THE JONESES written review

“KEEPING UP WITH THE HUCKSTERS”

Starring: Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard, Gary Cole, Glenne Headly, and Ben Hollingsworth

Directed by: Derrick Borte

MPAA Rating: R for language, some sexual content, teen drinking and drug use.

Genre: Drama and Romance with comedy

Release date: April 16, 2010

By John Delia

There’s a new game in town and it’s at the movies.  A film called The Joneses features a scam that turns the world upside down in upscale communities.  Well of course it’s only fiction, but it does leave the impression of ‘What If?’  That said, the acting carries this flick and it’s very entertaining in spite of some holes in the storyline and a little ‘missed-direction.’  The movie is unique and without a doubt very scarry for those on a middle-income budget.  The Joneses plays well to the 24 and above target audience.

Kate (Moore) and Steve Jones (Duchovny) move into a posh gated golf community and set up house with their teens Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth).  Their furnishings are VERY upscale and feature all the newest in appliances, furniture, food, drink, clothing and more.  Seemingly living the rich life they make friends quite easily with their neighbors, schoolmates and golfing partners.  As each of the family meets others within their social pattern, jealousy for their worldly goods escalates… as Steve says; “He who dies with the most toys wins.”  When things start to change within the community however, the Joneses have to make an adjustment that may lead to costly results.

The acting here by Moore, Duchovny with Gary Cole and Glenne Headly as their next door neighbors Larry and Summer Symonds is astounding and very realistic.  Although the film surrounds many facets and people of this upscale marketing scheme, the interaction and results of their scheme on the Symonds is most startling.  Larry and Summer are perfectly wired into the community so when Steve is told to up his game by the corporation it’s a stroll to the neighbors to skyrocket his sales.

Direction by first timer Borte although admirable, gets the blame for the many unanswered incriminating situations with lack of repercussions that are developed throughout the film.  Several of which include teenage drinking, drunk driving, sex with a minor, contribution to suicide and more, all on the behalf of marketing.   In addition, not knowing a clear passage of time within the movie causes uncertainty. It gave me the impression that there is a lot of film on the cutting room floor. By the way, when did that Joneses vacation take place?

The Joneses is rated R for language, some sexual content, teen drinking and drug use.  Not to mention the exposure to product placement and marketing.  Ah, the jewelry, fast cars, makeovers, video gaming, special cigars, golf equipment, clothing and all the other desires to keep up with the Joneses.

FINAL ANALYSIS:  A fairytale about life in the upscale burbs.  (3.5 of 5 Palm Trees)

(John Delia, Editor/Critic can be reached for comment at jdelia@yeticket.com)