It never surprises us when people revisit a classic film. Star Wars. Ben Hur. casablanca. These movies always have a following.
Goal monster-in-law? The forgotten romcom, at the time of this writing, has inexplicably landed on the coveted Netflix Top Ten list.
For anyone needing a recap (and let’s face it, that’s probably most of you), the movie debuted in theaters in 2005 amid major hype. It marked two-time Oscar-winner Jane Fonda’s return to the screen after a 15-year absence, and paired her with Jennifer Lopez–then one of the biggest stars on the planet.
The plot followed a controlling talk show host (Fonda) determined to ruin her son’s relationship with his fiance (Lopez), lest she end up old, abandoned, and miserable. A then-rising star named Wanda Sykes also turned up in the pivotal role of Fonda’s assistant.
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Critics savaged the movie on release for its mean-spirited premise, scattershot tone, and dumb jokes. Audiences showed a bit more kindness, lifting the film to a $154 million gross. Lopez received a nomination for a Worst Actress Golden Raspberry Award, which seemed to cap off the movie’s less-than-golden legacy.
now monster-in-law has made an unlikely comeback, and Twitter has thoughts. Frankly, the movie does have a lot to love, particularly for a queer audience. Besides the presence of gay comic Sykes and the double whammy of queer icons Lopez and Fonda, Broadway legend Elaine Stritch turns up in a scene-stealing role as Fonda’s acerbic mother-in-law.
We have a feeling the renewed interest in monster-in-law probably results from a convergence of factors: the upcoming final season of Fonda’s series Grace & Frankie, Lopez’s recent re-engagement to Ben Affleck, and Sykes’ hosting of the Academy Awards. With all three ladies in the news, it only seems logical that audiences would gravitate toward a film featuring all three… even if it is something of a monstrous watch.
Here’s what people on Twitter are saying…
Wanda Sykes was brilliant in monster In law
—Mel (@TheBaddestMitch) April 12, 2022
sipping gin & juice watching monster in law wbu
— twinkle toes (@trinnbaby) April 15, 2022
Amma …let’s watch a movie…you are going to just like what the title says..
Okay.Which one?
Monster in Law…
????????????????????????????
—macchu (@macchu_offcl) April 15, 2022
I don’t think we talk about Jane Fonda and Wanda Sykes in Monster-in-Law enough
— jose (@maric0nsito) April 15, 2022
Kevin’s response when Charlie asks what color are her eyes in monster in law… my fucking heart bro ???
— frannie. ? (@franny_beee) April 14, 2022
Monster in law is one of the best movies ever?
— Brianna Gomez (@jujubees_04) April 12, 2022
Feel like pure shit just wanna be watching Monster in Law for the first time again
— eleonore condo (@eleonorecondo) April 11, 2022