Monster-in-Law (2005)

My Review

Jane Fonda returned to feature motion pictures, after a fifteen year absence, in the romantic comedy “Monster-in-Law.” She displayed some expert comedy chops as a television news anchor who gets into a feud with her son’s fiancee, under the capable direction of Robert Luketic (“Legally Blonde” 2001). The well-written, though formulaic, script was penned by Anya Kochoff.

Co-stars with Jane Fonda includes Jennifer Lopez as the fiancee, Michael Vartan as her son, Wanda Sykes as her personal assistant, Monet Mazur as the ex-girl friend, Elaine Stritch as Fonda’s mum-in-law, Stephen Dunham as her psychiatrist, and Will Arnett, Adam Scott, and Annie Parisse as friends of the family.

Lopez’s performance was a bit subpar, per usual. She was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actress. The predictable and yet watchable comedy “Monster-in-Law” was a big hit at the box office for producer Paula Weinstein, BenderSpink, Spring Creek Pictures, New Line Cinema, and Warner Bros. Pictures.