Music idol Jennifer Lopez would feature in two big movies this year - "An Unfinished Life" with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman and "Monster-in-Law" with Jane Fonda.

The films follow her new hit album "Rebirth", which Sony released worldwide this month, and is an attempt by Lopez to focus on her career as a pop star and actress.

In the past, Lopez has starred in critically acclaimed films like 1998's "Out of Sight" opposite George Clooney and directed by Steven Soderbergh and "U-Turn" made by Oliver Stone.

And also absolute bloomers like "Gigli" opposite then boyfriend Ben Affleck, and "Enough". There have also been some moderate films like "The Wedding Planner" and "The Cell".

Lopez, who has platinum selling albums like On The 6 and Jlo, tells in an e-mailed interview that her sound in the album and the films reflect a new maturity in her career.

"In many ways, this feels like my first album as when I did my first album, I took a long break and then worked on it, it's the same with this album. I took a long vacation and worked on it. It represents a sound that is much more funk and a whole new level of maturity," said the pop superstar.

Often described as the sexiest woman in the world, Lopez has been criticized in the recent past for concentrating more on her various relationships than making music or movies.

But "Rebirth" is one album Lopez says she's worked real hard on.

"The one thing I wanted to do with this album was to get a lot of up tempo on it because that's how I was feeling. In the studio you end up writing other things as well, but there are some dance tracks on it. I wanted to incorporate funk into it," said Lopez.

"I had been listening to a lot of James Brown and horns and drums and it gave it a nice funk for this album."

The album also features a track with husband Marc Anthony.

"Marc is a through professional. He is great to work with. Sure, we'll work together again," said Lopez, who is also working on her first Spanish album.

"Right now, I'm also very excited about the release of my first Spanish album which I'm currently working on. It is my passion project."

She has had a series of failed relationships including the much touted ones like with actor Ben Affleck and rap mogul Sean P. Diddy Combs aka Puff Daddy.

But now, says Lopez, she is very settled with Salsa star Anthony. "I am definitely very happy at this stage in my life and feel very much at peace, whatever else comes along the way, I'll deal with it then."

Another change in her life has been that she now only wants to be known by her full name and not the popular "JLo".

"Yes, JLo is the name of my first album ... I have moved on from my first album," said the singer, who was once called "Guitar" because of her perfect contours.

"I want to be known by my name, which is Jennifer Lopez."