It never surprises us when people revisit a classic film. Star Wars. Ben-Hur. Casablanca. These movies always have a following.
But 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.
Related: The queerest things coming to Netflix in April 2022
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 ???
— franny. ? (@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
HankHarris
As I walked out of Monster-in-Law when I saw it in theaters (big mistake) my first thought was ‘that movie was so awful that Jane Fonda should have to give her Oscar back for a year as penalty.’
bachy
Same. It reeked.
lykeitiz
The article summed it up: Jane Fonda hadn’t made a movie in 15 years, plus it had J-Lo (and Wanda Sykes and Elaine Stritch). All 4 ladies were robbed of being in a good (or even decent) movie. This movie is so bad, it isn’t even campy-good-bad.
cineteach
Well, guess I’ll have to see this. The cost of making it was $43m, it grossed $154.7m, and is available on Netflix, amazon, google play, vudu, microsoft, itunes, fandango, play station, hbo max, pureflix, hulu, and more with decent ratings. Sounds like someone might be…..mistaken…… besides, why pass up a chance to see J-Lo, Jane Fonda, Wanda Sykes and Elaine Stritch, and and and Michael Vartan! in ANY venue.
phx3rings
Sorry. I’ve always loved this movie. And I’ve never ‘forgotten’ it since it was released. Truthfully, Wanda Sykes was the reason I bought it on DVD after seeing it in the theater. I’ll admit it’s one of my guilty pleasures along with movies like Soapdish, First Wives Club, What’s Up Doc? and numerous other feel-good flicks. Sometimes it’s not about the acting, the script or ‘high art’…it’s just about being entertained.
Lorie S
Totally agree!
Yooper
Don’t apologize. The movie was enjoyable and those that didn’t like it, well it’s all up to the individual. I liked it, still do.
xnetminder
Love thus movie; it’s never been “forgotten” ( except by nasty critics who hate everything, perhaps); cast is terrific and I watch it every time I come across it on cable! “Mean spirited”??? For christ sakes, it’s a romcom and priceless funny moments….that “slapathon” between Fonda and Lopez??? Hilarious!
Essie
Totally agree . . . with all of your picks. I didn’t think this movie was “mean” at all and I think I’ll go on my Netflix right now and watch it again.
CatholicXXX
How is it very gay? There are no hot gay guys n the trailer
AJAnders
It’s been a while since I’ve seen this movie but I thought I remembered Adam Scott plays the gay pal of Lopez. But i think he’s the only gay character in the movie. And you don’t see him that much.
theherald
Nothing even remotely gay about the movie. This is called click bait.
Diplomat
TheHerald
True.
dario717
OOH, hottie from Never Been Kissed is in it.
Lorie S
I don’t know why everyone says all these negative things about this movie, I loved it and watch it every time it comes on TV. I get all the feels from this movie.
Paulie P
This was Janes come back pic and J Lo was just a player.. Jane looked and sounded amazing. Wanda and her dry humor perfection. Enter Elaine Stritch and sit back.
theherald
Calling a movie “gay” when there are no gay characters is dumb.
cineteach
Becuase you get to see…..Michael Vartan? Oh……and Wanda Sykes lest you forget!
chris_clb614
This is back when gay characters were routinely played by straight actors, in this case, Adam Scott of Parks and Recreation as J Lo’s GBF.
Yooper
Enjoyed the movie when it was released, still enjoy running across it on whatever channel. Fonda was a hoot, Sykes was the bomb. Katy bar the door, Stritch was perfection.
ScottOnEarth
This is a great movie – the leading actors play their respective characters to the hilt but, as with every movie or TV show she’s in, the hilarious, gorgeous and lovable Wanda Sykes steals every scene she’s in. This was never a forgotten movie and I had no idea that Jane Fonda and Jennifer Lopez are ‘queer icons’??????
Man About Town
“Long forgotten”? Followed by “For anyone needing a recap (and let’s face it, that’s probably most of you)”?
How about “Let’s face it, Mr. Reddish makes a fool out of himself by making such rash and presumptuous assertions”?
gregg2010
There is nothing gay about this dog of a movie. I remember thinking after almost walking out, “What were they thinking?” Jennifer Lopez is a terrible actor.
chris_clb614
The only “gay” part is the designated gay pal who gets a wedding date with the waiter/fake doctor.
Preppy1000
Saw this when it came out and have no desire to see it again. I remember it as being unfunny, stupid and pretty mean-spirited. And how is this a gay film? We have one gay character who is introduced and barely used. However we DO get to see Michael Vartan shirtless to show off his hunky body so there is that. LOL
ShiningSex
gay? I don’t think so. please!
IanHunter
I don’t understand why this would be a gay movie. Is it because the icons?
Nimir
I don’t get the hate as while it isn’t the best movie in the world I feel it’s enjoyable enough. To be fair I stumbled across it rerunning on tv years ago so I didn’t pay to see it as that does make a difference. I’d label it “ok” as it’s far from the worst movie I’ve ever seen and has a few moments I found funny. As far as it being gay goes… that’s a stretch to put it mildly.
Cam
Stuff like this regularly happens when Netflix gets new movies added in. The movies get streamed and trend.