--- title: "Men in Black 3" year: 2012 kind: "film" canonical: "https://film.one/film/men-in-black-3" fi1m_id: "men-in-black-3" imdb_id: "tt1409024" tmdb_id: 41154 wikidata_id: "Q327713" fi1m_score: 63 critics_score: 59 critics_reviews: 20 published: "2026-10-05T12:38:57.935003+00:00" updated: "2026-10-05T12:38:58.413205+00:00" region: "DE" licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Men in Black 3 (2012) Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld · 1h 46m · FSK 12 · Action, Comedy, Science Fiction ## Identity Men in Black 3 - **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/men-in-black-3 - **Type:** Film - **Fi1m ID:** men-in-black-3 - **IMDb ID:** tt1409024 - **TMDB ID:** 41154 - **Wikidata ID:** Q327713 - **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1409024/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/41154, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q327713 **Fi1m score: 63** · Critics 59 from 20 reviews *In a sentence:* Josh Brolin does Tommy Lee Jones so well that the real one starts to look like the impression > Ten years after a lazy second film, Barry Sonnenfeld sends Agent J back to 1969 and finds Josh Brolin waiting there, giving a better performance than the film. It is amiable, slack in the middle and sweeter at the end than it has earned. ## Synopsis Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clement), a one-armed alien locked up on the Moon since 1969, breaks out of prison with help from his girlfriend (Nicole Scherzinger) and goes looking for the man who took his arm: Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones) of the Men in Black. In New York, Agent J (Will Smith) wakes to find that nobody at headquarters remembers his partner. Agent O (Emma Thompson) tells him K has been dead for over forty years, and an invasion fleet the two of them once stopped is now on its way. J gets a time-travel device from Jeffrey Price (Michael Chernus), whose father built it, jumps off the Chrysler Building and lands in July 1969, where a young K (Josh Brolin) has yet to meet Boris. ## Review Fifteen years after the first [*Men in Black*](https://film.one/film/men-in-black) and ten after a second that few people loved, Barry Sonnenfeld brings Agent J and Agent K back for a third go and sends one of them to 1969. It is a better film than [*Men in Black II*](https://film.one/film/men-in-black-ii) (2002) and a looser one than the original, and its best idea is a piece of casting. Josh Brolin plays the young Tommy Lee Jones, and he is better than the film. We enjoyed it mildly, and would have enjoyed it more had it started half an hour later. The first twenty minutes are a chore. Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clement), a one-armed alien with motorcycle goggles and something small and toothy living in his palm, is sprung from a prison on the Moon by a girlfriend (Nicole Scherzinger) carrying a cake. Clement growls every line through his teeth and gets a decent running joke out of hating the word ‘Animal’, but the script by Michael Arndt and Etan Cohen then puts him away for most of the running time and brings him out when the plot needs a shove. Will Smith does the patter he has done twice before, and Jones stands beside him looking as though he would rather be fishing. Then J jumps off the Chrysler Building, lands in July 1969 and the film gets up off the sofa. Brolin does not do an impression of Jones so much as a forecast of him: the flat Texan vowels, the slow blink, the pause before every answer, but this K has not yet decided to stop smiling. Smith, given somebody new to bounce off, wakes up too, and the pair of them driving through Manhattan and arguing about the future are the scenes we would watch again. Alice Eve’s young Agent O gets about four lines and uses them well; Emma Thompson, as the older O, gets a eulogy and not much else. Bo Welch has the most fun. His 1969 headquarters is the present one’s grandparent, the same white curves and the same giant screen but furnished in chrome and moulded plastic, with a neuralyser the size of a small car. Bill Pope lights 1969 warmer and softer than the steel-and-glass present, so the past looks like somewhere you might want to live, which is roughly the film’s view of it. Mary E. Vogt narrows the lapels and the ties by an inch and the suits look like 1969 rather than a costume shop’s idea of it. The best set piece is a party at Andy Warhol’s Factory, where the artist turns out to be an agent (Bill Hader) sick of the job and the soup cans. Danny Elfman’s brass theme returns unchanged. The surprise is Michael Stuhlbarg. He plays Griffin, a nervous alien in a