Monster-in-Law (2005) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Office temp Charlotte Cantilini thinks she's found Mr. Right when she starts dating gorgeous surgeon Dr. Kevin Fields. But there's a problem standing in the way of everlasting bliss: Kevin's overbearing and controlling mother, Viola. Fearing she'll lose her son's affections forever, Viola decides to break up the happy couple by becoming the world's worst mother-in-law.
Rated PG-13 • 2005 • 1h 41m
Rated PG-13, "Monster-in-Law" is a romantic comedy whose content focuses more on the combative relationship between a woman and her future mother-in-law than on romance. The film's rating is primarily for strong language, including one use of 'f--k,' and numerous sexual references. The central conflict between Charlie and Viola escalates into slapstick violence (slapping, hitting with a pan) and intense psychological manipulation… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Monster-in-Law appropriate for kids?
Rated PG-13, "Monster-in-Law" is a romantic comedy whose content focuses more on the combative relationship between a woman and her future mother-in-law than on romance. The film's rating is primarily for strong language, including one use of 'f--k,' and numerous sexual… Read more — free account
Content severity in Monster-in-Law
What happens in Monster-in-Law, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:09 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in Monster-in-Law
There are frequent sexual references and innuendos, including dialogue about homosexuality, erections, and fornicating. A brief scene shows two dogs mating in the background. In one scene, a character talks suggestively on the phone from a bubble bath, though no nudity is shown. A pop star on TV wears a revealing outfit, and women are seen in bikinis on a beach.
Violence and gore in Monster-in-Law
Violence is frequent but played for slapstick, comedic effect. The two main characters, Charlie and Viola, engage in escalating physical fights that include slapping, hitting each other with a frying pan, and one character having her face pushed into a cake. Early in the film, Viola has a meltdown and physically attacks a pop star on her talk show set.
Language in Monster-in-Law
The film contains strong language for a PG-13 film. There is one use of 'motherf--ker' (partially obscured), multiple uses of 'shit,' 'bullshit,' 'bitch,' 'slut,' and 'ass,' as well as 'hell' and 'damn.' The term 'tramp' is used several times, and there is one use of 'vagina.' Milder exclamations like 'oh my god' are also common.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Monster-in-Law
Social drinking is present in many scenes, particularly at parties and dinners. Viola is frequently seen drinking martinis and appears intoxicated at times. There is a plot point involving a character tampering with what she believes are antipsychotic medications, and drugs are briefly referenced in dialogue.
Mature themes in Monster-in-Law
The film has strong themes of emotional manipulation and intense family conflict. Viola orchestrates a campaign of psychological warfare to sabotage her son's relationship, culminating in her knowingly triggering Charlie's life-threatening nut allergy. The film also depicts a character having a public mental breakdown, discusses deep-seated intergenerational resentment, and features cruel verbal abuse, such as a character being blamed for her husband's death from 'terminal disappointment.'
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monster-in-Law appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Monster-in-Law is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Rated PG-13, "Monster-in-Law" is a romantic comedy whose content focuses more on the combative relationship between a woman and her future mother-in-law than on romance. The film's rating is primarily for strong…
What age rating does Monster-in-Law have?
Monster-in-Law is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Monster-in-Law about?
Rated PG-13, "Monster-in-Law" is a romantic comedy whose content focuses more on the combative relationship between a woman and her future mother-in-law than on romance. The film's rating is primarily for strong language, including one use of 'f--k,' and numerous sexual references. The central conflict between Charlie…
Is there sex or nudity in Monster-in-Law?
There are frequent sexual references and innuendos, including dialogue about homosexuality, erections, and fornicating. A brief scene shows two dogs mating in the background. In one scene, a character talks suggestively on the phone from a bubble bath, though…
How violent is Monster-in-Law?
Violence is frequent but played for slapstick, comedic effect. The two main characters, Charlie and Viola, engage in escalating physical fights that include slapping, hitting each other with a frying pan, and one character having her face pushed into a cake…
Is the language in Monster-in-Law appropriate for kids?
The film contains strong language for a PG-13 film. There is one use of 'motherf--ker' (partially obscured), multiple uses of 'shit,' 'bullshit,' 'bitch,' 'slut,' and 'ass,' as well as 'hell' and 'damn.' The term 'tramp' is used several times, and there is…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Monster-in-Law?
Social drinking is present in many scenes, particularly at parties and dinners. Viola is frequently seen drinking martinis and appears intoxicated at times. There is a plot point involving a character tampering with what she believes are antipsychotic…
What mature themes appear in Monster-in-Law?
The film has strong themes of emotional manipulation and intense family conflict. Viola orchestrates a campaign of psychological warfare to sabotage her son's relationship, culminating in her knowingly triggering Charlie's life-threatening nut allergy. The…
How long is Monster-in-Law?
Monster-in-Law runs 101 minutes, directed by Robert Luketic, released in 2005.
Where can I read the full Monster-in-Law parent guide?
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