Monster-in-Law (2005)

User Rating:

5.2/10   

Director:

Robert Luketic

Writer (WGA):

Anya Kochoff (written by)

Release Date:

13 May 2005 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Romance

Tagline:

She met the perfect man. Then she met his mother.

Plot:

The love life of Charlotte is reduced to an endless string of disastrous blind dates, until she meets the perfect man, Kevin. Unfortunately, his merciless mother will do anything to destroy their relationship.

Plot Keywords:

Mother In Law | News Anchor | Fiancé | Doctor | Love

Awards:

1 win & 9 nominations

Cast

Jennifer Lopez	...	Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini
Jane Fonda	...	Viola Fields
Michael Vartan	...	Dr. Kevin Fields
Wanda Sykes	...	Ruby
Adam Scott	...	Remy
Monet Mazur	...	Fiona
Annie Parisse	...	Morgan
Will Arnett	...	Kit
Elaine Stritch	...	Gertrude
Stephen Dunham	...	Dr. Paul Chamberlain
Randee Heller	...	Beverly Hills Dog Owner
Mark Moses	...	Coffee Shop Customer
Tomiko Fraser	...	Coffee Shop Clerk
Rochelle Flexer	...	Dr. Patel's Nurse
Wayne Nickel	...	George

Also Known As:

Das Schwiegermonster (Germany)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for sex references and language.

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

Germany | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Sweden:Btl | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Hungary:14 | Switzerland:12 (canton of Zurich) | Germany:6 | South Korea:12 | Finland:K-3 | Australia:M | Canada:PG (British Columbia) | Ireland:12A | Norway:7 | Singapore:PG | UK:12A | USA:PG-13 | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | New Zealand:M | Philippines:PG-13 | Mexico:B | Netherlands:MG6 | Argentina:Atp | Peru:PT | Brazil:12

Filming Locations:

Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

When Viola asks Tanya Murphy what her favorite movies are, among the movies she names is Legally Blonde (2001). Robert Luketic, who directed this film, also directed Legally Blonde (2001).

Goofs:

Continuity: When Charlie's dress rips, the rip is visible and her hair is messed up but in the next shot the rip disappears and her hair is perfectly fine again.

Quotes:

[first lines]
[Charlie sitting at her desk at home. Phone rings. Charlie lets the answering machine pick up and listens to the recording]
Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini: [Answering machine message] Hi, it's Charlie. Leave a message.
[Answering machine beeps to signal beginning of message]
Carol, from LA Temp Agency: [Leaving message on answering machine] Hi Charlie, it's Carol from the L.A. Temp Agency. Listen, Dr. Patel's office needs you for tomorrow. Is that ok? Let me know. Bye.
[Answering machine beeps signaling end of message]
Remy: [Charlie sketching]
[Remy walks in with cup of coffee and toast]
Remy: Morning neighbor.
[Chews toast]
[...]

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Peter Sarsgaard/The Strokes (#31.11)" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Make Up Bag

Jane Fonda...At Last!

This film's plot has been used many times but this movie may be the funniest. It's about Charlotte. She has about four jobs. On a regular day, she meets a man that she likes. He tells her that she should meet his mother. She agrees but she's nervous. He purposes to her in front of his mother. Both are shocked but Charlotte says yes. Now his mother is so angry, she'll have to do whatever it takes for her to get rid of Charlotte because all she has is her son and Ruby, her assistant. The movie is hilarious and it's great to see Jane Fonda coming back! Wanda Sykes comedic performance is great, especially her physical comedy. Many lines are memorable including this one: "Viola, I think you have just dislocated my vagina!" Just funny thinking about it. This film is not all that bad as critics say. J-Lo's and Jane's performances was good. Although this plot has been used many times, this version might be the funniest. Wait... Meet the Parents might be the funniest. If you're looking for a feel good comedy or if you're a Jane Fonda fan, this movie will not disappoint you!