Men in Black (Deluxe Edition)

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This imaginative summer comedy from director Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty) is a lot of fun, largely on the strength of Will Smith's engaging performance as the rookie partner of a secret agent (Tommy Lee Jones) assigned to keep tabs on Earth-dwelling extraterrestrials. There's lots of comedy to spare in this bright film, some of the funniest stuff found in the margins of the major action. (A scene with Smith's character being trounced in the distance by a huge alien while Jones questions a witness is a riot.) The inventiveness never lets up, and the cast--including Vincent D'Onofrio doing frighteningly convincing work as an alien occupying a decaying human--hold up their end splendidly. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Protecting the Earth From the Worst Scum of the Universe..........2007-08-10

After gaining box office and critical praise for his work in the smash hit "Independence Day", actor Will Smith was riding high as one of Hollywood's newest box office sensations. So, what does someone in that position do for a follow-up performance, perhaps something small, maybe an independent feature or something of the sort...on second thought, that wouldn't be Will Smith's style, so what did he do to follow-up his big screen success? Well, he went on to co-star alongside Tommy Lee Jones ("The Fugitive") in director Barry Sonenfeld's surprising sci-fi comedy hit "Men in Black".

"Men in Black" is the story of a secret government organization whose job is to monitor and police extraterrestrial activity on Earth. Their agents are chosen from the best that government training has to offer, they work in secret, and most likely you'll never even know they existed. But when an NYPD detective (Will Smith) encounters an alien, he finds himself cast into the middle of an alien war that the 'MIB' are trying to prevent from spilling over onto Earth. With the help and training of Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), this former cop is about to get a crash course in what it means to be the last line of defense against the worst scum of the universe.

Now, here is a case where a movie gets released and catches everyone off guard. Upon its release there were not too many people that knew much about "Men in Black", there were some that were aware of the little-known comic book, but most just thought it looked like a funny movie with Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith against a bunch of aliens. More than likely the film would prove to be entertaining and possibly worthy of owning later on, but nothing all that original. Boy, were we wrong or what? "Men in Black" was incredibly entertaining, from the action to the sci-fi to the hilarious comedy spread throughout, there was never a dull moment in this movie, and the box office returns and praise from both audiences and critics were proof of just how good this movie truly was.

The performances by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones were enjoyable, their banter/bickering was always fun to listen to, and still is even after multiple viewings. Linda Fiorentino ("The Last Seduction") and Vincent D'Onofrio ("Law and Order: Criminal Intent") were excellent in their supporting roles, especially Vincent who was spectacular, and even creepy as an alien hiding out in a decaying human body. A few brief appearances by Rip Torn as the head of 'MIB', Zed, provided some humorous moments, especially in the scenes with the aliens known as the 'worm guys'.

The story for "Men in Black" was probably the most surprising aspect of the movie, it was a rather basic plot wrapped in a very original package of a government organization tracking aliens hiding among us here on Earth. It's refreshing to see a movie where the writers were able to take a plotline that has been used many times over, the aging veteran must train a new partner who in turn becomes his replacement, and place it into a story that is full of energy, action, humor, and originality making for an incredibly enjoyable movie experience that audiences will want to go through again and again.

If you enjoy action comedies or science fiction films then here is a movie that should entertain you from start to finish. Aside from a little bit of language and a few gross scenes that may scare younger viewers, this is a movie that for the most part the entire family can sit down and enjoy, if nothing else it seems to be aired regularly on TV so you can always see the slightly edited version without the grossness and language.

"Men in Black" is rated PG-13 for violence and language.

More Hollywood big budget trash.......2007-07-21

I throw trash away and don't think twice about it. I certainly would not invest in trash, because, as its name implies, its worthless. Just like the men in black movies! I watched about the first 20 minutes of the first one, I didn't need to watch anymore to know that there is no point to these movies ever having been made, like so many other Hollywood big budget movies. The big companies do invest in trash, billions actually, and the public is all too happy to buy it......

It's a great movie, and it's barely more than the cost of a rental..........2007-07-09

Just buy it, add it to your collection, and enjoy the extra content on your own schedule.

Men In Black.......2007-07-07

Are you kidding?! MIB is the best fantasy/sci fi/action/comedy movie to come along in a very long time. If you must know, this is my SECOND purchase of the VHS copy of this movie -- I wore the other one out (Yes, it is that good).

Pure entertainment.......2007-05-12

I watch movies simply to be entertained. I don't want to bite my nails and I don't want to be taught a lesson. I just want to escape for a couple of hours. This movie gives me what I want.

