The Joneses (2009)

60% of critics liked it
(118 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(17,839 ratings)

A picture-perfect family moves into an upscale community, impressing the locals and integrating themselves into every aspect of the community until a sudden tragedy forces them to reassess their priorities. Steve (David Duchovny) and Kate Jones (Demi Moore) have everything a happily married couple… More A picture-perfect family moves into an upscale community, impressing the locals and integrating themselves into every aspect of the community until a sudden tragedy forces them to reassess their priorities. Steve (David Duchovny) and Kate Jones (Demi Moore) have everything a happily married couple could ever want: their kids, Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth), are intelligent and attractive, they live in an affluent neighborhood, and their sprawling suburban home is jam-packed with all of the coolest gizmos and gadgets that money can buy. It isn't long before the Joneses have struck up a friendship with their next-door neighbors Larry (Gary Cole) and Summer (Glenne Headly), and become integral components of their community. But take a closer look at the situation and you'll start to see something ominous lurking just beneath the surface. It's only when the Joneses are confronted with an unexpected disaster that they finally discover who they really are beneath the glossy veneer of consumerism. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 33 min.
Directed By: Derrick Borte
Written By: Derrick Borte
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Comedy

In Theaters: Apr 16, 2010 Wide
On DVD: Aug 10, 2010
Studio: Roadside Attractions

Critic Reviews

Rafer Guzman, Newsday
The Joneses starts with a great pitch but ultimately fails to close the deal.
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic
There's a nicely cynical streak at the heart of The Joneses, until Borte goes soft and lets the audience off the hook.
A.O. Scott, New York Times
Mr. Borte conjures up a pleasant Stepford that runs less on robotic conformity than on endless, anxious competition. The key to the film is that it allows this life to have some real appeal.
Tom Long, Detroit News
A cheeky little commentary on modern consumption, The Joneses offers an uneasy balance between what's funny and what's not, staying just edgy enough to be uncomfortable while hitting its targets.
Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
[Demi Moore is] She's one reason to see writer-director's Derrick Borte's zeitgeist fable The Joneses. Though she's not the only one.
David Germain, Associated Press
It makes for good, although not great, satire of the consumer culture that helped wreck the economy.
Jonathan Kiefer, Sacramento News & Review
Even with decent turns from the leads, and a usefully soulful one from Gary Cole as a neighbor inclined to do the proverbial keeping up, the film can't always manage to justify itself as an actual movie instead of merely a clever concept.
Beth Accomando, KPBS.org
Dawn of the Dead made a savvier commentary on consumerism and materialism.
Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall
A darkly comical satire about affluence might seem a bit ill-timed during a global recession. But a strong cast makes this film very watchable, even as it slips into melodrama.
Robert Hanks, Independent
Borte, directing his first film, does a smooth, confident job, so that even though the set-up isn't quite plausible you're happy to go along with it.
Sean Edgar, Paste Magazine
Think of it as an inverted Truman Show, with David Duchovny and Demi Moore as yuppified secret salesmen hawking an idealized suburban lifestyle while incognito.
Dave White, Movies.com
Way to kill that dark comedy you were going for.
Joseph Proimakis, Movies for the Masses
full review at Movies for the Masses
Josh Larsen, LarsenOnFilm
A missed opportunity from 2010 that could have been so timely and brilliant that it's almost painful to watch.
Mike Barnard, Future Movies UK
Taken at surface level, The Joneses does succeed in presenting its attack on consumerism; and for that alone it sparks up talking points and will leave you to think about exactly why you bought the model of car or mobile phone you did.
Scott Nash, Three Movie Buffs
Plays it far too safe and ends up not saying anything at all.
Alison Gang, San Diego Union-Tribune
We know by now that blatant, senseless consumption is bad, harmful even. But the biggest surprise about The Joneses is its skillful avoidance of any meaning or significance whatsoever.
Matt Soergel, Florida Times-Union
A fine, sneaky satire ... undercut by an awful ending, one that smells as if someone (a corporation perhaps?) got their hands on it.
Gary Wolcott, Tri-City Herald
The film's fatal flaw is Borte's refusal to give his satire the darker, uncomfortable edge it needs to give his lesson some impact.
Alissa Wilkinson, Christianity Today
This cautionary tale depicts consumers who believe they deserve stuff, whether or not they can pay for it. Rarely is this kind of truth seen onscreen in such a subtle and entertaining film.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Melvin W