knitted hat who can see every possible version of the next ten minutes and is never sure which one he is in, with a shy politeness that makes his babble sound like apology. There is a scene in an empty Shea Stadium where he describes the long chain of accidents it will take for the Mets to win that year’s World Series, and it moved us more than anything in a *Men in Black* film has a right to. It is Stuhlbarg’s soft voice, and the empty seats, and the thought that the miracle is only one of the versions. Then the film hurries on, as if embarrassed to have been quiet. The mechanics are shakier than they look. The time-travel rules are stated once and bent whenever a scene needs them, and Don Zimmerman’s chases are over before they have built to anything. Mike Colter’s Colonel arrives late and matters a great deal without being given time to matter. The script wants a chase and a weepie and swaps between them at the end of scenes, so a gag in a Chinese restaurant sits beside a funeral and neither settles. The last ten minutes take a turn we will not describe, except to say that it is sweeter than the previous ninety-five have earned. Several critics found it touching. We found it a cheat. The original’s trick was that nothing surprised anybody; the aliens were a nuisance, like traffic, and the comedy came from the straight faces. This one wants us to feel things and is not good at hiding the wanting. Still, it runs 106 minutes, it carries a PG, and for an evening with children who have never seen Brolin or Jones it will do nicely. See it for Brolin, for Stuhlbarg and for Warhol, and arrive twenty minutes late. *Fi1m score 63, published 5 October 2026.* ## What the critics say The reviews split almost evenly three ways, and the overall lean is a shrug: better than the second film, short of the first. The critics agree on Josh Brolin, whose turn as the younger Agent K is praised in nearly every review, usually for how closely he catches Tommy Lee Jones and sometimes for the warmth underneath the impression. The 1969 stretch fares best, with the Andy Warhol Factory scene and the period design singled out more than once. The Hollywood Reporter is the warmest, calling it a return to the series’ original appeal. The spread is wide, from firm endorsement to near-dismissal. Reservations cluster on the script and the jokes, which several find stale, and on an ending that strikes more than one critic as sentimental or unconvincing. The harshest reviews describe a film without energy: The Wrap finds Smith and Jones disengaged, and The New Yorker calls the whole thing largely inert. Even the dissenters tend to keep Brolin out of the firing line. ## Straight answers **Is Men in Black 3 worth watching?** *Men in Black 3* is worth watching for the hour in 1969, where Josh Brolin plays the young Tommy Lee Jones better than the film deserves, and we scored it 63. The opening twenty minutes are a chore and the time-travel rules bend whenever a scene needs them. It carries a PG and runs 106 minutes, so an evening with children works well enough. **How long is Men in Black 3, and what is it rated?** *Men in Black 3* runs 1h 46m and is rated 12 by the FSK in Germany. It is an action and comedy film. **Where can I watch Men in Black 3 in Germany?** *Men in Black 3* is streaming on Amazon Prime Video in Germany, and it is also available to rent from Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service. **How does Men in Black 3 compare to Men in Black?** *Men in Black 3* is a looser and softer film than [*Men in Black*](https://film.one/film/men-in-black), which is the better of the two. The original keeps the alien business brisk and deadpan and is over before anyone has thought to add feelings; the third wants us to feel things and is not good at hiding the wanting. Watch the first for the partnership, the third for Brolin and Michael Stuhlbarg. **What should I watch after Men in Black 3?** After *Men in Black 3*, try [*Men in Black*](https://film.one/film/men-in-black) (1997, Fi1m 82): The original: deadpan, quick, and over before anyone had thought to add feelings. Then [*Back to the Future*](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future) (1985, Fi1m 92): Still the model for sending a young man back to meet his elders; and [*Looper*](https://film.one/film/looper) (2012, Fi1m 78): Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays young Bruce Willis with the same uncanny care Brolin gives Jones. ### Reviews we read (20) - **The Hollywood Reporter**, THR Staff (90/100, inferred): The review says the film restores the franchise’s original magic and makes a strong case for another installment. It praises Josh Brolin’s convincing take on a younger Agent K and the brisk, entertaining time-travel adventure. