J.Lo Vs. J.Fo In "Monster-In-Law' Debuts At No. 1

Jane Fonda is back on top.

"Monster-in-Law," her first major film role in 15 years, topped the weekend box office with an estimated $24 million dollars.

The movie also brought Jennifer Lopez her strongest box office opening performance.

The film pits Lopez against Fonda, her villainous prospective mother-in-law

Will Ferrell's comedy "Kicking & Screaming," was second with $21 million. The Jet Li action flick "Unleashed," opened in third.

The total box office slump continued for a 12th straight week, but the force is expected to return next week when the final chapter in the Star Wars saga hits theaters.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at North American theaters, according to Exhibitor Relations Co. Inc. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Monster-in-Law," $24 million.
2. "Kicking & Screaming," $21 million.
3. "Unleashed," $10.6 million.
4. "Kingdom of Heaven," $9.6 million.
5. "Crash," $7.2 million.
6. "House of Wax," $6.3 million.
7. "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy," $4.8 million.
8. "The Interpreter," $4.4 million.
9. "XXX: State of the Union," $2.2 million.
10. "Mindhunters," $2 million.