Men in Black II (Widescreen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Saving the Earth From the Scum of the Universe, Again...
Another weird story
The men should have stayed gone
A Good Sequel
Where this sequel is strong, it is v-e-r-y strong. Where it is weak, it is v-e-r-y weak.

Men in Black II (Widescreen Special Edition)
Starring: Lara Flynn Boyle , David Cross (II) , Rosario Dawson , Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine , and Jay Johnston
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00005JKZ3
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Amazon.com

More remake than sequel, Men in Black II safely repeats everything that made Men in Black the blockbuster hit of 1997. That's fine if you loved the original's fresh humor, weird aliens, and loopy ingenuity, but as sequels go, it's pure déjà vu. Makeup wizard Rick Baker is the only MIB alumnus who's trying anything new, while director Barry Sonnenfeld and costars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones (as alien-fighting agents Jay and Kay, respectively) are on autopilot with an uninspired screenplay. The quest of a multitentacled alien--on Earth in the form of Lara Flynn Boyle--for the light of Zartha requires Jay to deneuralize Kay, whose restored memory contains the key to saving the planet. The tissue-thin premise allows all varieties of special effects--mostly familiar, with some oddly hilarious new stuff tossed in for good measure. Certainly enjoyable as a popcorn distraction, but the MIB magic has worn a bit thin. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Saving the Earth From the Scum of the Universe, Again..........2007-08-12

After successfully saving the planet from a deadly alien threat and raking in big money at the box office, the boys at 'MIB' were livin' the good life and enjoying all the perks of being beloved by moviegoers. Which is probably why Columbia Pictures felt the need to bring more intergalactic action and hilarity to the masses with a sequel to the highly popular film with the hopes of starting a franchise. So, 5 years after their first big screen adventure, Agent's K and J (Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith) are back again to save mankind from the worst scum of the universe, in Barry Sonnenfeld's "Men in Black 2".

"Men in Black 2" finds Agent J (Will Smith) having a difficult time keeping partners while protecting the Earth from alien threats. After he de-neuralized his former partner/mentor Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), J feels he's better as loner agent than partnered up. However, when a deadly new threat comes to Earth in the guise of a lingerie model (Lara Flynn Boyle), J and 'MIB' must bring in the one agent who will stand a chance of stopping this threat and saving humanity once again, Agent K. The only problem is, he doesn't remember anything about his life in 'MIB'.

What happens when a movie is so successful that it makes tons of money, turns its young lead actor into a mega-star, and catches audiences completely by surprise with how good and unique of a movie it was? Well, the obvious answer would be to make a sequel and cash in on the original film's success, which is exactly what Columbia Pictures did. However, there is a slight problem with this plan, how do you top what's already been done? The surprise factor is gone, the freshness has worn off, and it's possible that due to the mediocre animated series that was spawned from the original movie has diminished people's interest in the series.

To solve their possible problems Columbia Pictures brought on two writers that can handle the type of material needed for this type of movie, meaning plenty of action, humor, and sci-fi fun. Next, the powers-that-be managed to convince the main cast to reprise their roles from the first film, and lastly bring back the director that made them successful in the first place. So, did Columbia's plan of action work for this film or was it to fall prey to being yet another inferior sequel in an already long list? The answer, mostly yes, but there were some issues with the movie.

The cast was excellent, which isn't surprising given the talent assembled here, but as much as I enjoy Will Smith in most movies he makes, at times he actually felt boring to me here. I understand that the goal was having his character in the place of Tommy Lee Jones' at the beginning of the movie, being the serious career agent, no longer the care free rookie, but he came off like he was bored, leaving his performance feeling stiff. Now, I will say that once Tommy Lee Jones' character was back in play, Will Smith lightened up and the movie quickly picked up and felt more like the original, but the early part of his performance does put a bit of a damper on things. Tommy Lee Jones returns to playing the role that he does best, and apparently it's the only role he knows how to do, the no-nonsense serious man with a mission and a really dry, subtle sense of humor. Though the schtick is the same as before, it's still fun to see these two characters interact on screen, easily erasing the crappiness of the children's animated series. The supporting cast was solid throughout, I did grow tired of Johnny Knoxville's character, but he did provide some humorous moments. The rest of the cast was fun, and giving more screen time to Frank the Pug and the 'Worm' guys was a nice touch.

