Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda’s rom-com, Monster-in-Law, has surged to success on Hulu, currently ranking at number five among the platform’s most-watched films. Released on May 13, 2005, the movie follows Charlie, portrayed by Lopez, who falls in love with a doctor named Kevin, played by Michael Vartan. As their relationship blossoms and they become engaged, trouble arises when Kevin’s mother, Viola, played by Fonda, goes to extreme lengths to sabotage their engagement.
Upon its release, Monster-in-Law became a box office success, grossing over $155 million worldwide against a modest production budget of only $43 million. Notably, it provided strong counter-programming to the much-anticipated Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, which debuted later that same month. While critics were not kind, the audience reception was warmer, allowing the film to thrive despite its low critical scores, which currently sit at just 19% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to a slightly higher 55% audience rating.
The film stands out mainly due to Fonda’s memorable performance as the overbearing mother-in-law. This role marked her return to film after a 15-year hiatus since her last movie, Stanley & Iris, in 1990. The supporting cast, including notable performances from comedienne Wanda Sykes as Ruby, Adam Scott as Remy, and Will Arnett as Kit, also contributed to the film’s charm, making it an engaging watch despite not ranking as Lopez’s best romantic comedy.
Interestingly, with Valentine’s Day approaching, romantic comedies like Monster-in-Law are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Currently, titles such as Titanic, Monster-in-Law, There’s Something About Mary, The Notebook, and The Proposal are all trending in the North American Top 15 on Hulu. This trend underscores the nostalgic appeal of classic romantic comedies during this time of year.
Since her breakout role in Selena (1997), Lopez has established herself as a leading lady in the romantic comedy genre, featuring in numerous successful films. The Wedding Planner (2001) was a hit, showcasing her chemistry with Matthew McConaughey, while Maid in Manhattan (2002) further solidified her status, where Lopez played a maid mistaken for a socialite by a politician, portrayed by Ralph Fiennes.
In recent developments, Jennifer Lopez and Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein are collaborating on a new romantic comedy for Netflix, promising to bring more of Lopez’s signature charm to the small screen. Throughout her career, Lopez has navigated various romantic comedies of differing quality, from The Back-Up Plan (2010) to What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012) and the infamous Gigli (2006), where she met on-again, off-again boyfriend Ben Affleck.
For fans looking to revisit Lopez’s filmography, a rom-com marathon could include The Wedding Planner, Maid-in-Manhattan, Monster-in-Law, and The Back-Up Plan, which offers a delightful mix of her best performances in the genre. With its streaming resurgence, Monster-in-Law reminds us why Jennifer Lopez remains a beloved figure in romantic comedy even years after its initial release.
