Analyze the Box Office Flop of Men in Black: International

Mixed Reviews:

The film received largely negative reviews from critics and audiences alike. It holds a low approval rating on platforms like Rotten Tomatoes with many citing a lack of originality and poor character development.

Weak Script and Direction: Critics pointed to a lackluster script that failed to capture the charm and humor of the original trilogy. The direction by F. Gary Gray was also criticized for not bringing a fresh perspective to the franchise.

Uninspired Casting Choices: While Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson have strong individual careers, their chemistry in this film was perceived as lacking compared to the dynamic duo of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones in the original series.

Franchise Fatigue: By the time the movie was released, audiences had grown wary of MIB franchises, expecting a similar outcome.

Competition: The summer of 2019 was filled with strong competition from other blockbuster films such as Spider-Man: Far From Home and Avengers: Endgame.

Marketing Issues: The marketing campaign was criticized for not effectively conveying the film’s appeal or distinguishing it from the earlier films, leading to confusion about its purpose within the franchise.

Overall, these factors combined resulted in a flop at the box office despite some positive reviews which I will explore in more detail below.

Individual Criticism

Some fans defended the film, stating it was fun with a decent rating (7.9/10), while others dismissed it as severely flawed. The conspiracy that the Men in Black made this movie to erase the memory of its own series was widespread, leading to the movie being perceived as exceptionally bad.

Many criticized the lackluster screenplay, a predictable plot, and insufficient humor. The franchise had become dated with the original characters, Agent K and Agent J, no longer making the dynamic duo a novelty.

Characterization and Chemistry

The casting choices were seen as uninspired. Hemsworth and Thompson's chemistry was perceived as lacking compared to the dynamic duo of Smith and Jones, who had a well-established rapport.

The movie failed to take the legacy of the good franchise forward. Here are some notable reasons for the failure:

Lackluster Screenplay

The plot was predictable. Little to no unexpected twists or exhilarating moments kept the audience engaged. By the time we saw the first scene, we knew the story's trajectory, making it hard for viewers to feel surprised or WOW.

Agent M (Tessa Thompson) and Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) were seen as poorly matched. Hemsworth's unconventional, brash character was meant to be the partner to Thompson's serious, disciplined one, which is a classic setup. However, the roles were switched, making the dynamic less fun and engaging.

Less Humor

One of the trademarks of the MIB franchise is good humor from both the lead characters and the aliens around them. While Agent H (Chris Hemsworth) and the Bassam alien provided a few laughs, they were not enough to carry the series. In the first three movies, Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) and Agent J (Will Smith) showcased a balance of seriousness and humor, making their partnership enjoyable. In contrast, the humor in MIB International felt flat and uninspired.

Invisible Villain

The villain was introduced gradually, leaving audiences with little to no idea of their capability. This led to a lack of suspense and a sense of confusion. Unlike in previous films, the villain's identity and powers were not clearly established in the initial setup, robbing the movie of the thrill that was crucial for the MIB franchise.

SJW Influence

The characterization of Agent M (Tessa Thompson) was heavily criticized. She is presented as perfect from day one, without any mentorship or challenges. This contrasts sharply with Agent J (Will Smith), who grew into his role step-by-step. The perfect, infallible female lead felt forced and disconnected from the original dynamic.

Many fans argue that this aspect makes the movie less relatable and appealing. Women in the film industry often face the double standard of being either overcritical or overly supportive of female characters. Agent M's flawless journey seems to overcompensate for this, leading to a portrayal that fails to resonate with audiences.

Conclusion

Men in Black: International suffered from a combination of factors, including a lackluster script, uninspired direction, and poor casting choices. While the movie had some fun elements and humor, it ultimately fell short of what fans and critics had hoped for. The franchise fatigue and the heavy influence of #MeToo/SJW trends also played a significant role in its failure.