresh off of the Avengers films he relished the Thor/Valkyrie association. All in all this was a very entertaining film.  I’m personally pulling for a sequel that dives deeper and expands the Universe. It would be a wasted opportunity not to build out and improve upon this classic franchise.

Oh and one last thing: “Always remember, the universe has a way of leading you to where you’re supposed to be at the moment you’re supposed to be there.” (Agent T.)

Agent H. at the NYC Premiere of MIB International

On our way out of the theater we were thrilled to see a Premiere Party set up. The New York City Red Carpet Premiere of Men In Black International was going on right outside the front doors of AMC Lincoln Square.  I couldn’t believe our luck!  We walked outside and into Hollywood!

Chris Hemsworth with fans

Chris Hemsworth is every bit the dapper, charming, handsome gentleman of our dreams. There was no arrogant Agent H in sight as he interacted with some of his young fans.

**A special thanks to Sony Pictures who provided me with preview tickets to facilitate my review. If I had known Chris Hemsworth was outside in a stylish black suit I would have came red carpet ready and sauntered onto the scene with my MIB shades on.  Maybe next time!**