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/men-black-3-film-review-327501/) - **Radio Times**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): Papamichael finds the film a charming, action-packed return to form after the disappointing second instalment. She singles out Josh Brolin’s performance as young K as a scene-stealing highlight. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-vyh7a1/men-in-black-3/) - **The AV Club**, Nathan Rabin (B): Rabin finds the film inessential but sufficiently entertaining to justify its existence. He praises the cast’s dramatic ability, especially Josh Brolin’s warmth and Tommy Lee Jones’s expressive sadness. [Read](https://www.avclub.com/men-in-black-3-1798172910) - **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (70/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film campy fun that restores much of the series’ appeal, though it falls short of the original’s inventiveness. She especially praises Josh Brolin’s brilliant channeling of Tommy Lee Jones as the younger Agent K. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2012-may-25-la-et-men-in-black-3-20120525-story.html) - **Evening Standard** (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel entertaining but less fresh than the original, with its ending striking a sour note. Josh Brolin’s convincing performance as young Agent K is singled out for praise. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/men-in-black-3d-review-7785777.html) - **The Guardian**, Philip French (65/100, inferred): French finds the film moderately enjoyable, with its time-travel turn giving the franchise a fresh direction. He particularly praises the vertigo-inducing 3D sequences at the Chrysler Building and above the Apollo 11 capsule. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2012/may/27/men-in-black-3-review) - **Variety**, Andrew Barker (65/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel’s spirit largely intact, though its uneven edges and sentimental ending hold it back. Josh Brolin’s quietly funny, remarkably convincing performance as young Agent K is singled out for praise. [Read](https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/men-in-black-3-1117947604/) - **Screen Daily**, John Hazelton (64/100, inferred): The page identifies this as a review, but its text is hidden behind a paywall, so the critic’s verdict is unavailable. No specific praise or complaint can be verified from the accessible page. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/men-in-black-3/5042247.article) - **Time Out**, Trevor Johnston (3/5): Johnston calls it an okay-ish film that proves more enjoyable than expected. He praises its ability to exceed low expectations; the available text names no specific element of the film. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/men-in-black-3) - **Slant Magazine**, John Semley (2/4): Semley finds the film dull and pointlessly self-referential, falling short of the original’s lively pleasures. He praises the Factory party scene with Bill Hader and the inventive character of Griffin, but says these moments cannot redeem the film. [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/men-in-black-iii/) - **Total Film**, Neil Smith (2/5): Smith calls the film an average, tonally uncertain sequel that makes its own existence seem questionable. He praises Jemaine Clement as the most successful addition, while faulting the film for underusing him and the younger K pairing. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/men-in-black-iii-review/) - **Empire**, William Thomas (35/100, inferred): The critic finds the sequel muddled and lacking the wit and chemistry of the earlier films, though it has enough good moments to remain watchable. Josh Brolin’s performance and the Andy Warhol’s Factory sequence stand out for praise. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/men-black-3-review/) - **Vulture**, David Edelstein (35/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the film competent but weighed down by inertia and a palpable lack of passion. He praises Josh Brolin’s performance and the design of the headquarters, while faulting the script and the film’s humor. