Monster-in-Law

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Monster-in-Law

PG-13

2005

1h 40m

Romance

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

19%

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167 Reviews

55%

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250,000+ Ratings

Charlotte (Jennifer Lopez) is smitten when she meets Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). So when Kevin pops the question after they start dating, Charlotte happily accepts. But she soon realizes that Kevin's mom, Viola (Jane Fonda), is not quite thrilled to have a new family member. Viola, a newscaster, has just lost her job and is feeling rather attached to Kevin, so she regards Charlotte as her new competition -- and will apparently do anything to make her son call off the wedding.

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Critics Consensus

While Jane Fonda steals the movie in her return to the screen, a tired script and flimsy performances make this borderline comedy fall flat.

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David Ansen

Newsweek

The premise, though hardly fresh, has the makings of a ferocious black comedy. But Monster-in-Law is more a sour pastel.

Nov 1, 2007

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Marc Savlov

Austin Chronicle

A banal and lukewarm slice of romantic comedy and family histrionics.

Rated: 1.5/5

May 21, 2005

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Richard Roeper

Ebert & Roeper

This really plays a like a really bad sitcom from forty years ago.

May 16, 2005

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Micheal Compton

Bowling Green Daily News

If you are looking for a film with depth and character development, Monster-In-Law is probably not the film for you. Still, I couldnt help but enjoy most of the slapstick situations.

Rated: B-

Nov 18, 2019

Full Review

Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Despite its shortcomings (not the least of which is [Jennifer] Lopez), Monster-in-Law is the first must-see film of the spring and summer thanks to Jane Fonda's Viola.

Nov 13, 2019

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Joshua Starnes

ComingSoon.net

Fonda is terrific playing the mess that is Viola. Her introduction tells you everything you need to know about her: after learning she has been fired she attacks a vacuous Britney Spears clone on air. It never reaches that kind of mean-spirited fun again.

Rated: 5/10

Apr 8, 2011

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alan g

Two of the most overratered actresses of all time. Hanoi Jane and J Low. Traitor should have been shot during the Vietnam war.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/23/25

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Stephen C

Unfunny in 1 hour and 40 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even the stars and crew agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

06/19/25

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Tiffani L

Amazing best ever hilarious so funny romantic great movie love the dogs love JLo and Jane Fonda love it need 2nd one

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/28/25

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Lorenz S

This was a rollercoaster

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/05/25

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Madam D

I love Jane Fonda & Wanda Sykes so had to see this. When I noticed Elaine Stritch as a small role I was delighted. These 3 make the movie hilarious. And I don't usually like romantic comedy.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/29/25

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Shane O

Unwatchable garbage . I only wish there I was a way to give a move a zero . This movie should be removed from the world

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

10/12/24

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Robert Luketic

Director

Jennifer Lopez

Charlie

Jane Fonda

Viola Fields

Michael Vartan

Kevin

Wanda Sykes

Ruby

Adam Scott

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Synopsis

Charlotte (Jennifer Lopez) is smitten when she meets Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). So when Kevin pops the question after they start dating, Charlotte happily accepts. But she soon realizes that Kevin's mom, Viola (Jane Fonda), is not quite thrilled to have a new family member. Viola, a newscaster, has just lost her job and is feeling rather attached to Kevin, so she regards Charlotte as her new competition -- and will apparently do anything to make her son call off the wedding.

Director: Robert Luketic
Producer: Chris Bender, J.C. Spink, Paula Weinstein
Screenwriter: Anya Kochoff
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Production Co: Benderspink
Rating: PG-13 (Sex References|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 13, 2005, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 1, 2009
Box Office (Gross USA): $82.9M
Runtime: 1h 40m
Sound Mix: Dolby SRD, DTS, SDDS
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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