The second film in the series had showed that the franchise had ultimately run out of gas, so the first twenty minutes of the film seemed a bit slow, as it doesn't change up the formula enough. The same gags used in the past films seem a bit exhausted. Do however pay attention to the screens within the MIB HQ , as they prove to be entertaining as ever in exposing which well known celebs are actually extra-terrestrials in disguise. I for one, wasn't at all surprised to find out that Lady Gaga was in fact, from another world (Maybe Born This Way is about something entirely different!).
Thankfully the story does pick up, and truly find it's stride, once it jumps back in time. This provides a new setting and world for the Men In Black organization to exist, and thus feels truly refreshing, as modern day had somewhat been bled dry as far as jokes and quips go. After a somewhat slow and underwhelming beginning, the film becomes truly fantastic and entertaining, and it is easy to fall in love with the new environment. Will Smith is his usual self, witty, charming and somewhat obnoxious all at the same time, and he's still perfect for the character of Agent J. For Smith, the new world allows for a new environment for him to play off, and it works.
Will Smith is however outshined by Josh Brolin, who has captured every mannerism and characteristic of Tommy Lee Jones, as he does an uncanny take on the character. I wouldn't be suprised if Josh Brolin actually went back in time to study and become young Tommy Lee, as his performance is extremely believable and flawless. He plays in largely to the fresh feeling in the new time and setting, and it is really what makes the film work and function as successfully as it does.
If you're looking for anything completely new in Men In Black 3, you won't find much, but it is a representation of the success of the formula, perhaps even the best (forgetting the less then stellar start). It's stars do shine bright, Will Smith is his usual entertaining self, and Josh Brolin brings new life and excitement to the film, with his spectacular and spot-on take on young Agent K. What suprised me the most though, is that Men In Black brings itself together to make for a suprisingly down-to-Earth story, and one that I was excited to find myself caring for.
