Men in Blackwas a family-friendly classic of the 1990s, but rewatching the film nearly three decades later, several issues stood out. While this action sci-fi comedy was a defining movie that helped turn Will Smith from a rapper and sitcom actor into a bona fide movie star, it was clear that the film has aged, and certain aspects stand out to a modern viewer. Although Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ incredible onscreen chemistry has remained as engaging as ever, it’s impossible for such a special effects-heavy movie not to look slightly dated so many years later.
It’s clear the original wasthe bestMen in Blackmoviethat acted as an essential release in both Smith and Jones’ incredible careers. As the inception point for a major franchise complete with sequels and spin-offs, the harsh truth was that some aspects of the 1997 film had some negative impact on the later movies in the series as it introduced plot points that did them a disservice. While all this was true,Men in Blackwas still a beloved classicand one ofthe greatest blockbusters of the 1990s.
8The CGI Feels Clunky Today
Men in Black’s special effects are no longer as impressive
The 1990s was an extraordinary time for computer-generated technology, as it represented a defining moment in cinema as graphics and special effects reached a tipping point in terms of quality. The best example of this was the extraordinary depiction of dinosaurs in Steven Spielberg’sJurassic Park, which allowed cinema to finally depict things previously unimaginable. Thistrailblazing technology opened the door for movies likeMen in Black, as they include aliens and futuristic technology with a level of realism previously thought impossible.
AlthoughMen in Blackstill looks great for its time, the graphics were kind of clunky in some scenes.
Men in Blackmade significant use of CGI through alien creatures like the Worm Guys or hilarious characters such as Frank the Pug. However, looking back, it’s striking how much technology has improved since, and althoughMen in Blackstill looks great for its time, the graphics were kind of clunky in some scenes. This was particularly apparent in the tunnel car chase as agents J and K pursued antagonist aliens in a scene that looked quite outdated today in terms of CGI quality.
7The Cheesy 1990s Humor Doesn’t Hold Up
Men in Black’s humor doesn’t always hold up
Men in Blackwas one of the most hilarious, family-friendly movies of the 1990s, although not every aspect of its humor holds up well today. Characters like Jack Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), the alien arms dealer and owner of a rundown pawnshop, leaned into stereotypes of underground criminals and, when watchingMen in Blackwith a critical eye, got uncomfortably close to negative depictions of immigrant communities as being associated with lives of crime or underhanded behavior.
Many of the cheesy jokes directed at the alien characters inMen in Blackserve as a playful take on the diversity of New York City, and rewatching the movie today, it’s hard not to wonder if, at times, this started bordering on offensive. While these aspects only become issues when being overtly critical ofMen in Black,and it’s not fair to judge so harshly the minute details of a film like this, the idea of what the movie’s cheesy humor represented still made interesting food for thought.
6Men In Black Has A Gender Problem
It’s the Men in Black, not people, women, or any other gender identity
The clue was in the name thatMen in Blackwas going to a male-dominated affair, as this secretive organization wore its gender bias on its sleeve. WhileMen in Blackdid feature some female characters, their primary purpose was to serve the narratives of Agent J and Agent K. This was evident from the introduction of Dr. Laurel Weaver (Linda Fiorentino), an accomplished medical examiner whose character was quickly reduced to being a love interest of Agent J, and after being kidnapped by The Bug, fell victim to the common damsel in distress movie trope.
While the originalMen in Blackwas problematic when it came to the representation of women, this was an issue that the franchise addressed later on. The standalone sequelMen in Black: Internationalstarred Tessa Thompson as a new MIB agent, and this film poked light fun at the way the series title excluded women. The originalMen in Blackalso made a light attempt to make up for its stereotypical gender representation by having Dr. Laurel Weaver join the agency in the movie’s final scene.
5Agents J & K Could Have Been Developed More
Men in Black’s protagonists weren’t as fleshed out as they could have been
Men in Blackwas a movie whose creative premise and extraordinary visuals helped it stand out among other family-friendly movies of the 1990s. With an engaging sense of humor and strong worldbuilding, viewers may not have even realized just how paper-thin the characterizations of Agent J and Agent K were in this first movie. These characters' actions were driven primarily by the plot rather than the deep sense of motivation that influences the decisions of the greatest movie characters.
