What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that comic mayhem and gross-out creatures from other planets define Men in Black. Scary creatures and life-threatening situations are frequent. The film, however, is as clever as it is exaggerated; some of the most destructive violence is implied, happening just off-camera. Still, young or sensitive kids who can't readily distinguish fantasy from reality may be disturbed by the barrage of exploding insects, grotesque morphing from human to alien life form, and cartoon violence (characters blow up, are vaporized, stabbed, shot with ray guns, and more). There's plenty of swearing ("damn," "goddamn," "bastard," "hell," "s--t") and a few insults, including "d--k" and "pr--k").
- Families can talk about Men in Black's over-the-top weapons and violence. Does any of it seem real? Why or why not?
- Families can also discuss aliens. Do you think that there are other intelligent creatures out there?
- Can you see why Men in Black spawned the sequels Men in Black II and Men in Black III? Would you like the series to continue?