Men in Black 2 Parents Guide - Is MIB2 OK for Kids?

Men in Black 2 Plot Summary

Men in Black 2 reunites Will Smiths Agent J and Tommy Lee Jones Agent K to defend Earth from the nefarious alien Serleena. J must restore Ks memory after he was neuralyzed at the end of the first film. With the fate of the planet at stake, the duo take on Serleena and her shape-shifting henchmen.

MPAA Rating for Men in Black 2

Men in Black 2 is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for sci-fi action violence.

Violence

There are extended sci-fi/fantasy action sequences:

• Aliens and agents fire ray guns at each other, causing explosions and property damage.
• A villainess uses knife-like claws as weapons.
• Characters are eaten by a giant worm creature.
• Agent K physically threatens and interrogates aliens.
• An alien bites a humans head off (played for laughs).

While frequent, the violence is generally not graphic or bloody. But some scenes could be intense or scary for very young viewers.

Language

Men in Black 2 contains sporadic profanity, including:

• Use of "damn," "hell" and "ass."
• One use of "bitch."
• Non-explicit slang terms like "screwed up."

Sexual Content

There are some innuendos and suggestive remarks, such as:

• Discussion of alien reproductive habits.
• Joking references to anatomy like butts.
• Some flirting between characters.
• Skimpy or revealing outfits worn by female aliens.
• Alien villains that morph into sexually attractive forms.

A few brief kisses between characters. The sexual content is mild overall.

Drugs and Alcohol

Occasional alcohol consumption in social settings.

Scary/Disturbing Content

Some scenes may be intense or frightening for young viewers, such as:

• Occult rituals performed by aliens.
• A villain that transforms into grotesque alien forms.
• Chases through dark subways and tunnels.
• Moments of peril when beloved characters are threatened.

Men in Black 2 Review & Parents Guide Conclusion

Men in Black 2 earns its PG-13 rating with sci-fi action violence, some profanity/innuendo and scary imagery. Overall it's fairly tame compared to many contemporary PG-13 films. The original Men in Black had a similar rating and content mix.

Preteens and mature kids 10+ would likely handle Men in Black 2 fine. But sensitive children may find some scenes frightening. Very young kids under 7 are not the target audience. Parents know their children best - use discretion based on maturity level.

Men in Black 2 makes a decent family viewing choice for sci-fi comedy fans able to handle the PG-13 rating. Just be ready to discuss any iffy language and action with your kids. It's an enjoyable follow-up for fans of the fun MiB universe.

Men in Black 2 Alternatives for Younger Kids

If your family enjoys funny, family-friendly sci-fi, consider these lower rated alternatives to Men in Black 2:

Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (G)

This amusing 2001 animated film follows a preteen inventor who saves his town from alien invaders.

Monsters vs. Aliens (PG)

Kids will laugh at the adventures of a monster team battling alien overlords in this 2009 cartoon feature.

The Space Between Us (PG-13)

A gentle teen sci-fi romance about a boy raised on Mars coming to Earth. Less action than Men in Black.

Even though it's rated PG-13, the original Men in Black has slightly milder content than the sequel. It makes a fun intro to the franchise for younger viewers.

Parental Controls for Men in Black 2

If you allow kids to see Men in Black 2, consider these controls:

• Watch it first to judge appropriateness for your child.
• Set rules about closing eyes or leaving during very scary parts.
• Mute profanity you deem unacceptable.
• Discuss confusing sexual references and innuendo.
• Ensure kids distinguish fantasy action from real violence.

Follow up by asking questions about their impressions of the movie. Maintain an open, educational dialogue.

Men in Black 2 Review Highlights for Parents

Here are some of the key takeaways from Men in Black 2 that can help inform your decision for your family:

• Creative alien creatures, gadgets and visual effects.
• Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones' enjoyable comedic chemistry.
• Fun, mild peril without serious realism or gore.
• Fantastical plot may be confusing for young viewers.
• Celebrity cameo appearances add humor.
• Some sexual jokes and skimpy outfits push the PG-13 envelope.
• Action violence is frequent but fairly tame.
• Occasional profanity like "damn" and "bitch."

Watch Men in Black 2 yourself before deciding if it aligns with your family's values. Consider your child's age, sensitivities and maturity.

Men in Black 3 Parents Guide Coming Soon

The Men in Black trilogy concluded in 2012 with Men in Black 3, which saw Agents J and K travel back to the 1960s. Our forthcoming Men in Black 3 parents guide will cover all you need to know about allowing kids to see the threequel.

Stay tuned for our complete MPAA rating breakdown, review and analysis of Men in Black 3!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.