" Elvis is not dead. He just went home. "

Men in Black

Based on the comic by the same name, the Men In Black are a secret organisation responsible for monitoring extraterrestrial life on earth. The film quickly shows that extraterrestrial life is more common on earth than we think with aliens living in disguise all around the world. The film follows two agents, the stern, experienced Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) and the cocky former cop, Agent Jay (Will Smith). The pair prove to be an effective team as they search for a ferocious bug (Vincent D'Onofrio) intent on finding an object known as 'the universe'. The duo come across all manner of alien life during their search, aided by impressive gadgets and weapons and those stylist black suits.

The film has all the hallmarks of a typical crime fighting partnership; an expressionless, take no shit mentor that has seen it all and the confident young cop who has a problem with authority, eager to learn the craft. The only difference is they are not investigating a murder trial or investigating a drug syndicate, they are hunting down aliens. Both actors were made for their roles, Tommy Lee Jones has shown his ability for playing the smart, forbidding cop in many films such as The Fugitive and No Country for Old Men. He plays the part with such ease yet also proves to have excellent comic timing. Smith is the king of blockbusters consistently playing the likeable, arrogant character and it proves successful again as his limit for supernatural weirdness is tested. I believe Smith is a talented actor who has proven himself in the genres of comedy, action and drama and should not be regarded solely as an action star.

The villainous bug is played unrecognizable by D'Onofrio, in a refreshingly new role that is a far stretch from Detective Goren, his character on Law and Order. D'Onofrio takes the role with both hands stumbling around New York like a zombie reeking havoc wherever he goes. The stiff human body and general grotesque nature of the bug could prove to be a difficult role. However D'Onofrio provides a very effective performance and was no doubt having a ball in the process.

The movie acts almost as a childhood dream that was long forgotten, the belief that aliens exist. The special effects were crucial in bringing this concept to life and they prove very successful whether its creating the birth of a squid or a wise cracking pug. The film is clever, stylish and fun as you are able to go behind the scenes and witness extraterrestrial life that doesn't exist, an agency that doesn't exist and men in black suits that definitely don't exist, yet it all comes with a hint of déjà vu.

I am a huge fan of the Men In Black series and eagerly await the third installment which comes out later this month. Men In Black should not be taken seriously as it is on all accounts a comedy. A comedy that in essence makes fun of the belief of extraterrestrial life, one doesn't have to go further than the opening scene to see this portrayed perfectly. This is a film that should be met with laughter not scepticism.