The story was a good follow-up to the original, with plenty of humor, though not as much as I'd hoped for before Agent K returns, but still the jokes were funny. The action was energetic like before, though a little more over-the-top in places than even the previous film had done, and the sci-fi elements were inventive. However, with all that being said, the story did suffer some from the fact that it had lost its freshness and originality since the first one was so much of a surprise and audiences didn't know what to expect, but this time we had a pretty good idea. Honestly it didn't matter what anyone did in this movie, no matter what was tried they just couldn't match the original, which is unfortunate since the characters are so fun and story potential is everywhere, but in the end you still can't do better than what's come before. This is actually one of those rare cases when the potential for a sequel is there, but the studio should avoid going through with it for the simple fact that you most likely won't be able to do better than what you already have done.

"Men in Black 2" is still a fun movie, though not as good as the original, but that doesn't mean the movie's not worth seeing or owning. Yes, there are some problems with this movie in some areas, but most are overcome early on, leaving audiences with a rather enjoyable movie experience.

"Men in Black 2" is rated PG-13 for violence, language, and sensuality.

Another weird story.......2007-07-02

Kay is gone, J is looking a partner like Kay. A snake lady shows up, other things happen too.
Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flyne Boyle.

The men should have stayed gone.......2007-06-25

I remember having such high hopes for this movie, but it turned out that the movie trailer had served up all the laughs and the rest of the flick was shockingly dull and un-orginal. But I get it. Sequels are hard and Hollywood are usually a greedy lot. The plot re: returning the Light couldn't have been more campy or paper thin if you tried. But, and it's a big but, it may have worked a little better for children. I'm not sure. I don't have children. Anyhoot, if you have absolutely nothing to do or you're searching for what NOT to do with a sequel, check this film out. Otherwise, watch the first movie and then pretend that this one never happened. Where's a good nuturalizer when you need one?

A Good Sequel.......2007-02-19

A very good comedy, Men in Black II picks up four years after the first movie left off, and continues to shed light on Earth's finest agents. This time the arrival of an unexpected guest from outer space will rock their world...
Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flynn Boyle and Rosario Dawson (both of whom are HOT!), and the rest of the cast carry out their performances very well.
The setting, the plot, the music, the humor, and the dialogues are all wonderful!
Overall, it is a movie worth watching, and even though quite silly at times, it will surely put you in a good mood! 4.5 Stars

Where this sequel is strong, it is v-e-r-y strong. Where it is weak, it is v-e-r-y weak........2007-02-17

Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith are back and, IMHO, and their chemistry is as good if not better than in the original (this time IMHO Jones deserved top billing). Rip Torn is given some lines that I'm sure made him wonder if the $$$ he received from being in the second movie was worth the public embarrassment. Tony Shalhoub, on the other hand, is hilarious during the deneuralizer scenes (even though the writers saddled him with stolen lines).

On the other hand, with the exception of Johnny Knoxville as Scrad/Charlie, the villians are downright awful, and, as much as I like Patrick Warburton's other work, his short appearance here was pretty bad.

The Superbit technology doesn't get as many opportunities to shine as in MIB, although it is quite noticeable during the first subway scene and at the end. I'm still impressed enough with Superbit to choose it over other formats, even if I sacrifice the DVD "bonus features" to have it.

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Men in Black/Men in Black II
Starring: Columbia 2pak
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007VY46S
Release Date: 2005-03-29

Average customer rating:

It's a bug-a-boo

Men in Black (UMD Mini for PSP)
Starring: Men in Black
Manufacturer: Columbia/Tri-Star
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: UMD for PSP

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Product Features:

In the 1950s a super-secret government agency was formed to monitor and police the activities of extraterrestrial aliens on the planet Earth. Some 40 years later a founding father of the agency, Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), finds himself with a new smart-mouthed partner fresh from the NYPD who is soon dubbed Agent Jay (Will Smith). Their first mission is to save the Earth from destruction by a gia

ASIN: B000ENUYFY
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

Men in Black follows the exploits of agents Kay (Jones) and Jay (Smith), members of a top-secret organization established to monitor alien activity on Earth. The two MiB find themselves in the middleof the deadly plot by an intergalactic terrorist (Vincent D'Onofrio) who has arrived on Earth to assassinate two ambassadors from opposing galaxies.

Customer Reviews:

It's a bug-a-boo.......2006-05-28

People go through life oblivious to the reality around them. As pointed out in this movie, at one time everyone knew the world was flat; and now everyone knows we are alone in the universe. But what if we are wrong? Who will protect us? "Men in black used to be the term for the bad guys. This movie shows they are our last line of defense. This is a fun movie and there are many great actors to add to the fun.

