The Joneses is a fun concept, with decent delivery, and is simplistically thought provoking. There's something abnormal about the Jones family. From the beginning, you notice their conversations are just slightly different than the average family's and it's fairly obvious that they are "planted." The movie leaves you guessing for about twenty minutes before you're given a solid answer to why they're there. After the amusement settles in, the conspiracy theorist in you begins to wonder how many "Joneses" you have known in your lifetime.
David Duchovny's character, Steve Jones, is funny and witty. It's by far Duchovny's best performance, yet the character isn't as powerful as it could be. The scenes that should be hysterical are just simply funny.
The movie squeaks out a little bit of the cheese factor; mostly because of the angles/directing, but partly because of Demi Moore's performance as Kate Jones. Both Demi Moore and Ben Hollingsworth, who plays Mick Jones, are acting in a staged play while everyone else is acting in a motion picture. Kate's budding relationships with Billy and "the girls" falls flat; and although her relationship with Steve develops well in the beginning, it fizzles towards the end and it's not believable.
The most troubling aspect of the entire storyline are the children. They're supposed to be "professionals" and yet they make multiple rookie mistakes. It makes you wonder how old they're actually supposed to be.
The weakest part of the story, and possibly the most unnecessary, is the house party while the Kate and Steve are out to dinner. What teenager in their right mind throws a party while their parents are out to dinner? It's impractical considering the very short time frame. On top of that, everyone is cleared out and the entire house is cleaned before the parents come home? But, it's a movie and you're willing to forgive such a ridiculous notion if there's a bigger purpose behind it. Unfortunately there isn't. The story tries too hard to give both children equal drama when it isn't necessary. It would've played out much better had they focused on developing Amber Heard's character, Jenn Jones and glossed over Mick's story instead.
There are two powerful performances in this movie. Gary Cole as Larry Symonds, the Jones's neighbor, evokes so much sympathy and sadness, it's depressing. Glenn Headly as Summer Symonds, Larry's wife, evokes sadness as well, yet in much more of a funny, kooky, and unstable manner.
The humor drops off drastically half way through the movie. It quickly turns from a comedy into a drama. Unfortunately, the latter half is rushed and therefore hollow.
I have pointed out many imperfections of this movie but strangely enough, it's fun and worth watching. Overall it could've been better, but it's amusing and entertaining none-the-less.
On a scale of 1-10, The Joneses: 7.5
Scene Spotlight: The music during the pinnacle of drama (as Summer begins to pick up the papers).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1285309/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
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