Fonda comeback tops US box office

Young Australian director Robert Luketic has conquered the American box office by coaxing Jane Fonda out of retirement and setting her on Jennifer Lopez in a face-slapping, hair-pulling fight for survival.

Monster-in-Law, a comedy and Fonda's first film in 15 years, topped the US box office over the weekend, making US$24 million ($34.10 million).

Another comedic take on familial combat, Kicking & Screaming, starring Will Ferrell, opened in second place with $US20.1 million, while the Jet Li action film Unleashed opened in third place with $US10.9 million.