Monster-in-Law

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Entertainment: +3

Content: -1 1/2

Charlotte Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez) meets the man of her dreams, Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan), in this comedic romance. They decide to live together as their fondness for each other grows. They experience few bumps in their relationship until he introduces her to his mother, Viola (Jane Fonda). Viola, afraid of losing her only son, devises a plan to break up the happy couple. Her mission is to make Charlotte hate her and so sabotage the marriage. Viola is exuberant about attaining this goal as she manipulates Charlotte with lies, unwanted gifts, and a fake illness. But Charlotte, keen on marrying her sweetheart, develops her own plan of attack on her soon-to-be mother-in-law. Following in the footsteps of Viola, Charlotte manipulates her with her own lies and unwelcome gifts. The reappearance of Jane Fonda to the screen will no doubt make this movie a box office success.

Though this light-hearted film presents an extreme portrayal of in-law squabbles, many couples will relate with the battles involving the mother-in-law. Revenge takes its toll on Charlotte as she becomes dissatisfied with herself through her own childish pranks and deceitfulness. It is only when Charlotte quits playing games with her mother-in-law that they begin to honor each other. Though this film attempts to offer a positive response to a bad situation, it also glorifies revenge and manipulation. Charlotte is seen rejoicing in victory as she stumps Viola with her mind games, and Viola expresses inner delight as she selfishly toys with the love of her sons life. Due to the endorsement of revenge as well as a lot of crude, obscene and profane language, Preview does not recommend Monster-in-Law.

Preview Reviewer: Peggy Misura
Distributor: New Line Cinema

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: Many (13) mild (hell 2, damn 6); strong (-ss 2, b-tch 1, sl-t 2)

Obscene Language: Many (10) strong (f-word 1, s-word 6, finger gesture 3)

Profanity: Many (18) moderate (MG 12, G 4); strong (J 2)

Violence: Many mild (two women argue as they hit each other; slapping, shoving and pushing); moderate (a woman is hit over the head with a frying pan, a womans face is bashed into a cake several times)

Sex: Few mild (an unmarried man and woman live together, a man and woman snuggle together on sofa)

Nudity: Several mild (women shown in low-cut blouses several times, a woman shown in her slip, a woman shown with her dress tucked up, a woman shown in bathtub with bubbles covering all but her head and shoulders)

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Many mild (sexual innuendo many times; while serving hors doeuvres of fish rolled into balls, someone says, Im not into fish genitalia; a dog is shown mating with another dog; a man and woman speak of taking a shower together and later speak of taking a bath together; a woman says, Hes practically fornicating her; a woman says, I think you dislocated my vagina)

Drugs: Several mild (a woman is shown drinking, or desiring, an alcoholic drink; a woman drinks a bottle of Nyquil; a woman is given sleeping pills)

Other: Several references to eastern ideology: tarot cards, karma, horoscope, Dali Llama

Running Time: 95 minutes
Intended Audience: Young Adults and Up

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