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2012/05/mib-3-cant-make-up-for-its-fundamental-inertia.html) - **The New Yorker**, Richard Brody (30/100, inferred): Brody finds the film largely inert, with weak historical resonance and stale characterization. He praises Michael Stuhlbarg’s melancholy performance and the quiet, affecting Shea Stadium scene. [Read](https://www.newyorker.com/culture/richard-brody/men-in-black-3-the-uses-of-the-past) - **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (4/5): Papamichael finds the sequel funny, exciting and surprisingly poignant, with the original films’ charm restored. She especially praises Josh Brolin’s uncanny yet emotionally nuanced performance as young Agent K. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a381730/men-in-black-iii-review-a-funny-exciting-spectacular-thrill-ride/) - **/Film**, Germain Lussier (6 out of 10): The critic finds the film passable and entertaining, stronger than the second film but short of the original. They praise the 1969 portion, especially Josh Brolin’s performance and the chemistry between him and Will Smith, while criticizing the awkward, unfunny opening. [Read](https://www.slashfilm.com/521003/men-black-3-review-rough-start-saved-strong-finish/) - **Paste**, Dan Kaufman (7.5): Kaufman finds the film an acceptable, light summer blockbuster that ultimately feels undercooked. He praises its playful 1960s set pieces and Josh Brolin’s performance as the younger Agent K. [Read](https://www.pastemagazine.com/movies/men-in-black-iii) - **Den of Geek**, Sue Murphy (3/5): Murphy finds the sequel enjoyable and a solid improvement on Men in Black 2, despite its scattered plot. She particularly praises Josh Brolin’s convincing, charming performance as the younger Agent K. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/men-in-black-3-review/) - **The Wrap** (40/100, inferred): The critic finds a brisk, clever film weighed down by Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones seeming disengaged. The supporting cast—especially Josh Brolin and Bill Hader—and the film’s design and visual effects earn praise. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/men-black-3-review-will-smith-tommy-lee-jones-drag-down-poop-cool-party-41116/) - **NME**, Owen Nicholls (30/100, inferred): The critic calls the film another nostalgic letdown, with dated jokes and an unconvincing finale undermining it. They praise the familiar production design and the choice of puppets and prosthetics over digital effects. [Read](https://www.nme.com/blogs/the-movies-blog/men-in-black-3-film-review-769653) ## Details - **Director:** Barry Sonnenfeld - **Director:** Barry Sonnenfeld - **Screenplay:** Etan Cohen, Michael Arndt - **Cinematography:** Bill Pope - **Editor:** Don Zimmerman - **Music:** Danny Elfman - **Production design:** Bo Welch - **Costume design:** Mary E. Vogt - **Producer:** Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes - **Cast:** Will Smith as Agent J; Tommy Lee Jones as Agent K; Josh Brolin as Young Agent K; Jemaine Clement as Boris The Animal; Emma Thompson as Agent O; Michael Stuhlbarg as Griffin; Mike Colter as Colonel; Nicole Scherzinger as Boris's Girlfriend - **Runtime:** 1h 46m - **Certificate (FSK):** 12 - **Release (Germany):** 24 May 2012 - **Genres:** Action, Comedy, Science Fiction - **Budget:** $225 million - **Box office:** $654 million - **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoyV49FfjOU ## Where to watch in Germany - Amazon Prime Video: add-on, uhd - Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, uhd - Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd - Amazon Prime Video: buy €9.99, uhd - Apple TV: buy €9.99, hd *Checked 2026-10-05.* Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, ID, IE, IL, IN, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, MY, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PH, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TH, TR, UA, US, VN, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country. ## If you liked this - *Men in Black* (1997), Fi1m 82: The original: deadpan, quick, and over before anyone had thought to add feelings — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/men-in-black.md) - *Back to the Future* (1985), Fi1m 92: Still the model for sending a young man back to meet his elders — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/back-to-the-future.md) - *Looper* (2012), Fi1m 78: Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays young Bruce Willis with the same uncanny care Brolin gives Jones — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/looper.md) - *What We Do in the Shadows* (2014): Jemaine Clement, unmuzzled, in a vampire flatshare comedy that uses him properly - *Attack the Block* (2011), Fi1m 84: Aliens land on a south London estate; funnier and tighter than most blockbusters — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/attack-the-block.md) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/men-in-black-3