At 67, Jane Fonda looks stunning in "Monster-in Law," a less-than-stunning comedy in which she plays Monster Dearest to Jennifer Lopez's blushing bride-to-be. Why Fonda chose this embarrassing project for her first film in 15 years is, as they say, a puzzlement. She's the best thing in it; at times, it seems she's the only thing in it. Read the full review
Unlucky in love, beautiful Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez) has finally met the man of her dreams, Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). There's just one problem: his mother (Jane Fonda).
Director: Robert Luketic
Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, Michael Vartan, Wanda Sykes, Monet Mazur
Run time: 95 minutes
Release date: May 13, 2005
Rating: PG-13 for sex references and language.
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The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: D+
"(Jane Fonda) has always been a fearless performer. She's fearless here — mostly for just showing up in such a dispiriting enterprise and still giving it her all. There are moments when you can see Fonda rein herself in, as if in fear of blowing everyone else off the screen."
The Middletown Journal: C+
"Fonda, in her first movie role since 1990, still has considerable charisma... Too much of the time, though, she's not playing a character, she's playing a cartoon."
The Palm Beach Post: B-
"At 67, Fonda looks terrific, without attempting to hide her aging, neck wrinkles or crow's feet. She seems to know not to try and make any real sense of Viola, so she dives in..."
The Palm Beach Post "Flick Chick"
"With no help from the script, Fonda lets you see the hurt and pain behind Viola's eyes, even when she's being hilariously vicious."
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