Reviewed by Andre Chautard
(from the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival)

Directed/Written by: Derrick Borte
Starring: David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Amber Heard, Ben Hollingsworth, Gary Cole, Glenne Headly and Lauren Hutton

Even though the twist in "The Joneses" is revealed early on, it's best to go in to the film not knowing it, so I'll refrain from spoiling it here. Suffice it to say that "The Joneses" is an entertaining satire of consumerism, centered on a picture-perfect suburban family that isn't at all what it appears to be.

When the titular clan of Steve (David Duchovny), Kate (Demi Moore) and their teen children Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth) move to town, the neighbors are immediately impressed by - and envious of - their affluent lifestyle, from the parties given in their spacious, chicly appointed home to their designer clothes, up-to-the-minute gadgets and flashy cars. The Joneses quickly, methodically charm their way into the lives of the locals, including the couple next door, Larry (Gary Cole) and Summer (Glenne Headly) - but to what end?

First-time writer-director Derrick Borte has come up with a witty premise, and for a while "The Joneses" coasts on breezy humor and the charisma of Duchovny and Moore, who have a nice chemistry together. But the freshness of the first hour of "The Joneses" doesn't sustain all the way through; subplots with the son and daughter are half-baked, the inevitable deterioration of Larry's financial situation feels rushed, and the treacly ending seems at odds with the film's cynical tone.  

Still, it's a relief to see a film take on suburbia with a sense of humor about itself, unlike the raft of oh-so-serious "American Beauty" clones from a few years ago. Duchovny is in fine comedic form and Demi Moore, who is often hit-and-miss in her performances, is perfectly suited to her plasticized character. In its critique, however glib, of rampant materialism, "The Joneses" is of a piece with another film at Toronto, Michael Moore's "Capitalism: A Love Story," in which "keeping up with the Joneses" is part of what led to the mortgage crisis and economic collapse. A double bill of Moore and Moore, anyone?

Photo courtesy of Toronto International Film Festival

"The Joneses" director Derrick Borte and actors Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth video interview