Monster In Law Review

Monster-in-Law is a 2005 romantic comedy film, directed by Robert Luketic. It marks a return to cinema for Jane Fonda, being her first film in 15 years. The screenplay is written by Anya Kochoff. The original music score is composed by David Newman.

Plot summary

Charlie Cantilini (played by Jennifer Lopez) is a temp from Venice Beach, California, who meets surgeon Kevin Fields (played by Michael Vartan). Kevin asks her out, and Charlie believes that she's finally found the right man.

Things start to go wrong when Kevin introduces Charlie to his mother, Viola Fields (played by Jane Fonda). Viola is a former newscaster who has recently been replaced by someone younger, and is in the midst of a meltdown. Loathing Charlie from the outset, Viola becomes even more distraught when Kevin proposes to Charlie. Fearing that she'll lose her son the same way she lost her career, she sets out to destroy Kevin and Charlie's relationship. With her trusted assistant, Ruby (played by Wanda Sykes) who is secretly working against her, she tries everything possible to drive Charlie away.

Charlie eventually catches on to Viola's plan and fights back. On the wedding day, Viola turns up wearing a white dress instead of the dress specially made for her by Charlie. Then Viola's own dreadful mother-in-law, Gertrude (Elaine Stritch), appears and they have an argument. Gertrude's resentment of Viola bears a strong resemblance to Viola's feelings toward Charlie. Charlie decides to back down as she witnesses Gertrude and Viola's relationship. "Nothing's going to change," she laments to Viola after Gertrude leaves the room, "In thirty years that will be us."

Charlie exits to tell Kevin that the wedding is off. Ruby enters and talks with Viola. Viola is miffed that Charlie compared her to Gertrude; Ruby points out that Viola is actually worse than Gertrude. Ruby points out that Viola's efforts against Charlie, to make Kevin happy, are unwarranted. "Whatever made you think he wasn't?" is her final point. Viola has an epiphany and realizes that she wants Charlie to stay, and they reconcile.

Charlie and Kevin then get married and when Charlie throws her flowers Viola catches them.

Cast

• Jennifer Lopez — Charlotte "Charlie" Cantilini
• Jane Fonda — Viola Fields
• Michael Vartan — Dr. Kevin Fields
• Wanda Sykes — Ruby
• Adam Scott — Remy
• Monet Mazur — Fiona
• Annie Parisse — Morgan
• Will Arnett — Kit
• Elaine Stritch — Gertrude
• Stephen Dunham — Dr. Paul Chamberlain

Reception

The movie was generally panned by critics, but the $43-million movie became a box-office success, earning $83 million ($153.8 worldwide) during its theatrical run in summer 2005.

DVD

The 2 disc set DVD was released 2005-08-30 with an audio commentary and these featurettes:

1. "Welcome Back Jane"
2. "A Jennifer of All Trades"
3. "Vartan the Man"
4. "Trendsetters" (2 part)

The scene selection chapters are:

1. Main Titles / First Sight
2. Party at the Loft
3. Awkward Coffee Break
4. Replacing a Legend
5. Viola's Fresh Start
6. “Oh My God!”
7. The Perfect Project
8. Setting Up Charlie
9. Wedding Planner?
10. New Roommate
11. Hostile Takeover
12. Turning the Tables
13. Lunchtime Showdown
14. Rehearsal Dinner Shenanigans
15. The Big Day
16. The Original Monster
17. Compromise
18. End Credits

See also

• 2005 in film

References

1. ^ Monster-in-Law - Movie Reviews, Trailers, Pictures - Rotten Tomatoes
2. ^ Monster-in-Law (2005): Reviews
3. ^ Monster-in-Law (2005)

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