Movie Review: "The Joneses"

I missed the movie "The Joneses" when it debuted last month. I guess no one recommended it to me.

But last week, one of the guests on a local radio talk show mentioned the movie. It piqued my wife's interest and we just had to see what the neighbors were talking about.

In fact, the plot line centers around "keeping up with the Joneses." But, rather than just keeping up with this perfect upscale family (David Duchovny is dad Steve and Demi Moore is mom Kate; Amber Heard is daughter Jenn and Ben Hollingsworth is son Mick), Gary Cole and and Glenne Headly (playing Larry and Summer), are the neighbors, who try, unsuccessfully, to keep pace.

It's sort of like being a secret shopper, except instead of evaluating a business, the family was the business, selling a life style to people who had to own the latest, greatest toys, gadgets, cars, jewelry and even foods. It could even be likened to a sleeper terrorist cell. Rather than just "fit in, the Joneses set the social and economic bar.

Although the "family" was pure business, it didn't long for real family issues to surface. And, as would be expected, these issues eventually led to the demise of the family unit.

There were some great comedic lines and several outstanding set-ups for the foibles that followed. But, I must admit that not knowing the plot line initially, I was convinced that the family were just alien invaders. Actually, that could have been a good plot line to follow.

Anyway, don't look for the flick at many theaters. We found it at an art/independent theater nearby our home. But, it should be out on DVD, Blue Ray and cable/satellite venues soon based on its paltry theater exposure.

It's not Academy Award material, but it is an enjoyable movie and should give one several reasons to think about how they go after material goods. Maybe keeping up with the Joneses isn't all that it's cut out to be.