Every one is so busy watching Tommy Lee Jones make his stoic looks and Will making one-liners that they miss the person that hold it all together. In addition, that person has to do act throughout the movie in an Edgar suit. Have you ever tried one on? Vincent D'Onofrio has to look unnatural and act natural. This was one movie where I felt sorry for the bug. He even drops his snack (Linda Fiorentino) near the end. It just shows that bugs lead a hard life.

If you are into recent bug movies, look for "Out There" where they mention bugs in a rug

Average customer rating:

In the company of a sociopath
Feel good movie
Let's hurt somebody
mean guys being mean
Not as good as his later works.

In the Company of Men
Starring: Aaron Eckhart , Stacy Edwards , Matt Malloy , Emily Cline , and Jason Dixie
Director: Neil LaBute
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
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ASIN: 0767806786
Release Date: 1998-03-17

Amazon.com

Two bored businessmen, exiled to a remote company outpost on a six-week business trip, decide to enliven their visit by romancing a deaf woman and then savagely dumping her. Slimy Chad (Aaron Eckhart) convinces schlumphy Howard (Matt Molloy) to take part in the vicious scheme by framing it as an act of revenge against uppity womankind, but it quickly becomes apparent that he harbors some even more sinister motives. What might have been a simple exploration (some, no doubt, would say reiteration) of straightforward misogyny is elevated by the remarkable performance of Eckhart; at once charming and nauseating, his fascinating interpretation of pure competitive evil dominates the film. Neil LaBute's intelligent script is somewhat reminiscent of Whit Stillman's darker moments (minus the collegiate cleverness and zany warmth), and his direction, while rarely visually impressive, does connote the hellish impersonality of corporate interiors with chilling success. The director-screenwriter deserves additional plaudits for resisting both the tidal pull toward poetic justice and the temptation to draw either of his main characters as even slightly sympathetic. A study in ugliness, a rubbernecker's delight, a time bomb. --Miles Bethany

Customer Reviews:

In the company of a sociopath.......2007-08-02

Sociopaths are generally believed to be totally selfish, lacking in empathy with other people and believe themselves to be above the law. Not surprisingly 75% of men in prison can be classified this way. However what if the sociopath has above average intelligence, good looks, health, opportunities and charisma? He may find a way to operate within the bounds of society and become very successful in the business or political world not caring how his behavior may effect others. Chad, the main character in the film IN THE COMPANY OF MEN seems to meet the definition of sociopath. We first meet him and nerdy co-worker Howard in an airport lounge bemoaning their bad luck in having to leave "civilization" (company headquarters) to spend six weeks getting a never named project started in a small unnamed city (the movie was filmed in Ft. Wayne, Indiana). Howard who is actually higher in the company than Chad has recently been deserted by a fiance and Chad "tells" Howard he is also bitter over the recent sudden move out of his girlfriend. Chad who resembles a popular thirty year old fraternity boy comes up with a plan to both pass their six weeks in the boonies and get some revenge on womankind. They will both romance a "wallflower" type girl and then devastate her when she finds it was all an elaborate practical joke. They find Christine an attractive typist in their office who has a speech impediment because of her deafness and the cruel plan is set in motion. The movie is very well acted by the three principal actors and sadly seems realistic despite the dark plot and permeating cruelty that sometimes makes it difficult to watch. A final twist is revealed near the end of the film and the closing shot of Howard and Christine is very haunting. I've seen this movie described as a comedy but it definitely belongs in the drama section.

Feel good movie .......2007-07-20

Great feel good movie, not! What a brutal movie of a man plotting to hurt people "because he can".

I couldn't sleep last night, the one scene where he exposes his motives kept playing in my mind, the most painful scene I've ever witnessed in film.

No physical violence, no murder, just words and the enjoyment in hurting people that express a real everday evil. Horrible evil.

Let's hurt somebody.......2007-05-29

A couple of office buddies, sick of some bad luck with the ladies, devise a sinister plan--find a nice woman and both stomp all over her heart. Just for fun. Oh yes, men are pigs, but this movie is hilarious and horrifying.
There are several occasions where you're placed in the cross-fire of some extremely blunt male conversations. Some of it feels a little forced, but most of their harsh statements and offensive jokes feels like another regular day in the company of men.
The two main players in this game are played by Aaron Eckhart and Matt Malloy. Just like in Thank You for Smoking, Eckart seems like a complete natural for the charismatic but arrogant business exec. Malloy fits in well as his feeble sidekick. They find the perfect victim for their despicable plan--a naive, pretty woman at the office who happens to be deaf. Her handicap adds to the cruelty of their competition.
There is one particular scene in this movie that made me quite uneasy. Eckart demoralizes a young, black employee by challenging him to drop his drawers and prove he has the (guts) to excel in the company. Talk about corporate pressure...

