Monster-in-Law

Tedious mess that has multi-tasker Jennifer Lopez falling in love with the new surgeon in town (Michael Vartan of "Alias" fame). A whirlwind love affair begins while Vartan's ex-news correspondent mother (Jane Fonda) simultaneously spends time in a psychiatric facility after having a nervous breakdown. Of course the writing is already on the wall when Vartan takes Lopez to meet his crazed mom. No chemistry between Lopez and Vartan makes the whole production fail early and by that time Fonda's over-the-top role (still not quite sure why Fonda agreed to be in this movie) is not enough to sustain the audience's interest. Fonda and Lopez end up behaving like spoiled teen-aged girls who are each vying for Vartan's full attention. Wanda Sykes is also along as Fonda's very annoying assistant. Fonda deserves much better and the audience does too. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Okay, so right off the bat I have to say that Monster In Law is bad. It's really dumb, cliché ridden, and common. It's not Showgirls bad but it is mediocre and I think I've had quite enough of mediocrity. I know many of you out there might be saying: "well what do you expect, Citizen Kane". Well, yes I do. At least the "Citizen Kane" of modern romantic comedies. Hell, I'll take an attempt at something unique or original; but to be honest I'm sick of settling and forgiving these films for their lack of creativity just because these movies are charming.

Set in the near future a space alien steals the DNA of…just kidding. Monster in Law is the story of the nicest girl ON THE PLANET (Jennifer Lopez) who meets the perfect man (Michael Vartan). When I say perfect I mean the dude is perfect; he's a surgeon, you see, and every time someone on his operating table dies he yells: "It…just… doesn't… get… any easier!!!" No, I'm kidding again. He is a surgeon, yes, but he's perfect so no one dies. Anyway, nicest girl, perfect man want to get married. Enter perfect man's mom (Jane Fonda). JaFo doesn't want MiVa to marry J.Lo. I wasn't quite sure of the reason why. I think it had to do with some sort socialite caste system. See, Jenny From The Block is merely a temp/dog walker and Hanoi Jane is a rich T.V, talk personality who drops names like a seagull at a statue. So obviously Lopez isn't good enough for Vaughn…I mean Vartan.

Over the course of the movies 90 minute running time you will be subjected to the following: Conspiracies to derail the wedding. The Clinging Mother who feigns anxiety attacks. The "Dogs attacking Prada/Gucci/Fendi" gag. The sleeping pill resulting in the face- in-the-worlds-worst-food/dish joke. And, if orange is the new black; allergy flare-ups in romantic comedies must be the new fart joke. Oh, and just when you think they couldn't possibly go there, the words: "You win, the wedding's off" actually are spoken thus giving us all the required rom-com conflict clichés.

There is something that I must concede. Wanda Sykes not only steals this movie from its two stars but she is so good that I would pay money to see her do it again (rental people rental). She is hilarious as Fonda's caustic quick-witted assistant. Sykes has made a career out of playing the sidekick and all her training has paid of beautifully. No one could've delivered the line: "I think I dislocated my vagina" as well as Sykes. She is the reason you won't ask for your money back at the end of Monster In Law.

Sykes aside Monster in Law has remained faithful to the unoriginal formula Hollywood has been recently churning out. I, for one am done forgiving talented people for being just good enough. You hear me Keanu! You make too much God Damned money to suck as often as you do. The same goes for Fonda and Lopez. Vartan gets a pass cause he's new.

This film is about the tug of war between a mother who cannot bear losing her son through marriage, and the daughter in law who does not give in to the mother's manipulative behaviour.

The pacing is quite fast for a romantic comedy, as it squeezes in a romantic comedy in the first half and hour and then the tug of war in the last hour. The psychological games they play are clever and fun. Though there is clear rivalry between Charlie and Viola, it is still conveyed in a light hearted and fun way without hatred or malice. It brings out a great message that differences can eventually be solved through honest communication. I find this film fun and delightful.

I've always enjoyed watching this movie, it's pure fun with a good ending. The perfect comedy to mindlessly pass an hour and a half. I think JLo and Fonda have good charisma and make have fun with the back and forth sparring. Wanda Sykes is hilarious and is so perfect in this role. Overall good fun, with decent acting and a decent storyline.

Jane and jen! Charlotte has found the perfect boyfriend, and starts planning the marriage. But the fiance comes with a controlling, overbearing, angry, stubborrn mother. Can they ever iron things out? Love the banter between the mom and her assistant... that's the best part. Some really fun co-stars... elaine stritch. Wanda sykes, who gets all the good one liners. The amazing jane fonda had already won two oscars, and this was probably a pretty lightweight role for her. Some funny bits, but very predictable. As soon as charlotte tells the mother in law what her allergies are.... we know what's coming next! The son refuses to believe his mother can be mean, and charlotte won't set her own boundaries. Directed by robert luketic. Story by anya kochoff, who also wrote the screenplay for mother's day...she has a lot to say about mothers.