The Joneses (2009)

A seemingly perfect family moves into a suburban neighborhood, but when it comes to the truth as to why they're living there, they don't exactly come clean with their neighbors.

Director:

Derrick Borte

Writers:

Randy T. Dinzler (story by) (as Randy Dinzler), Derrick Borte

Stars:

Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Duchovny	...	Steve Jones
Demi Moore	...	Kate Jones
Amber Heard	...	Jenn Jones
Benjamin Hollingsworth	...	Mick Jones (as Ben Hollingsworth)
Gary Cole	...	Larry Symonds
Glenne Headly	...	Summer Symonds
Lauren Hutton	...	KC
Chris Williams	...	Billy
Christine Evangelista	...	Naomi Madsen
Robert Pralgo	...	Alex Bayner (as Rob Pralgo)
Tiffany Morgan	...	Melanie Bayner
Joe Narciso	...	Henry
Ric Reitz	...	Bob Jones
L. Warren Young	...	Detective Gardner
Hayes Mercure	...	Tim Madsen

Storyline

"The Joneses", a social commentary on our consumerist society. Perfect couple Steve and Kate Jones, and their gorgeous teen-aged children Jenn and Mick, are the envy of their posh, suburban neighborhood filled with McMansions and all the trappings of the upper middle class. 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 neighbors try to keep up with the Joneses, none are prepared for the truth about this all- too perfect family.

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Plot Keywords:

materialism | envy | gadget | fake family | unhappy marriage | 

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Taglines:

They're not just living the American dream, they're selling it.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, some sexual content, teen drinking and drug use

Did You Know?

Trivia

Demi Moore and Glenne Headly previously worked on Mortal Thoughts (1991)

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Goofs

In the final scene, as the car pulls away on the supposedly empty road at night, you can see the reflection on the front of the car of police light bars coming from off camera.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Steve Jones: Man, this thing rides smooth!
Kate Jones: It's very nice.
Steve Jones: Yes, it's like riding on the ass of an angel. I mean, I wish I could have sold a crossover like this, I wouldn't have been able to keep them in stock.

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Crazy Credits

At the beginning of the end credits, the photos of several "icon families" are shown, popping out on a world map.

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Connections

References Wheel of Fortune (1981)

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Soundtracks

All of the Above
Written by Daniel Collas
Performed by The Phenomenal Handclap Band
Courtesy of Friendly Fire Recordings
By arrangement with Terrorbird Media

User Reviews

Painfully predictable

Undecided as to which genre of film to watch last night, I thought I'd opt for a seemingly lighthearted movie to kill some time. My feelings by the end of the film were still the same, what genre film had I just watched? If it was a romantic film it failed to make me care or be excited by the prospect of a relationship, if it was a comedy it failed to make me laugh. The film didn't make me feel any empathy for the characters and while I enjoyed the actors' performances, it fell flat on the entertainment value. I successfully predicted all the way through exactly what would happen. The film had no driving force, didn't seem to be building up to anything and the clichéd ending wasn't the closure I wanted.

However it was not all bad. It was very well shot, with beautiful sets and was visually exciting, with first class editing. It was an original plot, based on a solid concept. Because of this it could have been really good, offering the audience a mirror in which to view themselves and what society has become. Whilst it did become a bit of a thinker and made me wonder what extent we go to, to have the best of everything it ultimately failed to truly strike at the heart of the topic and left me feeling like there were gaps that should have been filled throughout the film.

Overall; a watchable film but not entirely enjoyable.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 April 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Joneses

Filming Locations:

2780 Manor Bridge Dr, Alpharetta, Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$509,689, 18 April 2010

Gross USA:

$1,475,746

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$7,043,835

Company Credits

Production Co:

Echo Lake Entertainment, Premiere Picture, The Joneses

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1