Anna Daniels
There’s a unique sense of nostalgia—almost a sense of romance—when fan films are executed well. I’m not referring to the low-quality green screen attempts we see on YouTube. I’m speaking of those that genuinely feel like they could fit within the official storyline. Take MIB: Neuralize This!, for instance: a polished, humorous, ooze-filled short that truly embodies the essence of Men in Black, far surpassing what Men in Black: International managed to deliver.
Created by Norwegian director Martin Sofiedal, Neuralize This! is far more than a mere homage; it serves as a revitalizing jolt to a franchise that has been stagnant since 2019. Remember that film? Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, and a hefty $110 million budget—and yet, it failed to resonate. This one, in contrast, succeeds brilliantly.
Mayhem, Polish Power, and a Malfunctioning Neuralizer
Set in Oslo (yes, Oslo—who would’ve guessed MIB had a Nordic branch?), this short thrusts us into intergalactic turmoil: an alien detonates, a neuralizer malfunctions, and a young girl witnesses it all. Agents misfire with Nerf blasters, goo splatters in unexpected places, and a muscular Polish character is less than thrilled. The cast, featuring Torgny Gerhard Aanderaa and Cecilie Svendsen, dives headfirst into the absurdity—staying fully committed to their roles. That authenticity is what truly sells the experience.
The way the pandemonium unfolds holds a certain charm. It’s definitely slapstick, but it’s organized like an intricate dance-off between Ghostbusters and The Office. The neuralizer, the beloved memory-erasing device, evolves from being a mere tool to a punchline. And that punchline hits hard.
What Makes It Work?
The secret lies in its tone. The original Men in Black installments weren’t merely action-packed alien confrontations; they were satirical takes on bureaucratic absurdities. Think intergalactic DMV meets surreal noir. Sofiedal beautifully captures that mix—an intersection of deadpan humor and wild craziness. He also doesn’t compromise on production quality. The cinematography by Øyvind Svanes Lunde provides a sleek, high-end look, while the VFX (by the creators behind Troll 2), practical effects, and authentic stunts make it feel like a legitimate film rather than a casual fan project.
Even the original score by Roy Westad contributes to the vibe—playful, rhythm-heavy, and slightly reminiscent of retro-futurism. Everything works in harmony.
Beyond Mere Nostalgia
There’s a poignant question lurking beneath all the goo: Why do fans continue creating MIB films when the studios show little interest?
The answer is straightforward—because they still care. Such fan films aren’t just tributes; they’re a creative outlet for frustration. When a cherished franchise loses its magic (International was all flash with no heart), passionate fans often feel compelled to reclaim that magic themselves. Sofiedal’s Neuralize This! transcends being just a short film—it’s a wake-up call. It reminds us of the glory days of Men in Black and what it could still become if Hollywood remembered how to enjoy the process.
What Comes Next?
This won’t revive the franchise. And no, Will Smith doesn’t show up (unless he got neuralized and forgot all about it). However, it will evoke laughter. Maybe even a cheer or two. And isn’t that the essence of what we yearned for in the true sequels?
You can watch the entire short on Martin Sofiedal’s YouTube channel. At the very least, it demonstrates that even a seemingly dormant franchise can still sparkle and help us move past its less favorable moments.
In fact—neuralize me now. I’d love to experience it anew as if it were my first time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy6YNrRtv2w[/embed>