MAJOR SPOILERS-
I have to comment on the ending, because it's what makes this black comedy so brilliant. I was totally suprised by it. But it's actually true to life.
The nice guy finishes last, the girl gets her fragile heart broken, and the bad boy gets what he wants and doesn't learn any life-altering lessons. You don't see that sort of thing in movies very often. But this conclusion is what sets this story apart.

mean guys being mean.......2007-05-14

I was writing a screenplay and struggling to make my characters meaner people. Someone told me to see this movie, and I loved it. These guys are really horrible, it was great. Just when you think they are the worst, they get worse. Great ending, surprises.

Not as good as his later works........2007-03-07

I agree with a review that Roger Ebert gave Your Friends and Neighbors, which was, it was like Quinten Tarantino's Pulp Fiction to his Reservior Dogs. This film is a singular work, not on the scope of Your Friends and Neighbors, and not as good. Some scenes were very good and entertaining, and because of that, surely deserves to be watched. Hopefully if it goes on sale even more. At 20 dollars it would be a good buy. However, I did not find myself drawn into the failures of the characters as much as I was hoping for. So I find myself having to give it 3 stars.

Average customer rating:

G-Men
No fidelity is forever!
Another entertaining Warner's film from the production line
James Cagney makes publicity for J: Edgar Hoover...
A good guy with shady friends.

G Men
Starring: Robert Armstrong , Marie Astaire , Brooks Benedict , Monte Blue , and Stanley Blystone
Director: William Keighley
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000FI9OBS
Release Date: 2006-07-18

Amazon.com

There comes a time in the career of every gangster star when he has to go straight. Jimmy Cagney did it in "G" Men, a crisp crimefighting drama directed by William Keighley. Its hero is one more Cagney variation on the working-class guy with a smart mouth and a hard right, only this time he's a lawyer whose education was paid for by the avuncular local crimelord. Cagney's on the square, though, and after a law-school pal turned F.B.I. agent is murdered in the line of duty, he joins the Bureau. Made with the blessings of J. Edgar Hoover, the movie pays homage to several spectacular moments in Bureau legend, but it's at its grabbiest when things get personal for Cagney--say, the complications that arise from his onetime sorta-girlfriend, nightclub chanteuse Ann Dvorak, taking up with very bad dude Barton MacLane.

Film critic Manny Farber praised Keighley as "the least sentimental director of gangster careers," and he gives the numerous murders and shootouts a jolting ferocity. (Thirteen years later Keighley helmed the excellent F.B.I. case history Street With No Name.) The I-don't-like-you-and-I-don't-trust-you byplay between Cagney and his Bureau boss Robert Armstrong gets old, but there's flavorful thuggery from MacLane, Edward Pawley, Noel Madison, et al. "G" Men's style is briskly no-nonsense, yet so beautifully has the film been restored and digitally remastered, there are moments when Sol Polito's cinematography literally glows. One gripe only: The movie should have been presented as it was in 1935, without the F.B.I.-classroom intro tacked on for 1949 reissue (the sort of thing "Special Features" was made for). --Richard T. Jameson

Description

In 1931, James Cagney helped jump-start the gangster genre as The Public Enemy. In 1935, he waged on-screen war against the nation's public enemies. Outcries against movies that glorified underworld criminals put Cagney on the side of the law in "G" Men. Emphasis may have changed but elements are the same. "G" Men builds to a fury of bold escapes, siren-wailing pursuits and frenzied shootouts. "Anything worth newspaper space is worth a movie," Warner Bros. executive Lou Edelman declared. Here, a punchy hot-off-the-presses account of the pursuit and capture of John Dillinger provides the story inspiration as tough-guy Cagney gives it to 'em good in a movie that's "fast, gutsy, as simplistic and powerful as a tabloid headline" (Geoff Andrew, Time Out Film Guide).

Customer Reviews:

G-Men.......2007-06-20

After solidifying his reputation as Hollywood's number-one bad guy, Cagney played a straight-edge lawman in this gangland drama, a huge hit for Warners and great publicity for J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling department, which had only recently granted officers the right to bear arms (a big plot point in the film). Cagney is mesmerizing as Brick, prudent and principled but also tough as nails and willing to throw his weight around. His two love interests, a bar-girl-gone-wrong (Ann Dvorak) and hospital nurse (Margaret Lindsay), land him in a tangle and also help amplify the theme of divided loyalties. Cagney is at his riveting, entertaining best in "G Men."

