Men in Black III, a holiday treat

Rating: *** 1/2

Men in Black III delightfully reboots the comedy/science fiction franchise which looked all but over when its second episode was so dismally received in 2002. This Memorial Day treat from director Barry Sonnenfeld is like a big beefy hug from your lovable, wacky uncle Gus. You can't help loving it, despite its overexuberance. In fact, you love this film all the more because of it.

For those who have never been exposed to Sonnenfeld's snarky brand of Runyonesque humor (Get Shorty, the previous MIB films) this picture will be a revelation. His talent is to daffily shift reality to make the improbable commonplace, to undercut the sentimental moment with a clever line and to make heroes of characters who might otherwise be considered misfits and social outcasts. It is to Sonnenfeld's credit that his villains are lovable even when they are doing their best to end civilization as we know it.

This film, much like its two previous installments, is centered on heroes "J" (Will Smith) and "K" (Tommy Lee Jones and his younger self, John Brolin). They are employees of an Earth-based extra terrestrial peace-keeping force whose job it is to protect our planet. How they accomplish this is not really why you buy your ticket, however. What this comedic thrill ride is all about is the experience of accompanying Smith and Jones/Brolin as they trade quips and have each other's backs in their souped-up squad cars, one-man rockets and uber-cool racing cycles.