The Mother In Law from Hell (Monster-In-Law (DVD))

Member Name: Tingram2012

Product:	Monster-In-Law (DVD)
Date:	07/08/09 (29 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wanda Sykes, lighthearted

Disadvantages: None

I have had this film now for a while and decided to watch it for the second time last night. Monster-in-Law was released in May 2005 and directed by Robert Luketic.

Plot
Charlie (Lopez) is a hard working temp who thinks she will never find the man of her dreams. Her time is taken up by her work; walking dogs, waitressing and working in the reception at the Doctors surgery. One day whilst walking the dogs she sees Kevin (Vartan) running on the beach. She sees him three times in a matter of days and sees this as a sign. However, whilst waitressing at a party he is at she is told by a female friend of his that he is guy so when he calls her she decides not to return his call. Kevin is relentless and continues to pursue Charlie until she agrees to go out with him.

Everything is going well until Kevin takes Charlie to meet his overly possessive mother, Viola. Viola is not happy about her only sons new relationship and sets out to destroy it by becoming the worlds worst mother-in-law. With the aid of her loyal, wise cracking assistant, Ruby (Sykes) she sets out to scare off her sons new fiancee. Charlie soon realises what Viola is up to and decides to play her at her own game. Let the battle of wits commence.

Jennifer Lopez plays Charlie and although her acting skills aren't great she does play the part quite well. The chemistry between each character is great and it makes for quite a good film.

Michael Vartan plays Dr Kevin Fields and as always does a good job. Hes handsome and charming and plays these kind of roles really well. I think this is probably the only type of role I'm used to seeing him in and it works i his favour.

Jane Fonda plays the scheming mother-in-law Viola. This role was perfect for Jane Fonda, from the pretense of being nice to Charlie down to the fake laugh she seemed to use a lot throughout the film. She played the role of a women close to a psychotic break nicely.

My favourite character in this film has to be Ruby played by Wanda Sykes. All throughout the film she comes out with some hilarious one liners which matches her wise cracking character to a tee. For me Ruby's character is what makes the film that much more watchable. The humour from her adds that little bit extra to the film and keeps you interested all the way through it. And the relationship between her and Viola is excellent, the scenes with the both of them in it are hysterical.

Cast

Charlie (Jennifer Lopez)
Kevin (Michael Vartan)
Viola (Jane Fonda)
Ruby (Wanda Sykes)
Remy (Adam Scott)
Fiona (Monet Mazur)
Morgan (Annie Parisse)
Kit (Will Arnett)

This film is a typical chick flick and you can guess whats going to happen but like I said the comedy aspect of it is what makes the film and turns it into an acceptable rom-com.

The Special features include feature length commentary, deleted scenes, Ruby's make up bag, soundtrack, gag reel & theatrical trailer. I have only watched the gag reel because they are usually quite funny although I didnt think this one was funny at all.

All in all I enjoyed the film and will watch it again mainly because I thought a lot of it was quite funny.

Certificate 12 contain moderate language and sex references.
Run Time 97 minutes.
The DVD can be bought from Amazon for £3.98 & £3.99 from play.com.

Summary: Pretty good film