Men In Black III parents guide

Men In Black III Parent Guide

Although this alien adventure is still more suitable for older teens and adults, the back-story that unfolds gives audiences a whole new appreciation for the relationship these Men in Black share.

Overall B-

In this third installment of the Men in Black franchise, time travel is introduced to the storyline. In order to prevent alien forces from rewriting history, Agent J (Will Smith) takes a trip into the past hoping to scuttle an assassination attempt on the life of Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin).

Release date May 25, 2012

Violence D+
Sexual Content B-
Profanity C
Substance Use B-

Why is Men In Black III rated PG-13? The MPAA rated Men In Black III PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content.

Run Time: 106 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

There’s a softer side to Agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), the surly, alien-zapping Men in Black secret operative, but you have to go 40 years into the past to get a glimpse of it. Still it is an unexpected surprise for Agent J (Will Smith) who time travels back to the 1960s to intercede on his partner’s and the world’s behalf.

It all begins when the intergalactic criminal, Boris the Animal (Jemaine Clemnt), escapes from a supposedly impregnable prison located on the moon. Bent on avenging the crusty agent who incarcerated him, Boris accesses a device developed to let him time jump. His plan is to bump off the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) and change the course of history.

While Agent K is Boris’ intended target, the gruesome looking extraterrestrial isn’t opposed to mowing down anyone who gets in his path, impaling them in the head with dart-like weapons and hanging his victims on the wall. He is also responsible when a squadron of prison guards, along with the female accomplice (Nicole Scherzinger) that helped Boris escape his shackles, are sucked into space.

Other violence features an alien that is beaten about the head with a frying pan and a host of creatures blasted to bits with the secret agency’s specialized guns. While these fantastical portrayals make up most of this movie’s content, profanities and racial slurs are also found in the script. As well some sexual behavior is depicted, including a graphic kiss that turns gross and clothing that barely covers the essentials.

Yet in comparison to the first two films in this franchise (Men in Black and Men in Black 2) this third outing offers a stronger storyline with more comic relief provided by the goofy visionary Griffin (Michael Stuhlbarg) and artist Andy Warhol (Bill Hader). Fed up with his partner’s perpetually prickly persona, Agent J finally recognizes the depth of their alliance, albeit an uncommunicative one, when he is given the opportunity to preserve K’s life. Only then does he discover the events and choices that have forged the character of his wizened and tight-lipped co-worker. Although this alien adventure is still more suitable for older teens and adults, the back-story that unfolds gives audiences a whole new appreciation for the relationship these Men in Black share.

Directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. Starring Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Josh Brolin, Alice Eve. Running time: 106 minutes. Theatrical release May 25, 2012. Updated

Men In Black III
Rating & Content Info

Why is Men In Black III rated PG-13? Men In Black III is rated PG-13 by the MPAA for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content.

Violence: Numerous characters are impaled in the head and body with dart-like weapons; some blood is shown. The bodies of dead guards cover the floor of a prison. A large group of guards are sucked into space along with a woman. Characters briefly discuss a recently deceased co-worker. Gruesome and grotesque characters are blasted to bits. Men and aliens are slapped, hit and punched in the face. One alien is repeatedly hit in the head with a frying pan. Policemen show racial prejudices. A man jumps from a tall building. A suicide attempt is shown. Alien ships invade Earth. Cars and busses crash during a downtown car chase. Characters experience moments of peril. A man is shot in the chest and another loses his hand in a shoot out.

Sexual Content: A man sticks his unusually long tongue into a woman’s mouth. Brief sexual innuendo is included. Females model clothing that barely covers their bodies. A woman wears a provocative, leather dress.

Language: The script contains profanities, scatological slang, derogatory racial statements, terms of Deity and a crude term for male anatomy.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Several background characters are shown smoking. Liquor is depicted at parties and in a home setting. A man makes a comment about getting high.

Page last updated

Men In Black III Parents' Guide

How does Griffin’s character provide comic relief in the story even though he “sees” some very disturbing images from the future? Would you want to be able to see the events that are coming? Do you agree with his comment, “Miracles seem impossible but happen anyway.”

In the story, one small decision or event has long-reaching impacts on the future. Do you think this is true? What events contribute to the person Agent K becomes? What choices are you making now that will affect your future?

How does Agent J’s trip to the past change his attitude about his partner? How is the importance of a positive partnership portrayed in this movie?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Men In Black III movie is November 29, 2012. Here are some details…

Home Video Notes: Men In Black III

Release Date: 30 November 2012

Men In Black III releases to home video in the following packages:

Men In Black III Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

- Spot the Alien Game

- The Evolution of Cool: MIB 1960’s vs. Today featurette

- Keeping It Surreal: The FX of MIB 3 featurette

- Four Scene Investigations

- Five Progression Reels

DVD Special Features:

- Gag Reel

- Partners in Time: The Making of MIB 3

- “Back in Time” Music Video by Pitbull

Men In Black III Blu-ray 3D Combo Pack

All the added value on the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack, plus:

- The Case Of Boris the Animal: The 3D Models of MIB 3

- Converting to 3D featurette

Men In Black Trilogy Limited Edition Blu-ray Giftset

- All three Men in Black films on Blu-ray (MEN IN BLACK, MEN IN BLACK II and MEN IN BLACK 3) in collectible packaging.

- “Worm” bobble head figurine

Related home video titles:

The two films preceding this one are Men in Black (MIB) and Men in Black 2 (MIB II). Another government agency intent on protecting human safety is depicted in the animation Monster VS Aliens.

Related news about Men In Black III

Apple Scores the Most Movie Product Placements Thanks to The Lego Movie

Apple Scores the Most Movie Product Placements Thanks to The Lego Movie

{parents:pull_quote}