It seems slightly ironic that at around the same time that we see Will Smith take on an iconic role as the genie in the new Aladdin film, we see a reboot of sorts of the Men in Black franchise – a series that really raised Smith’s profile in Hollywood; big shoes… or should I say big suits to fill.

So how does the new team get on? Can Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth, match the incredible on-set chemistry of Will Smith & Tommy Lee-Jones and of course save the world?

Directed by F.Gary Grey (Straight Outta Compton), Men in Black International sees Thompson and Hemsworth (reunited after starring in Thor: Ragnarok) as agents M and H. Led by Emma Thompson’s ‘O’, the Men (and women) in Black, set out on a mission all over the planet to identify a mole within the organisation. Sounds good right? What could go wrong?

The chemistry between Tessa Thompson’s driven & determined ‘M’ and Chris Hemsworth’s sexist, Bond-like ‘H’ works well and is actually quite funny (Marvel fans: look out for Thor jokes). The rest of the cast works well too Rafe Spall (Swallows and Amazons) as the smarmy agent C, Kumail Nanjiani (Silicon Valley) as the hilarious tiny alien Pawny and of course Rebecca Furguson (Mission Impossible: Fallout) as ‘arms dealer’ Riza – cephalophobes be warned!

Despite all of this however, Men in Black: International does lack of ‘oomph’ at times and substance results in the film relying heavily on the cast and the chemistry to keep things moving and the audience entertained.

Final thoughts – Men in Black: International will certainly divide opinion. Whilst Tessa Thompson & Chris Hemsworth are no Will smith & Tommy Lee-Jones, they work well together and are a joy to watch. A lot of credit needs to be given to the outstanding make-up and effects teams… you’ll see what we mean! You’ll love Pawny!!

5/10