I’d not really heard much about The Joneses before I sat down to watch it. I had a feeling it was going to be one of those movies that you’re desperate to get to the end of but I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely be recommended this to friends (and you, the lovely readers of HeyUGuys!).
The Joneses sees David Duchovny and Demi Moore back on the big screen after what I think must be a few years for them both. It also stars Amber Heard, Gary Cole, Ben Hollingsworth, Glenne Headly, Lauren Hutton, Chris Williams, Catherine Dyer, Robert Pralgo, Justin Price, Christine Evangelista and is directed by Derrick Borte.
Synopsis: Perfect couple Steve (Duchovny) and Kate Jones (Moore), and their gorgeous teenage children Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth), are the envy of their posh, suburban neighbourhood filled with mansions and all the trappings of the upper middle class. From the latest car model to the best beauty treatments on the market – the Joneses have it all.
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 neighbours try to keep up with the Joneses, none are prepared for the truth about this all too perfect family.
I started watching the movie knowing so little about it that I found myself getting annoyed by all the product placement that took place in the opening scenes. Bigging up car manufacturer’s clothing lines, perfumes, TVs…. the list goes on! It doesn’t take too long to realise that I was being an idiot since product placement and marketing is the the entire basis for the movie!
As a manufactured family, it’s the job of The Joneses to sell products given to them by ‘the company’ to friends and neighbours by wearing, using or displaying items in a clever ploy to get them jealous enough to make the purchase. Nothing about their life is real and this movie is extremely intriguing throughout.
I expected The Joneses to be pretty dull but I was captured by the original storyline and the very clever script which made a point that advertising doesn’t have to be done on TV, on a billboard or on the Internet anymore, but can actually be pushed through the people you know – especially when it’s their job to sell the product.
Not all is plain sailing for The Joneses and it goes to show that even when you have everything, your life isn’t necessarily perfect! I thought that the chemistry between Duchovny and Moore was believable and it was great to see both of them back in a movie that showed they can both pull off a decent acting performance when the script and screenplay allows.
If you want to see a movie that is original and looks at commercialism and how we live in a world where advertising can be (and is) everywhere, then this one is for you.
The Joneses is released on DVD August 16th and you can pre-order it here.
