It’s been 15 years since the first “Men in Black” introduced us to Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones), who saved the world while honing their craft of alien law enforcement in the blockbuster hit. Ten years ago brought us the second installment of the series as the pair regulated more alien behavior, though audiences and critics weren’t quite as smitten with the results. This time not much has changed: Our two agents still crack wise, still deal with the fallout from alien misconduct, and still have to save the world. “Men in Black III” understands what sort of film it is, and delightfully stays right on course, bringing us both fun and spectacle aplenty.

The conflict this time: Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clement), an alien that K put away years ago, has escaped from his secure prison on the moon and is determined both to get his revenge on K and to wreak general havoc on Earth. Deciding that the world is perhaps better off without him, K alters the course of history in such a way that J must travel back in time to attempt to change the past, save the future from destruction, and deal with the younger K (Josh Brolin). The world of 1960s New York is very different, and J and K need all the help they can get from both the older (Emma Thompson) and younger (Alice Eve) versions of Agent O, as well as a few other friendly alien faces. Will they be able to stop Boris before their time runs out? Will the future of Earth be secure?

Also Check Out: Watch 5 ”Men in Black III” Clips

More than anything, the movie is just fun to watch. Director Barry Sonnenfeld, who also helmed the first two installments of “MIB,” understands the type of tone the film needs to strike, being aware of the ridiculous premise and rejoicing in the gags. The 3-D technology is used intelligently, and blends seamlessly with the story to produce one of the best 3-D experiences I’ve seen yet. In a year that’s bringing us multiple time-travel films (“Looper,” “Sound of My Voice,” “Safety Not Guaranteed”), “Men in Black III” simply adds to the chorus and doesn’t brood on the logistics.

Will Smith is just as energetic and enjoyable to watch as ever, and it’s great to see him back in familiar zing-cracking territory after some serious cinematic turns (“Seven Pounds,” “I Am Legend”). Tommy Lee Jones isn’t in the film as much as his younger self is, but Josh Brolin handles the role admirably, all somber straight man to Smith’s zany hero. The supporting characters are charmingly goofy, with major credit going to Jemaine Clement, who is both slightly scary and perfectly silly as Boris. The film is family-friendly — no indelicate language or sex scenes — and is appropriate for older children, though the younger ones may be scared of the various misshapen aliens, especially the snarling Boris.

There’s not much food for thought here, but the time-travel elements are interesting enough, the gadgets and effects are pretty cool, and the script gets the characters where they need to go. Though it’s not an enduring piece of cinematic art, the film accomplishes all it sets out to do while having a great time along the way. If this is now the standard, let’s hope the Men in Black come back for Round 4.

Grade: B+

Tags: alice eve, Emma Thompson, Jemaine Clement, josh brolin, men in black 3, tommy lee jones, will smith