Men in Black II

A dreary cardboard-cutout imitation of the original MIB, this retread provides further evidence to support the notion that “sequels suck.” Although Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith reprise their roles, as does director Barry Sonnenfeld, it seems like they have used all of the same jokes, too. There are a few decent special effects, but at this point in the history of cinema that just isn’t enough to make the movie worth your time. The plot is some flim-flam about an alien light hidden on earth, and it manages to be both simpleminded and incomprehensible at the same time. What little fun can be had is provided by Smith, but in general the picture relies too much on the mugging and deadpanning of its stars (not to mention the talking dog), and the charm of that wears off pretty quickly. You do get to see Lara Flynn Boyle in lingerie, however, so if that works for you, have at it.