Monster In Law (2005)

An aspiring fashion designer (Jennifer Lopez) falls in love with a handsome young doctor (Michael Vartan). Everything seems to be on track to wedded bliss until she meets his neurotic mother (Jane Fonda), who'll stop at nothing to prevent the marriage from taking place. Directed by Robert Luketic, this was Fonda's return to movies after a 15 year absence. Obviously, she didn't choose this vehicle for its artistic merit. She thought it would be a moneymaker and it was. The film itself is a ghastly by the numbers romcom with all the cliches of the genre including the gay best friend (Adam Scott). Without Fonda, the film would be intolerable. Fonda doesn't make the movie better (she's an actress, not a magician) but she does make it more enjoyable. She jumps into her role with glee and one can't help but feel sorry for poor Lopez. She doesn't stand a chance in her scenes with Fonda. Fonda devours her. With Wanda Sykes (who provides a few laughs), Elaine Stritch and Will Arnett.