Men in Black: International

This was another bland and uninteresting summer sequel. The only saving grace was the undeniable chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. And even then, director F. Gary Gray failed to capitalise on it, resulting in a supposed action/buddy-comedy that was lacking in both excitement and laughs.  The story, written by Art Marcum and Matt Holloway, was predictable, uninspiring and silly with such minimal stakes for a planet-saving organisation that the possible dire outcome never felt important or threatening. It started promising with the introduction of Thompson's character, but thereafter, the writing just got lazy.

Usually for such summer blockbusters, if they know the script is weak then they would obfuscate the lack of quality with lots of kick-ass action sequences and CGI extravaganzas. But strangely enough, even with the director of The Fate of the Furious, at the helm we had no adrenaline-rushes or awe-struck moments. That one chase-sequence felt unpolished and un-exciting.

Hemsworth and Thompson already proven they had excellent chemistry in Thor: Ragnarok and this entire film should have leaned into it. A buddy-cop comedy with an alien twist. That was what made the first film with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones so darn good! And the frustrating thing is that we all know Hemsworth can do comedy, see Endgame and Ghostbusters. Not only can he rock a suit, but he can also deliver the laughs. Thompson can then be the straight-lady. Perhaps a reboot rather than a sequel should have been the way for this franchise.

Liam Neeson had the best line, a callback to his own franchise that re-launched his career. but sadly it was the first line of the film and the next 114 minutes after that was forgettable.

Maybe, except when Hemsworth also self-referenced the caped-character that catapulted him to fame.

You know the film is in trouble when the best bits are only two moments when the actors make fun of their own - read: better - shows.

Kumail Nanjiani is a good comedian, but this whole talking/wise-cracking animated side kick trope has always been annoying and brings back undesirable flashbacks to Jar Jar Binks. And here, it is no difference.

Lastly, we need more Emma Thompson. She makes everything that much better just by being in a scene. Gosh, an Emma and Liam MIB would be brilliant!

This was clearly a cash-grab by Sony to keep the MIB IP going, but surely, they could have tried a bit harder and make a good film. It is not like they had bad actors. Maybe just the wrong script and the wrong director for the project.