Monster-in-Law

Monster-in-Law is a 2005 romantic comedy film directed by Robert Luketic.

Charlie Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez) has just met the perfect man, Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan), a brillant surgeon and son of the legendary Viola Fields (Jane Fonda). She loves him, he loves her, perfect! They should totally get married!

Well, except Viola doesn't quite think so. She has some issues with Charlie and would like to have a say in their relationship, much Hilarity Ensues.

The film marks the much awaited return of Jane Fonda to cinema, but at the same times, seems to suffer from the Love It or Be Bored By It symdrome. On one hand, it can be seen as slow-paced, predictable and rather cliched. But never-the-less, the well-executed comedy of this short little film will likely bring a smile to your face anyway. Remember, always trust Wanda Sykes to brighten up your day.

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The Film contains examples of:

• Bridezilla Charlie is only one when it comes to her mother-in-law.
• Comically Missing the Point: Charlie witnesses an argument between Viola and Viola's mother-in-law Gertrude, and says she's going to call of the wedding when she realises that she and Viola will end up bickering endlessly like they do, and she can't take it. Instead of regretting her treatment of Charlie, Viola is flabbergasted that Charlie compared her to the abrasive (but awesome) battleaxe Gertrude. Ruby sets her straight.
• Crocodile Tears: You could fill a pool with all the fake tears in this movie.
• Don't Sneak Up On Me Like That: Viola sneaks up on Charlie while she is watching a scary movie.
• Groin Attack: Rare female-on-female example. "I think you dislocated my vagina!"
• Hot Mom: Viola played by Jane Fonda is more than enough.
• Manipulative Bastard: Viola and Charlie are both very manipulative towards each other.
• Mistaken for Gay: Oddly, Charlie believes the rumour shared by the Romantic False Lead in the face of Kevin's repeated, obvious attempts to chat her up.
• Mistaken for Pregnant: Viola briefly thinks Charlie is pregnant hence the marriage.
• Momma's Boy: Kevin
• My Beloved Smother: Viola--Big Time.
  • And Gertrude, according to Viola.
• Obnoxious In-Laws: Just look at the title.
• One Dialogue, Two Conversations: Charlie says this to Viola in front of Kevin.

(In a sweet voice) "I am willing to do anything to make this relationship work."

• Only Sane Man: Ruby, really, the only rational person when Charlie and Viola are at each other's throats and when Kevin has absolutely no idea what is going on.
• Parental Marriage Veto: Viola works really hard to get Charlie not to marry her son.
• Pretty in Mink: Oh, the Costume Porn. Every party scene involves all the characters dressed in impossibly eye-dazzling dresses and such, even those who are decidedly not so rich (compared to Viola anyway) gets to whip on some good vintage.
• Racist Grandma: Kevin's grandmother is loud, rude and racist.
• Rich Bitch: One word, Viola.
• Sassy Black Woman: Wanda Sykes as Ruby, in all her glory.
• Shotgun Wedding: Viola fears that the wedding might because of a bun in the oven.
• Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace: Defied Trope - Charlie gets this bit cut out of the vows.
• Stalker with a Crush: Minor case in Kevin's attempts to chat Charlie up.
• Straight Gay: There isn't really any way to tell that Charlie's friend, Remy, is a stereotypical gay guy.
• Tampering with Food and Drink: Viola adds nuts to the gravy because Charlie is allergic.
• Woman in White: Viola