No fidelity is forever!.......2006-12-05

Although he was raised by an underworld important personage., James Cagney will join F.B.I., when a pal is killed by gangsters ., and he will put all his first hand experience to be useful.

Another little gem of William Keighley of the middle thirties.

Another entertaining Warner's film from the production line.......2006-08-10

"G Men" made in 1935 was a clever response by Warner Brothers to the new Hays Code finally enforced in 1934 and which applied strict censorship on the Hollywood product. The challenge was to maintain the excitement of the gangster genre at the same time as honouring the new code which, among other things, insisted that the gangster not be glamourised.

The solution was to switch the magnetic Jimmy Cagney to the other side of the law and make the gangsters headed by the less than magnetic Barton Maclane much less attractive. The film has a slight documentary feel as Cagney enlists as a G Man when he is unable to make a living as a lawyer. The first section of the film follows his training and it is fairly tedious. Cagney is put through his paces by Robert Armstrong in the cliched role which Pat O'Brien usually played, Cagney's sparring superior officer. Having honoured the Code by expounding the work of the law protectors, Cagney is assigned to a case and the film switches to the gangsters and finally takes off. There are re-enactments of recorded gangland murders and the shootout in a cabin in the mountains has all the violence and excitement of the earlier pre-code films.

Ann Dvorak plays a good hearted night club performer who has a yen for Cagney but marries vicious Barton McLane. She is superb as always and performs a rather untidy but enthusiastic song and dance early in the film. Margaret Lindsay plays the leading lady to Cagney in her usual colourless way. Lloyd Nolan plays Cagney's pal who is murdered in the course of duty.

The film was a box office sensation in 1935, endorsed enthusiastically by the FBI and the Hays Office for informing the public about the prevention of crime. Cagney also was delighted to be playing on the right side for once.

The DVD print is excellent and captures the excellent lighting which gets darker as the film's plot does. It is also packed with good extras. There is an informative documentary about the enforcement of the Production Code but the excellent commentary attached to the film itself is hampered by the nasal drawl of the commentator's voice - unfortunate! There is an hilarious short film with the young Bob Hope which is a rare gem and the Looney Tune cartoon included has that great combination of music and drawings which is so entertaining. Also there is a short film, one of a series on golf, with Cagney appearing without makeup. He looks completely different, freckle faced and tow headed. Finally, a blooper reel is included from Warners films of 1935 and a preview of "Devil Dogs of the Air", a Pat O'Brien/Cagney teaming in cliched roles which were repeated a number of times throughout the decade.

Whether as part of the Warner's Tough Guys set or on its own, the DVD is great value.

James Cagney makes publicity for J: Edgar Hoover..........2006-05-02

...And enjoys every minute. The film begins when Brick Davis (James Cagney) an idealistic but unsuccessful lawyer bows out a mother-beating crook. He refuses to become a shyster but respectable clients rarely show up in his Eastside-office. When one of his friends, a new-fledged G-man is killed during an arrest he decides to join the FBI. Cagney's patron McKay, a basically good racketeer who invested $20.000 in his college-education, agrees with his decision. He too plans to leave the mob ("It does not pay. It brings just money"). His decision infuriates his two underlings : Leggett (a posh gangster with bowler & gardenia) and Collins ( Barton McLane, who never read Emily Post - but his co-stars liked him a lot). Leggett and Collins warn Cagney not to poke his nose into their affairs - it goes without saying that he spends the rest of the film hunting these Dillinger-clones down. They rob banks in passing, stage a railway massacre and butcher officers with their machine-guns.

But first Cagney has to convince his instructor McCord (Robert Armstrong who captured King Kong) that he is no "babe-in-arms". McCord does not think much of "members of the academic club" and the scenes where he tries to "teach" Cagney how to spar and shoot are comic highlights. (Cagney's jiu-jitsu trainer however sends him on the mattress. His judo-scenes in BLOOD ON THE SUN 1945 are even more spectacular). He makes also eyes at McCord's sister (Margaret Lindsy who enervated him with her phony British accent). The filmmakers seize every opportunity to show off FBI-efficiency: they make ballistic tests, compare fingerprints, and Cagney wears even a tie with a mini-camera.

