Monster-In-Law film review

certificate_12A

MONSTER-IN-LAW

It's good to see Jane Fonda back on screen again after a fifteen-year absence, even if she's in the guise of an overbearing, egocentric mother-in law. That she chose such an extravagant and brash role to make her comeback is understandable. It's the perfect warm up part, allowing her to flex her atrophied, but considerable comedic muscles. Judging from the abandon with which she portrays Viola Fields, a fading TV presenter who finds herself replaced by a young bimbo, it's clear she relishes being back. But even an energetic Fonda is unable to elevate Monster-in-Law above standard cornball fare.

Billed as a romantic comedy, the romance portion is a mere sub plot to the film's main theme which is Fields' elaborate and determined efforts to sabotage her precious son Kevin's (Michael Vartan) impending marriage to Charlotte "Charlie" (Jennifer Lopez). The over protective Viola considers her surgeon son too good for someone who juggles a variety of menial jobs including catering, receptionist and dog-walker. "I like to dabble in lots of things," she explains. Viola's has just lost her career to a young girl and is now in danger of losing her other true love to the same enemy. It's the reason she is so hostile towards Charlie. Delighting in introducing her as "a temp" at a society party. Despite Viola's formidable presence, Charlie shows she's up for the duel when she challenges, "Bring it on Grandma."

The bitchy exchanges between the two women keep Monster simmering, and in the hands of two such forceful actresses, are exploited for all their potential. But the film's funniest moments come courtesy of Viola's alcohol-fuelled meltdowns and the droll asides of her long suffering assistant Ruby, played with affectionate disdain by Wanda Sykes.

Things begin with the forlorn Charlie looking for love. In her desperation, she turns to that last refuge of the hopeless romantic: the horoscopes. "No one can resist your charms," it states. It would be hard to disagree given her proclivity to dress like Britney Spears. "Stop looking so hard, " the horoscope continues, "love is right in front of you." Guess what? It is. As she glances up, the Adonis-like vision of the shirtless Kevin jogs by and our hapless Charlie is smitten. Through the good fortune only ever found in romantic comedies, they then keep crossing paths. "That's three times in two days. What are the chances of that?" she observes.