If I've said it once, I've said it a million times (well, maybe not a million but a lot), Jennifer Lopez is a better actress than a singer. Granted, she's an inconsistent actress - very good in U-Turn, Selena and Out of Sight and not so good in Enough, Maid in Manhattan and of course, Gigli - but at least she shows some sparks of talent as an actress. Monster-in-Law is surprisingly good Lopez. But the real reason to see this movie, is another 'J', Jane Fonda. In her first role in 15 years, she steals the show.

Monster-in-Law begins like any other standard rom-com. Overworked temporary worker Charlie Cantilini (Jennifer Lopez) meets the man of her dreams in Dr. Kevin Fields (Michael Vartan). It isn't long before they are head over heels and the good doctor takes the new woman in his life to meet the original woman in his life, his mother. And oh, what a mother she is! Viola Fields is a celebrated journalist (not unlike Barbara Walters) in a midst of a breakdown. She's been fired for attempting to strangle a Britney/Chirstina/Lindsey teen queen during an interview and as her world crumbles around her, now she has to deal with losing her son too. Viola isn't going down without a fight, so she launches a campaign to get Charlie out of her son's life. Only Charlie proves to be a much more worthy adversary than Viola expected.

While Monster-in-Law might look like a romantic comedy, it really isn't. There is almost no chemistry between Lopez and Vartan and just as things get started, Vartan's character gets shipped off to a 'medical conference' and spends most of the movie out of sight. The real chemistry exists between Fonda and Lopez. These two strong women bring that strength to the screen and turn Monster-in-Law into a real battle of wills. It's not quite as dark as the War of the Roses but it's that kind of physical, mean-spirited comedy that ensues.

I also enjoyed Wanda Sykes as Viola's assistant who's timing was impeccable. Her role wasn't huge but she made the most of every scene she was in. And there is a memorable cameo by Elaine Stritch who plays Viola's own monster-in-law, Gertrude, that was hilarious.

I enjoyed Monster-in-Law all the way up to the end which was unexpectedly sappy and sugary sweet. Given the tone of the movie up to that point, I would have liked an ending with a little more bite to it.