Agent J represented the typical talented rookie cop entering a new world he knows nothing about. Agent K was the grizzled veteran employee, and both leaned into standard archetypes of buddy cop movie dynamics.LaterMen in Blackfilms dove much deeper into the two agents' lives and backstories, but in this first outing, there’s so much more to contend with that audiences don’t truly have time to get to know them. While this level of character depth was a lot to ask from a 98-minute children’s film,Men in Blackcould have gone deeper in its character development.
4MIB’s Concept Was More Intriguing Than Its Story
Men in Black’s world was more compelling than it’s narrative
With an astounding worldwide box office take of over $589 million (via Box Office Mojo), it’s clear audiences responded well toMen in Blackand helped it becomeone of the highest-grossing movies of the 1990s. This was because its concept of a secret organization unknowingly saving humanity from aliens behind the scenes was a unique and engrossing premise that originated from the Marvel comic book seriesThe Men in Blackby Lowell Cunningham.
With impeccable worldbuilding and stunning special effects,Men in Blackcaptured viewers' imaginations to the point they did not even realize how by-the-numbers its storyline was. As Agent J was shown a new world of governmental conspiracy, he went on a simple hero’s journey that retreads much of the same territory as any other buddy cop adventure movie.Men in Blackgifted viewers with a truly unique and entertaining world, but it was, sadly, let down by a typical story that could have been so much more exciting.
3Wiping Agent K Memory Was A Mistake
Men in Black’s conclusion for Agent K’s story ended up stifling the sequel
In the opening scene ofMen in Black, Agent K’s longtime partner, Agent D, realized that he was too old for the organization and that it was time to retire. This showcased for audiences that once an agent wanted out of the MIB, they were neuralyzed, and all their memories of their time working for the agency were wiped from their minds. This idea came full circle at the end of the film when Agent K announced his retirement and reunited with his wife, who believed he had been in a coma for decades.
While this would have been a fantastic ending ifMen in Blackwas going to be one standalone movie,Agent K’s wiped memory caused issues when it came time to makeMen in Black II.The harsh reality was so much of the sequel was spent undoing the emotional resonance of the original’s conclusion that it begged the question of why the makers decided to neuralyze Agent K in the first place. This was an example of short-term thinking that stood in the wayMen in Blackreaching its full potential as a successful ongoing franchise.
2This Was Where The Franchise Peaked
Men in Black never again reached the creative heights of its first installment
The success ofMen in Blackmeant that a sequel would inevitably be produced, but the truth was that this story peaked in the very first installment. Part of the appeal ofMen in Blackwas discovering a rich world of mystery and intrigue that just could not be replicated in the same way by making more movies. The shock as Agent J discovered the untapped knowledge of the universe made for truly thrilling viewing that this series was never again able to achieve.
Agent J and Agent K were never more engaging than when they were getting to know each other for the very first time.
From the introduction of the talking alien agent Frank the Pug to marveling at the memory-erasing power of the neuralyzer, everything great aboutMen in Blackwas apparent from the very first movie. Watching as Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones showed off their incredible onscreen chemistry was a dynamic of diminishing returns as the franchise continued. Agent J and Agent K were never more engaging than when they were getting to know each other for the very first time.
1Later MIB Movies Squandered The Original’s Incredible Potential
Men in Black could have continued in far more interesting ways than it did
It’s no surpriseMen in Blackhad two sequels and a spin-off movie, but the harsh truth was these installments wasted the potential of the original. WhileMen in Blackworked well as a standalone film,Men in Black IIsimply rehashed the original’s jokesand felt like a pale comparison. WhileMen in Black 3was more of a return to form with an engaging time travel story, by this point, 15 years had already passed since the first movie, and it was too little, too late.
Adding to this, the standalone sequel,Men in Black: International, played out like an uninspired follow-up that was more influenced by the potential box office takings than a true desire to add something new to the franchise. The very nature ofMen in Black’spremise means it could spiral off into endless interesting directions, yet the franchise wasted these opportunities with movies that failed to live up to the original. While the proposedMen in Blackand21 Jump Streetcrossover filmcould have been the perfect antidote to these issues, that ingenious movie idea was sadly canceled.
Men In Black
Cast
Men In Black is a science fiction film directed by Barry Sonnenfeld, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as agents of a secret organization overseeing extraterrestrial activity on Earth. The agents are tasked with managing alien immigrants while protecting humanity from intergalactic threats. The film explores their partnership as they confront various challenges while ensuring the public remains unaware of alien presence.
