To paraphrase Chili Palmer: summer blockbusters, man, harder than they look.

Maybe they were over-hyped, but so far this summer's movies have been lacking a certain something.

The original Men In Black was a genuinely funny and undemanding summer thrill-ride.

The combination of cartoonish science fiction with Smith and Jones's clown cop-deadpan cop act made a movie that put laughs before CGI effects.

Now the cast and director have reunited for the inevitable sequel - but miraculously, by the simple expedient of not changing a winning formula, it exceeds your expectations.

It begins with a great sight gag stolen from Douglas Adams, and goes straight into one of the most imaginative chase scenes in recent years, between an underground train and a giant worm.

Earth is once again under threat from the scum of the universe, this time in the person of Lara Flynn Boyle, a slimy-tentacled alien rather gratuitously taking the form of an underwear model.

And while Will Smith's Agent J is all grown up now, he can't seem to find a partner who can take the heat on the front-line.

Tommy Lee Jones's Agent K is as enigmatic as ever because he's had his memory wiped, forgetting everything about his life as a MIB, including the information that could save our planet.

Though there's plenty of computer-generated action in this film, the jokes come first and it's better for it.

It's also terrifically paced - a sit-back-and-enjoy-the-ride experience that leaves no time to worry about the slightly silly plot.

Will Smith looks to be relieved to get back to his fish-out-of-water comedy roots after the method acting of Ali, and Tommy Lee Jones looks old enough to be retired but mean enough to be scary.

And also popping up from the previous movie are the talking dog and the party-loving alien worms, both of whom get bigger roles this time around.

If you liked the original, if you like sci-fi, if you like comedies, or if you like watching big aliens shot with big guns, you'll like this.

Men In Black II amazes more than Minority Report, amuses more than Austin Powers, and is generally more fun than any sequel has a right to be.