Monster-in-Law

 

 

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Mothers-in-law. They can be a woman's best friend, or her most lethal enemy.

I always remember the tale of a young man whose mom spent his wedding loudly shouting that they would be divorced in six months, set up a fund for their divorce, and so on. And I imagine that woman was a bit like Jane Fonda's deliciously catty character in the limp "Monster-in-Law."

To some degree, "Monster-in-Law" isn't a romantic comedy movie. It's an overlong sitcom episode.

Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) is a temp/dog-walker whose dreams are about to come true -- she's engaged to Kevin (Michael Vartan), a sweet and hunky doctor. There's only one small problem: Viola (Jane Fonda), Kevin's strong-willed mumsie, doesn't think that Charlie is right for her perfect son.

So Viola does the only thing she can think of -- she starts pranking Charlie, hoping to drive the unworthy future-in-law away. Poisoned food, ripped dresses, wedding disasters and slap fighting all ensue, but soon Charlie gets sick of it and begins to fight back. Who will win, the desperate fiancee or the force-of-nature mom?

Yeah, it's not much of a plot. I kept waiting for the laugh track to kick in, and a preview for next week's episode.

In fact, the plotlessness is what really hurts "Monster-in-Law." Once Charlie and Viola are introduced, the entire film descends into a series of pranks that are dropped in favor of warm'n'fuzzy. Slapstick ones too -- if Robert Luketic had taken the P.G. Wodehouse route of elaborate pranking, it might have worked. But watching Fonda and Lopez going bonkers at each other isn't very funny.

It doesn't help that the screenplay is as limp as the plotting. Poor Vartan is forced to spout endless romance-novel cheez; "What are you doing the rest of your life?", gag me. And alas, innocent moviegoers are forced to endure yet more tributes to Lopez's much-hyped posterior, which probably has a stylist and trailer all its own.

Jennifer Lopez is the kiss of death to romantic comedies -- there's nothing very funny about her face, her body, or her way of delivering lines. And to be honest, Vartan doesn't fit in this movie any better. The "Alias" star looks rather confused, as if he isn't sure how he ended up in this particular film. Not to mention a bit overwhelmed by the catfighting.

The saving graces? Fonda has wild, hilarious manic energy that overcomes the thinness of her role, and makes her quite fun to watch. And Wanda Sykes, as her P.A., gets the best lines of the whole movie. When the two of them are on the screen together, they're pure hilarity. In fact, forget Lopez -- make the movie about Wanda and Jane, and you've got a hit.

Cheesy dialogue and no plot sink "Monster-in-Law," a comedy that leaves you wondering why Fonda chose to return after fifteen years to.... this.

Charlie(Jenifer Lopez) has had nothing but bad luck in the dating
dept,going from one loser to another.One day,however,she meets Kevin
Fields,(Michael Vartan)a successful doctor,and her life changes.Charlie
and Kevin get serious and soon it is time to meet Viola,Kevin's
Mother,(Jane Fonda)and break the news they are engaged.the meeting
turns out to be a disaster.Charlie is convinced Viola hates her,but
Kevin convinces her Viola will come around.anyway,Kevin and Charlie forge ahead
with their wedding plans,with Viola doing everything(but not really) in
her power to stop the impending nuptials.the best parts of this movie
are watching Lopez and Fonda verbally and physically spar and try to
one up each other.there should have been more of these confrontations
and Viola could have been a much stronger villain,but as it is,she is
undeserving of the title Monster-In-Law.the stuff before and in between
is weak and uninspired,for the most part.However Wanda Sykes as
Ruby,Voiola's loyal assistant,provides comic relief and makes this
movie more watchable than it really is.Sykes is always brilliant,but
underused and underrated in Hollywood.Vartan is okay as the love
interest for Charlie,but is out of his depth.Fonda looks like she is
having a lot of fun with her character,and Lopez though competent at
times,is not always convincing as the poor simple character,considering
her real larger than life persona.the movie itself is entertaining
enough,though forgettable,but you could do a lot worse. 3/5

Why people bother giving Jennifer Lopez big parts still amazes me. She's a terrible, terrible actress. The only reason I give this movie 4 stars is because of Jane Fonda, she totally makes this movie. Outshining Jennifer Lopez with her terrible acting skills everyday

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