Men in Black: International

It’s probably best to zap Men in Black: International from your memory, especially for those who recall its franchise origins with such fondness.

This desperate attempt to relaunch a science-fiction series that has gradually delivered diminishing returns over the past two decades features a new cast and an old idea — and simply not as funny or exciting as its forerunners.

The story isn’t connected to any previous incarnations other than through the titular top-secret government organization, which is designed to retain order in a world where humans and aliens coexist peacefully, for the most part.

The action shifts from New York to Europe, where High T (Liam Neeson) heads a group of impeccably dressed agents — sunglasses on head and memory-erasing neuralyzers in hand — that includes the debonair if slightly dimwitted H (Chris Hemsworth). He’s paired with Agent M (Tessa Thompson), an enthusiastic student who becomes the first non-recruit to join their ranks.

Together, they’re tasked with stopping a global weapons plot that starts with twin alien terrorists in Marrakech and leads them to tracking a possible agency mole through London, Paris, and the Venetian islands.

Despite having shared the screen in another recent franchise tentpole in Thor: Ragnarok, Hemsworth and Thompson can’t match the appealing odd-couple chemistry between Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones that propelled the first couple of Men in Black films.

Perhaps it’s because this installment seems so intent on replicating its predecessors rather than forging new ground. The visual approach offers some throwback charm, along with some colorful creatures and impressive special effects, yet ultimately feels too familiar.

Meanwhile, director F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton) assembles a slick package but fails to mask the lack of substance driving the screenplay. The film doesn’t bother to provide much of a refresher for franchise newcomers, nor does it develop its natural gender-inclusion angle beyond a couple of wisecracks.

Thompson (Creed) at least garners a mild rooting interest in another role that showcases her versatility. Yet she and the other humans are upstaged by their tiny, sarcastic extraterrestrial sidekick named Pawny (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani), who consistently draws the biggest laughs.

The transparent intention is to launch a spinoff franchise, of course, although when it comes to the dapper new heroes, fans will be more likely to just throw shades.

Rated PG-13, 115 minutes.