Kate Jones: What was that? Steve Jones: Just applying myself. "Can you keep up?" For me, The Joneses was two completely different movies. The first 45 minutes which was cool and original. And the last 45 minutes which was predictable, formulaic and melodramatic. After… More
Kate Jones: What was that? Steve Jones: Just applying myself. "Can you keep up?" For me, The Joneses was two completely different movies. The first 45 minutes which was cool and original. And the last 45 minutes which was predictable, formulaic and melodramatic. After the first half of this movie I was totally in love with it. The idea is great and the casting is perfect. You couldn't pick four better people to play a "perfect family." They look the part and they sure act it. But that initial love I had for the film totally evaporates in the end. I can't say that I liked the movie, but I can't say I disliked it either. I'm leaning more towards the liked it side though, because I did love the set-up. In the end it turns out to be nothing more then a standard romantic comedy, which really caught me off guard. The romantic aspect of this film is really badly done. I really didn't even realize that it was happening. The filmmaker gives it like 10 minutes in film and it all seems very rushed. Then there are the kids which also turn out to be two big cliches. And two perfectly casted cliches at that. Amber Heard has to be one of the hottest actress's around. She isn't a great actress, but she isn't horrible either and looks help her performances go down a little easier too. God, I really wish the film would have went a different route. I thought for sure after the first half I would be giving this movie no less then 4 and a half stars and now after finishing it I'm giving it a soft 3. I still think it was a worth while movie to watch though. It was fun while it lasted I guess.
Dean M

A case story in how a killer idea and on-form cast come together to not quite work, this effort centres on a picture perfect "family" whose entire lives are a form of guerrilla marketing. By their attractive, high-gloss, perfectly dressed examples they become style leaders… More
A case story in how a killer idea and on-form cast come together to not quite work, this effort centres on a picture perfect "family" whose entire lives are a form of guerrilla marketing. By their attractive, high-gloss, perfectly dressed examples they become style leaders in their small town, sending sales of everything they touch skyrocketing - until their own relationships, and the relentless pressure of apparent perfection, sends them faltering. Both Demi Moore and David Duchovny remind us why they used to be huge, but while the attacks on consumer culture are largely effective, by portraying the "family's" employers in a cuddly rather than rapacious light, the drama is drained of tension and the satire deprived of teeth.
Sanjaya &

Well, a great idea comes behind the making of this movie, it is about forming a perfect and harmonious family to live in a suburban full of rich people so they can show off their things and sold the sponsor's products to the other neighbors... In the beginning of the movie, the… More
Well, a great idea comes behind the making of this movie, it is about forming a perfect and harmonious family to live in a suburban full of rich people so they can show off their things and sold the sponsor's products to the other neighbors... In the beginning of the movie, the story seems really interesting especially because there is no other movies that have an idea like this before... Too bad, Derrick Borte as the director and the scriptwriter didn't write a totally good story about this so this movie just turns out like an usual comedy but with a totally fresh idea... Even that, I still love this movie and I thought Borte should be given a credit for his job in this movie... The cast itself just okay, nothing special except the big name we already know before like David Duchovny and Demi Moore or perhaps Amber Heard... Overall, it's a usual comedy with a fresh idea and decent performances, but I like it...
Carlos M

A great idea that is completely misguided. Are these characters really professionals? They don't act like it, and it is a mystery how they got that type of job, since they all do stupid things that could be so easily avoided! Besides, the ridiculous third act pretty much ruins… More
A great idea that is completely misguided. Are these characters really professionals? They don't act like it, and it is a mystery how they got that type of job, since they all do stupid things that could be so easily avoided! Besides, the ridiculous third act pretty much ruins everything.
Candy R