The film's most famous scene is a ten-minutes gunfire at the gangster's country hideout. Real bullets were fired and even gangster-molls are armed to the teeth! (The film cost $450.000 and it shows). There are also two emotional moments when Cagney inadvertently shoots his benefactor whom the gangsters used as human shield and when Collins, who married Cagney's old flame (Ann Dvorak who is excellent) "silences" his wife when she tries to help the kidnapped Margaret Lindsay. Most of the film's mood however is merry and optimistic. G-MEN was one of Warner's biggest box-office hits and everybody (except the gangsters, of course) was convinced that the institution of the FBI was a happy event.

Cagney played more profound roles in his life, but the smart, white-collared FBI-agent was one of his favorites. This is why his performance is so cheerful and entertaining. "Honest at last, mom!" he told his mother. THE PUBLIC ENEMY(1931) made him a star, but he hated nothing more than his screen-image, understandable, in view of his own, exemplary life. I was pleased to read that he paid for the defense of the "Scottsboro boys" (nine African-American youths who were innocently sentenced to death in Alabama 1936. The press of the time smeared Cagney for his moral courage!). And FBI-director Hoover, who enjoyed standing in the limelight, was so positive about the film's publicity-value that he welcomed the film-crew with open arms.

A good guy with shady friends........2005-11-18

Jimmy Cagney polishes his tough, street smart, gangster-type image. This time he is not a punk, he's a fed, if not squeaky clean, at least honest. He's a young lawyer who joins the FBI to avenge his best friend's murder. The name FBI is not used nor is J. Edgar's culture present. New technologies for the time are shown. Interesting, but certainly not the CSI of today. Real life events of the time are woven into the story such as the Kansas City Massacre which occurred in 1933.
It is an old fashioned cops n' robbers movie from the 1930's with the stock characters, classic old cars, chases, gunfights & crashes. This movie is guileless. The guilty are killed or captured, Cagney is the hero, gets shot, recovers & gets the girl in the end, his boss's sister no less. An old favorite.

Men in Black II (Full Screen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Saving the Earth From the Scum of the Universe, Again...
Another weird story
The men should have stayed gone
A Good Sequel
Where this sequel is strong, it is v-e-r-y strong. Where it is weak, it is v-e-r-y weak.

Men in Black II (Full Screen Special Edition)
Starring: Lara Flynn Boyle , David Cross (II) , Rosario Dawson , Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine , and Jay Johnston
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00006JK1R
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Saving the Earth From the Scum of the Universe, Again..........2007-08-12

Another weird story.......2007-07-02

Kay is gone, J is looking a partner like Kay. A snake lady shows up, other things happen too.
Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flyne Boyle.

The men should have stayed gone.......2007-06-25

A Good Sequel.......2007-02-19

Where this sequel is strong, it is v-e-r-y strong. Where it is weak, it is v-e-r-y weak........2007-02-17

Average customer rating:

Protecting the Earth From the Worst Scum of the Universe...
More Hollywood big budget trash
It's a great movie, and it's barely more than the cost of a rental...
Men In Black
Pure entertainment

Men in Black (Collector's Series)
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones , Will Smith , Linda Fiorentino , Vincent D'Onofrio , and Rip Torn
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Alien Invasion | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Science Fiction | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: 0767802624
Release Date: 2000-09-04

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Protecting the Earth From the Worst Scum of the Universe..........2007-08-10

More Hollywood big budget trash.......2007-07-21

It's a great movie, and it's barely more than the cost of a rental..........2007-07-09

Just buy it, add it to your collection, and enjoy the extra content on your own schedule.

Men In Black.......2007-07-07

Pure entertainment.......2007-05-12

I watch movies simply to be entertained. I don't want to bite my nails and I don't want to be taught a lesson. I just want to escape for a couple of hours. This movie gives me what I want.

Average customer rating:

Protecting the Earth From the Worst Scum of the Universe...
More Hollywood big budget trash
It's a great movie, and it's barely more than the cost of a rental...
Men In Black
Pure entertainment

Men in Black Limited Edition
Starring: Tommy Lee Jones , Will Smith , Linda Fiorentino , Vincent D'Onofrio , and Rip Torn
Director: Barry Sonnenfeld
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Alien Invasion | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Science Fiction | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Sci-Fi & Fantasy | Boxed Sets | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00004TFK3
Release Date: 2000-09-05

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Protecting the Earth From the Worst Scum of the Universe..........2007-08-10

More Hollywood big budget trash.......2007-07-21

It's a great movie, and it's barely more than the cost of a rental..........2007-07-09

Just buy it, add it to your collection, and enjoy the extra content on your own schedule.

