The Joneses

[andrews]

The Joneses

The story, a social commentary, centres on a picture-perfect family that moves into a suburban neighborhood and immediately becomes the toast of the town, loved and envied by all. But the reality is they are a commissioned fake family put together by a marketing company as a way to introduce new luxury-level products to neighborhoods around the world.

Starring: Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard, Gary Cole, Chris Williams, Lauren Hutton, Glenne Headly

Director: Derrick Borte

UK release date: 16th April, 2010

Running Time: 93 minutes

Trailer: http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=49034

[milkchocmonkey]

"The Joneses", a social commentary on our consumerist society. Perfect couple Steve and Kate Jones, and their gorgeous teen-aged children Jenn and Mick, are the envy of their posh, suburban neighborhood filled with McMansions and all the trappings of the upper middle class. Kate is the ultimate trend setter - beautiful, sexy, dressed head-to-toe in designer labels. Steve is the admired successful businessman who has it all: a gorgeous wife, big house and an endless supply of high-tech toys. Jenn and Mick rule their new school as they embody all that is hip and trendy - cool clothes, fast cars and the latest gadgets. But as the neighbors try to keep up with the Joneses, none are prepared for the truth about this all- too perfect family.


Starring: Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard
Release Date:23 April 2010 (UK)
Runtime:96 min

[Beate]

I have had to merge this as the thread already existed. Can people please be extra careful before they start new threads. Thanks.

[milkchocmonkey]

Sorry Beate, i didnt see it!!!

[Beate]

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/the-j ... 33325.html

The ViewLondon Review

Review by Matthew Turner
22/04/2010
Four out of Five stars
Running time: 96 mins

Hugely enjoyable and cleverly written, this is an impressively directed, thought-provoking comedy-drama with a pair of pitch-perfect performances from David Duchovny and Demi Moore.

What's it all about?
It's impossible to discuss this film without giving away a key plot point, so if you want to go in cold, please stop reading now. Written and directed by first-timer Derrick Borte (who, tellingly, used to work in advertising), The Joneses stars David Duchovny and Demi Moore as Steve and Kate Jones, a seemingly perfect couple who move into a posh suburban neighbourhood with their seemingly perfect teenage kids Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth) and set about befriending their neighbours. However, it quickly transpires that all four family members are actually employed as professional trendsetters, whose job it is to show off all the latest products.

As first-timer Steve adjusts to his new lifestyle, he struggles with developing feelings for his fake wife, who is essentially his boss. Unfortunately, his problems don't end there – Jenn is something of a handful and Mick has a secret of his own.

The Good
David Duchovny and Demi Moore are perfectly cast as the too-gorgeous-to-be-true Joneses and they have an appealingly sparky chemistry together that works well. Heard and Hollingsworth are both rather side-lined by comparison, but they each have strong scenes and there's terrific support from both Glenne Headly and the always-excellent Gary Cole as their envious neighbours.

The intelligent script crackles with witty dialogue and there are several great scenes – it's a shame the trailers (and, to be fair, the reviews) are forced to give away the premise, because the reveal scene is brilliantly done. As such, the premise is extremely intriguing and will give you serious pause for thought, though the film works just as well as an unconventional family drama as it does as a sharp satire on consumer society.

The Bad
The only real problem with the film is that it lacks the courage to go for a darker ending. Similarly, there's a plot point involving “icon” status that seems to get forgotten in the final reel, though these are minor quibbles at best.

Worth seeing?
The Joneses is a hugely enjoyable comedy drama with a brilliant script and terrific performances from Duchovny and Moore. Highly recommended.

[andrews]

http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/films/the-j ... 33325.html

Worth seeing?
The Joneses is a hugely enjoyable comedy drama with a brilliant script and terrific performances from Duchovny and Moore. Highly recommended.

I've been to see this today and the review posted by Beate sums it up to a tee. David Duchovny and Demi Moore were fabulous, and there were very strong supporting performances.
The storyline was original, and it was very cleverly written. Just like the ViewLondon re-viewer, I felt that the ending could have been a lot better - it was a bit of a let down after what had come before. However, it is most certainly worth seeing - I'll give it 8/10.

[Diane65]

This really looks like my type of film and can't wait to see it as soon as I have a free evening.
I seem to have a very similar taste in films as Beate, Andrews and Ms Thrifty so I really enjoy your feedback

[Ms Thrifty]

Yes, Andrews' review has encouraged me to reconsider seeing this. I had been looking forward to it, then the reviews put me off, but if it's largely enjoyable, it should be worth it. I do sometimes wish that, in addition to their detailed comments, professional critics would add a simple "Will you enjoy this? Yes/No" rating!

[EthanRunt]

The last 20 minutes was a tad disappointing, but for the most part it was funny and interesting, certainly a good idea, and the cast was rather strong.
All in all a good film. 9/10

[Beate]

Oh darn it, EthanRunt LIKED it. Now what do I do?