What do you get when you mix together likeable actors, top-notch visual and practical effects, fun banter, and a unique premise? Answer: 1997's Men in Black.
Seven years after the preceding instalment, the series has now returned with Men in Black: International.
Instead of having Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, this one features the effortless swagger and charm of Chris Hemsworth.
Here, he plays H (Hemsworth) - MIB London and High T(Liam Neeson)'s most effective agent.
M (Tessa Thompson) is recruited after stumbling upon the agency's New York headquarters.
H and M are tasked with getting to know one another, saving the world, and looking flawless.
In the hands of better directors and writers, this franchise could have blossomed into something wonderful.
Like with Men in Black II and III, Men in Black: International is devoid of substance, intelligence, or even mild thrills.
Following the series's formula to a T, this one never gives its audience a reason to care.
Director F. Gary Gray (known for everything from Friday to Fate of the Furious and Straight Outta Compton) mishandles the personalities, exotic locations, alien designs, and set-pieces at his disposal.
Worse still, his charismatic actors are brought down by a mediocre script.
As usual, Hemsworth is the best thing in a bad movie. Given little to work with, he gets by on his good looks and beaming smile.
Thompson, a dynamic performer with many gems on her resume, is forced to play it safe.
Reunited after Thor: Ragnarok and Avengers: Endgame, the pair lack chemistry this time around.
Comedian Kumail Nanjiani provides some laughs as Pawnie, M's miniature sidekick.
Following Aladdin, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and X-Men: Dark Phoenix, Men in Black: International continues 2019's run of bland blockbusters.
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