As Scream 2 taught us, there are certain rules to be followed when making a sequel. Now, Scream was discussing the finer points of a horror sequel, but there are some general trends that can be said about the number two film. Men in Black II says them all, very loudly, and does it from one set of credits to the last.

Welcome to the land of sequels. Where the first film in a series introduces new territory and concepts at every turn, making it an original experience, sequels try to capitalize on all the predecessor did right. If you liked it the first time, you're bound to like it the second time, right?

Well, that's what the creative team behind this movie seemed to think, because you get to see nearly everything you saw in the first film all over again. Same characters, same props, same sets, even same shticks and same relationships. Just with bigger guns, better cars, and more frenetic battles ("carnage candy" as Randy would say). The only way this film could seem new to you is if they neuralized you when you bought your ticket.

I think it's safe to assume that everyone knows that one of the key elements of this film is the return of Kay, who retired at the end of the first film and had his mind wiped. Well, when they restore it, it's just like old times. Jay might have been the tough guy on the block after his mentor left, but the moment Kay's back, Jay might as well be a two day old rookie all over again, because that's how he's treated, and that's how he acts. The film doesn't even make the very mild stretch for originality by reversing the original roles, with Jay as the veteran and Kay as the rookie. That switch could have made the entire film new enough to stand apart from the original. But instead it very quickly settles into the familiar. It was cute the first time. It was tired the second.

Alas, with all the rehashing, you'd think the precious little new material would shine all the brighter. Sadly enough, the new villain, just about the only new thing in this film, is just not interesting. The bug of the original film was awkward and had a creepy charm. The buxom baddie if MIB II comes across as flat in every way but the physical. She might inflict greater damage to the crew, but there's no charm, no presence. She's bad because she's the movie's villain, and that's about it.

However, one noticeable addition to the mix was the surprising performance turned in by Johnny Knoxville, of Jackass fame. Knoxville's character is a complete imbecile, but he does it well, believably, and you can even come away liking him. This character has the kind of presence the main villain lacks. Alas, as a supporting role, it was not nearly enough to compensate for the lack of charisma among the antagonists. Ultimately, this prevents you from becoming as engaged with the story and leaves you caring less about what's going on.

Overall, this is not a terrible movie, but it's absolutely nothing special either. I was overwhelmed with the mediocrity of this film, it's almost total reliance on what had gone before, and the sub-par quality of both the opposition and story in general. Die hard fans of the first will love it. Those not overly choosy about their movies will like it. Most, I think, will leave the theater mildly disappointed, with a faint feeling of malaise. This movie had a great deal of potential, and perhaps that's the biggest let down of all. It's not what the film did, but what it could have done and didn't that really makes it a let down.

RATING: 2/5 Stars

- Clifford Horowitz