Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- None
- irreverent
- breezy
- witty
- date night
- girls night
What critics said
Critics broadly viewed the film as a crude, formulaic romantic comedy whose central performances and occasional comic energy could not overcome its obvious writing and broad supporting material.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Charlie and Viola repeatedly compete through schemes to control Kevin's romantic future.
Charlie must contend with Viola's hostility as she prepares to become part of Kevin's family.
Viola weaponizes outrageous practical schemes because she fears losing her son after losing her career.
Viola and Charlie answer each other's provocations with increasingly elaborate attempts to gain the upper hand.
Films like Monster-in-Law, and why
The Family Stone
shares the romantic comedy framework, family conflict, broad comic escalation, and battle between a bride-to-be and an intimidating future in-law
The Wedding Planner
shares a warm but combative romance, intrusive family dynamics, and a female-centered clash played for broad comedy
Bride Wars
shares the premise of competing women disrupting a romantic relationship through escalating schemes and confrontational comic performances
Movie Details
- Director
- Robert Luketic
- Release Date
- 2005-05-13
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (1799)
Cast
- Jennifer Lopez
- Jane Fonda
- Michael Vartan
- Wanda Sykes
- Adam Scott
- Monet Mazur
- Annie Parisse
- Will Arnett
- Elaine Stritch
- Stephen Dunham
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, Spectrum On Demand
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Monster-in-Law about?
- A bride-to-be and her future mother-in-law wage an outrageous battle for control of the same man.
- What is Monster-in-Law like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Monster-in-Law as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Monster-in-Law violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Monster-in-Law.
- What did critics think of Monster-in-Law?
- Critics broadly viewed the film as a crude, formulaic romantic comedy whose central performances and occasional comic energy could not overcome its obvious writing and broad supporting material.
- Which films are like Monster-in-Law?
- Films with a similar feel include The Family Stone, The Wedding Planner, and Bride Wars.
- How long is Monster-in-Law?
- Monster-in-Law runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Monster-in-Law?
- In United States, Monster-in-Law streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Cinemax Amazon Channel, HBO Max, Cinemax Apple TV channel.