Men In Black.......2007-07-07

Pure entertainment.......2007-05-12

I watch movies simply to be entertained. I don't want to bite my nails and I don't want to be taught a lesson. I just want to escape for a couple of hours. This movie gives me what I want.

Men in Black (Deluxe Edition)/Men in Black II (Widescreen Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

A great movie combo!
i might get it
Great fun
Great fun
Great fun

Men in Black (Deluxe Edition)/Men in Black II (Widescreen Special Edition)
Starring: Lara Flynn Boyle , David Cross (II) , Rosario Dawson , Colombe Jacobsen-Derstine , and Jay Johnston
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B00006JK1S
Release Date: 2002-11-26

Amazon.com

Men in Black
This imaginative summer comedy from director Barry Sonnenfeld (Get Shorty) is a lot of fun, largely on the strength of Will Smith's engaging performance as the rookie partner of a secret agent (Tommy Lee Jones) assigned to keep tabs on Earth-dwelling extraterrestrials. There's lots of comedy to spare in this bright film, some of the funniest stuff found in the margins of the major action. (A scene with Smith's character being trounced in the distance by a huge alien while Jones questions a witness is a riot.) The inventiveness never lets up, and the cast--including Vincent D'Onofrio doing frighteningly convincing work as an alien occupying a decaying human--hold up their end splendidly. --Tom Keogh

Men in Black II
More remake than sequel, Men in Black II safely repeats everything that made Men in Black the blockbuster hit of 1997. That's fine if you loved the original's fresh humor, weird aliens, and loopy ingenuity, but as sequels go, it's pure déjà vu. Makeup wizard Rick Baker is the only MIB alumnus who's trying anything new, while director Barry Sonnenfeld and costars Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones (as alien-fighting agents Jay and Kay, respectively) are on autopilot with an uninspired screenplay. The quest of a multitentacled alien--on Earth in the form of Lara Flynn Boyle--for the light of Zartha requires Jay to deneuralize Kay, whose restored memory contains the key to saving the planet. The tissue-thin premise allows all varieties of special effects--mostly familiar, with some oddly hilarious new stuff tossed in for good measure. Certainly enjoyable as a popcorn distraction, but the MIB magic has worn a bit thin. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

A great movie combo!.......2003-02-27

This is a two movie Gift set containing Men In Black and Men In Black II. Both of these movies in my opinion are awesome.

The first one gets far more of the praise than the second one. It all begins with Agent J being recruited into a top secret organization that deals with alien life forms visiting or dwelling on Earth. They must now save the world from a menacing giant cockroach bug who is bent on getting a special jewel called Orion's Belt. This movie I think broke ground with its twisted humor and it's alien menaces throughout the movie. I almost think of it as a comedic counterpart to the far more dramatic Independence Day.

The second Men In Black movie while not as strong as the first, the second MIB movie deserves more praise than what it has gotten. In this sequel, J and K now come face to face with a nefarious female alien named Serleena who is after The Light Of Zartha and threatens to use it to destroy Earth.

Both of these movies are great and this is a great movie combo set!

i might get it.......2003-02-08

i might get this dvd set if i relly think about it. i dont know.i relly liked the 1st one, but i dont know about the 2nd one.

Great fun.......2003-02-02

This movie is more of a continuation of the first movie than a sequel. Agent J (Will Smith) finds he needs Agent K's (Tommy Lee Jones) expertise on a certain case. But if you seen the first MIB, than you know that K was deactivated and went back to live a "normal" life. The first part of the movie is spent tracking K down and reloading the MIB info into him.

One of the funniest scenes in the movie occur when J finds K running a small post office. You get to see the inside workings of the post office and it just made me laugh out loud.

Laura Flynn Boyle is the "bad guy" in this flick and she finds out something I've always suspected - you _could_ rule the world if you look like a "Victoria's Secret" model.

The extras on the dvd show how various creatures were made, deleted scenes and of course, various bloopers. This movie is not going to make you think harder about life but it is an enjoyable way to spend an evening. If you looking for great fun and you enjoyed the first "Men in Black", this is an excellent choice for you. Watch and laugh - laughter is supposed to be the best medicine.

Great fun.......2003-02-02

One of the funniest scenes in the movie occur when J finds K running a small post office. You get to see the inside workings of the post office and it just made me laugh out loud.

Laura Flynn Boyle is the "bad guy" in this flick and she finds out something I've always suspected - you _could_ rule the world if you look like a "Victoria's Secret" model.

Great fun.......2003-02-02

This movie is more of a continuation of the first movie than a