REVIVAL OF THE MEN IN BLACK

Although the world of avid movie watchers has been shaken with the prospect of their favourite Asgardian duo retiring their armours, magical hammers, and loyal winged stallion, they are excited to see them play new roles. Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, who played Thor and Valkyrie respectively in the MCU, have reconnected in the new film, Men in Black: International, released on June 14, 2019. With Thompson playing the rookie Agent M alongside Hemsworth’s Bond-esque Agent H, this is the classic buddy-cop film that never gets old. Twenty-two years after the release of the original Men in Black, starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, this next-gen reboot follows our two leads in the age-old battle against the scum of the universe. Nevertheless, here are some ways in which this isn’t just another mindless rip-off of its predecessors.

Brand-New Cast

Move over, Smith and Jones, there are new sheriffs in town. Although our original Men in Black will be terribly missed, Hemsworth and Thompson’s effortless camaraderie is something fans have been looking forward to. Rebecca Ferguson from the Mission: Impossible franchise has also joined the cast of the film. Finally, the incredible Emma Thompson reprised her role as Agent O, the bold overseer of MiB operations, joined by British counterpart High T, played by legendary actor, Liam Neeson.

Female Lead

Tessa Thompson, who has quickly risen to fame, secured the role of Agent M, effectively ending the tradition that the Men in Black must only be men. She rejects the one-dimensional female stereotype, and instead brings to life a vibrant, bubbly, tough partner to the roguish playboy, played by Hemsworth. Thompson’s track record definitely proves that M is the female protagonist we have been waiting for.

Scum or Chum?

On their mission, our intergalactic cops find themselves at odds with aliens that we’ve never seen before. The most delightful addition may be the adorable pocket-size alien named Pawny, mainly there for comic relief, and yet an unforgettable gem. Of course, even with these newcomers, the film didn’t deprive us of some timeless icons: the return of high-pitched worms and a heart-warming tribute to Frank the Pug.