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Men in Black (1997)

 -  Comedy | Sci-Fi  -  2 July 1997 (USA)
7.2
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Ratings: 7.2/10 from 250,099 users   Metascore: 71/100
Reviews: 262 user | 172 critic | 22 from Metacritic.com

A streetwise NYPD detective joins a secret organization that polices extraterrestrial affairs on Earth.

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(comic), (screen story), 1 more credit »
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Title: Men in Black (1997)

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Won 1 Oscar. Another 17 wins & 28 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
Kay
...
Jay
...
...
...
Zed
...
...
Beatrice
...
Gentle Rosenburg
...
Van Driver
...
José
...
...
INS Agent Janus (as Fredric Lane)
Richard Hamilton ...
Dee
...
1st Lt. Jake Jensen
...
Mikey
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Storyline

Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay and Jay, members of a top-secret organization established to monitor and police alien activity on Earth. The two Men in Black find themselves in the middle of the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies. In order to prevent worlds from colliding, the MiB must track down the terrorist and prevent the destruction of Earth. It's just another typical day for the Men in Black. Written by Keyser Soze

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

alien | galaxy | nypd | bug | flying saucer | See more »

Taglines:

Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Sci-Fi

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for language and sci-fi violence | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Official Sites:

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

2 July 1997 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

MIB  »

Box Office

Budget:

$90,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$273,700,000 (Non-US) (31 October 1997)

Gross:

$250,147,615 (USA) (9 January 1998)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

| | (8 channels)|

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Vincent D'Onofrio, who plays Edgar the Bug, went on to voice all the Bugs (same species) who appeared in Men in Black: The Series. See more »

Goofs

When Edgar grabs Orion at the morgue and then grabs Laurel right after, the cat has suddenly vanished from Edgar's grasp. See more »

Quotes

[first lines]
Nick the Van Driver: Goddamn bugs!
See more »

Crazy Credits

In the opening credits, a dragonfly flies around the countryside. See more »

Connections

References Casablanca (1942) See more »

Soundtracks

"The Promised Land"
Written by Chuck Berry
Performed by Elvis Presley
Courtesy of The RCA Records Label of BMG Entertainment
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Smart, funny spoof that is impossible not to like!
11 December 2004 | by (Minnesota) – See all my reviews

"Men in Black" and "Galaxy Quest" are in my mind the best sci-fi comedies ever made, because they are both hilarious parodies of two different cultures. Whereas the latter spoofed obsessed fans who take sci-fi entertainment WAY too seriously, this one spoofs the paranoid, tin-foil-hat brand of conspiracy theorists. It has funny characters, witty lines, and does not at all take itself seriously.

There are a lot of small details that can take multiple viewings to catch. One thing I found funnier the second time I watched it is the scene where Will Smith has just been severely lectured by his boss in the interrogation room when Tommy Lee Jones enters, asks a few questions, and tells Smith to come with him. Smith: "I can't, there's still a lot of paperwork to fill out." Jones: "No, the paperwork is all taken care of." Smith's boss (walking by): "Hey, nice work, Edwards!" This is one of many quick, funny scenes that you only really get if you're paying attention.

All the actors do a good job, too. I thought Rip Torn was the funniest character, and Edgar the bug was hilariously gross. Linda Fiorentino was one of the coolest female characters ever. She put Ripley to shame. Every time I watch this, I want to marry her.

Overall, it's a great comedy that is clever and fun all the way through. 8/10 stars.


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