Like most of America, I cringed at the amount of Bennifer 1 press. The national nightmare seemed it might never end. Months after the split, talk of the Bennifer 1 effect on films that starred either Jenifer Lopez or Ben Affleck hounded both actors. Some movies flopped, some did well. Ben Affleck hasn’t moved past the stain of overexposure yet. Jenifer Lopez has. Monster in Law proved it.

She was everything in this film once assumed she was not: likeable, funny, charming and down to earth. I liked her character, I liked her performance, I liked this movie.

The plot – Love Story-esque – common girl falls for a rich only child of an overprotective mother who disapproves of the new love, and railroads the relationship. Jane Fonda, the monster, was al dente. While I disliked her years ago for other reasons, she’s back on the will watch list. Oh her character was mean and vicious and calculating, and it worked for her very well in this role.

What’s good about Monster in Law:

1)Casting. Every character who matters in this flick is cast properly. Good performances. Aloha, Hanoi Jane!

2)Plot. Tight. The writing works for it, the characters are consistent. Conflict keeps the story interesting.

3)Execution – everything comes together.

Verdict: A good date film. Matinee, DVD rental.