This movie starts out light hearted and fun then gets very serious and dark. This movie is about keeping up with the Joneses. The husband and wife and their 2 point 4 children seem like the ideal family with everything - the perfect family, perfect house and all the latest gadgets.… More
This movie starts out light hearted and fun then gets very serious and dark. This movie is about keeping up with the Joneses. The husband and wife and their 2 point 4 children seem like the ideal family with everything - the perfect family, perfect house and all the latest gadgets. They are professional sales people who are selling a lifestyle. But things turn horribly wrong when the mum and dad fall for each other and the daughter has an affair with an older married man.
Jose Z

The Joneses features a seemingly perfect couple (Moore and Duchovny) with their equally perfect teenager son and daughter (Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth). They have better goods and ganme than any other family in town, the only problem is they're not a family: they are… More
The Joneses features a seemingly perfect couple (Moore and Duchovny) with their equally perfect teenager son and daughter (Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth). They have better goods and ganme than any other family in town, the only problem is they're not a family: they are employees of a stealth marketing organization, and they know how to make everyone else want what they've got. The movie seems interesting and original but on screen I only saw a slow paced boring drama.The movie is an hour and a half of commercials, it seems that they are trying to sell you all the stuff that appears in the film. The cast although it is very good, their performances are weak. Demi Moore appears to be uncomfortable with her role, David Duchovny is extremely charmless, Amber Heard and Benjamin Hollingsworth look like they need acting classes. The only ones that are worthy are Gary Cole and Glenne Headly as Larry and Summer,The Joneses neighbors. In conclusion, The Joneses is a movie that isn't worthy, avoid it, and if you still wanna see it, its under your own risk. This is not a recommendation, its a warning.
Manu G

It was pretty good and interesting, I bet that's a reality what that family does in a movie in real life. We compare each other towards what we desire and want to have and we forget we live where the economy is in a horrible status, we want everything but we end up in debt, a… More
It was pretty good and interesting, I bet that's a reality what that family does in a movie in real life. We compare each other towards what we desire and want to have and we forget we live where the economy is in a horrible status, we want everything but we end up in debt, a smart person knows when and what to buy. Good movie, Great message. "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.
Cynthia S

Maybe it's because I am a David Duchovny fan, but I really liked this movie. I find the concept of a "planted" family totally interesting, and leaves me wondering if it really happens.
Anthony L

A clever idea but all that is good about this film gets thrown out of the window towards the end and is replaced by schmaltz. They should have all been killed by Wall-Mart. Worth watching for Gary Cole's performance but not much else!
Lewis C

I thought the first half of The Joneses was pretty cool. I liked the cast (Duchovny, Moore, Cole have by far the biggest roles in the movie, so don't expect a lot of Ben Hollingsworth or Amber Heard) and the idea of a fake family (or cell, as they're called here) being… More
I thought the first half of The Joneses was pretty cool. I liked the cast (Duchovny, Moore, Cole have by far the biggest roles in the movie, so don't expect a lot of Ben Hollingsworth or Amber Heard) and the idea of a fake family (or cell, as they're called here) being planted into relatively affluent neighborhood to covertly advertise products through their lifestyle was interesting. Especially in today's world, where we're constantly being advertised to in nearly every facet of our lives (including this movie). Unfortunately, when the lives of The Jones and the people around them who desperately crave their seemingly ideal existence start to unravel, so does the movie. Derrick Borte's script throws every cliche obstacle up on screen that you can think of in an attempt to add emotional drama and a connection between the characters and the audience, and it just didn't work, for me. I didn't feel sympathy for the people I was expected to feel sympathy for, and it all ended up feeling so predictable that it really dragged down the good things the movie did in the initial half. I still had an overall positive experience with The Joneses, but I wish this could have been an entire good movie, instead of half of one.
Mark H

