ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

After 15 years' absence, Jane Fonda makes a triumphant return to the big screen in madcap comedy Monster-In-Law by director Robert Luketic. Despite a lumbering start and a tacked-on finale, the veteran star is a joy to behold as she sinks her polished claws into the sassy Latina who dares marry her son. Hardass Jennifer Lopez makes a credible adversary, but there's no doubting who this film belongs to; Fonda's fearsome mommy will make you scream with laughter.

For the opening 20 minutes this plays like yet another lame rom-com as the wistful Charlie (Jennifer Lopez) makes goggle eyes at Kevin (Michael Vartan). It's only when Fonda enters the scene as potential mother-in-law Viola Fields that the action really locks into gear. Viola is a washed-up chat show host fresh from the funny farm after having a breakdown on national television. With little left to live for, she refuses to let a "temp" steal her precious boy and so the games begin...

"J-LO GAMELY TAKES A FEW BLOWS"

Not since Bette Davis' Baby Jane has Hollywood seen a woman so deliciously delirious. From the moment she lunges at a Britney Spears clone, hands clawed and teeth bared, Fonda sets up a wild bitch fest. It's also where Luketic finds his footing, consistently tuned to the punchline despite his initial meandering. As Viola's straight-talking assistant, the wickedly funny Wanda Sykes gives as good as she gets while J-Lo gamely takes a few low blows - aimed mostly at her rear. Frustratingly, given the manic level of backbiting (and even rabbit punching!), the ending is a cop-out. Even so, Monster-In-Law is fiendishly good fun.