Monster in law

(Herald rating * * *)

Jane Fonda, film star, activist and exercise video guru is back, and she is making sure you know it!

Returning to the big screen for the first time since her self-imposed retirement in 1992, Fonda's stunning scene-stealing performance distracts you from the fact there isn't too much to this film, and leaves you reassured your own mother-in-law is pretty darn easy.

Looking like a cross between Diane Sawyer and Princess Diana, Fonda, even if she has had some help, looks fantastic. Marvelling at her well preserved body, which she happily shows off, and her beautifully shaped face you almost forget to check out the other infamous butt co-starring in this film (in case you were wondering, J Lo is as perky as ever).

Monster in Law is a romantic comedy, and when our love birds first clamp eyes on each other in a slow motion scene on the beach in LA you just know you should have ditched the hubby, and brought a girlfriend instead.

Much like the recent Meet the Parents, Monster in Law is a romantic romp with a twist. It's about the relationship between the groom's mother and his bride, which, in this case, is rather horrid.

Fonda is the overbearing Viola. A legendary TV presenter, she is intimidating, confident and slightly unhinged. Fired from her job as a national news anchor, and emotionally fragile, she is not at all happy to learn her son Keith (Vartan) plans to marry his new girlfriend, the lovely but totally unsuitable dog-walking temp Charlie (Lopez).

The news of their announcement turns Viola into a bride's worst nightmare, and she does all she can to make her potential daughter-in-law change her mind about the marriage. In doing so she underestimates Charlie, who gives as good as she gets.

Wanda Skyes brings the laughs with her performance as Viola's personal assistant, but you have to feel sorry for Vartan.

With J. Lo as his fiancee Charlie, and Jane Fonda as his mother Viola, the guy never gets a word in - he's only there to feed his co-stars lines.

It's not going to change your life, but if you can find that girlfriend, then you could do worse for a quiet girls' night out.

CAST: Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, Michael Vartan
DIRECTOR: Robert Luketic
RUNNING TIME: 95 mins
RATING: M (sexual references)
SCREENING: Village, Hoyts & Berkeley Cinemas