Sporadically amusing morality tale about the evils of consumerism. Explores what happens when corporations take direct marketing to the next level. Satire has several things going for it. The film, with its contempt of materialistic values and possessions, has its heart in the… More
Sporadically amusing morality tale about the evils of consumerism. Explores what happens when corporations take direct marketing to the next level. Satire has several things going for it. The film, with its contempt of materialistic values and possessions, has its heart in the right place at least. Also, stars David Duchovny and Demi Moore are engaging as the "parental units". But the ending feels like a cheat. Given the fascinating set up and stylish execution, it's a bit of a let down. The cynicism was the best part.
♥˩ƳИИ &

Cast: David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Amber Heard, Ben Hollingsworth, Gary Cole, Glenne Headly, Lauren Hutton, Chris Williams, Andrew DiPalma, Ric Reitz Director: Derrick Borte Summary: Keeping up with the Joneses (Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth) is… More
Cast: David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Amber Heard, Ben Hollingsworth, Gary Cole, Glenne Headly, Lauren Hutton, Chris Williams, Andrew DiPalma, Ric Reitz Director: Derrick Borte Summary: Keeping up with the Joneses (Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth) is next to impossible, considering they're a family with good looks, fancy cars, a sprawling estate -- and a shocking secret the neighbors would never guess. My Thoughts: "It's basically a movie of humor, but with a good message in the end. It shows how materialism can literally be the death of you. How people care so much more on the material things then what really matters in life. Or how jealousy of others and their things can put you in financial ruin. But who hasn't bragged about their new "toy", or what new clothes or jewelry they have gotten. People feed off of each others envy of oneself. It's in everyone's DNA. This film sale's identity by materials. It's sad in that way. But several people feed into that. It was well acted, especially by Duchovny and Moore. Duchovny's humor is what I liked the most out of this. I also liked the concept of the film. Maybe there are families out there like this.. Wouldn't be such a bad job..lol.."
Lorenzo v

"They're not just living the American dream, they're selling it." 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… More
"They're not just living the American dream, they're selling it." 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. <center>REVIEW</center> This film is about a upper class family moving into a new neighbourhood. Their shiny lifestyle instantly becomes the envy of the town. What appears to be a happy and generous family is all a farce. And yet, within this farce, every single family member is so likable. They come across as a harmonious and happy model family. Everything they do within the sight of others is so charming and infectiously enviable. Therefore, it is interesting to see the contrast when they are behind close doors. The film successfully makes this contrast entertaining and fun. It is also good at preparing for the ending, which gives the comedy a more serious side. "The Joneses" is a well executed comedy with a darker side. I enjoyed it a lot.
Steven C

"The Joneses" is a fun movie and a good satire and social commentary but looses steam with it's Hollywood ending. Because of that ending, which is so out of contrast to the darker moments in the picture, it looses a lot of it's bite. But with charming, spot on… More
"The Joneses" is a fun movie and a good satire and social commentary but looses steam with it's Hollywood ending. Because of that ending, which is so out of contrast to the darker moments in the picture, it looses a lot of it's bite. But with charming, spot on performances from David Duchovny and Demi Moore and nice cinematography it makes things go down easy.
Corey W

Dark and funny. Its my kind of movie! [Review coming soon]
moon r

a great idea, yah? nice casting and everybody (especially demi) looks mahvelous. they line up their metaphorical shot just so ... and what happens? lousy follow through is what happens. the story, intended as a head shot at materialism and herd think misses. too bad.
jay n

Interesting concept film that looks at manipulation, envy and the herd instinct. Nicely paced and well acted by the entire cast.
Eric B

"The Joneses" really made me angry. The premise is fantastic, but the film goes horribly, horribly wrong by turning soft and "moral" rather than remaining a cold, cynical satire. What a tragic sell-out. I wish someone would try again, reusing the same… More
"The Joneses" really made me angry. The premise is fantastic, but the film goes horribly, horribly wrong by turning soft and "moral" rather than remaining a cold, cynical satire. What a tragic sell-out. I wish someone would try again, reusing the same "planted family" idea and staying faithful to it.
Walter M

Steve(David Duchovny) and Kate(Demi Moore) Jones appear to have it all with two beautiful teenaged children, Jenn(Amber Heard) and Mick(Ben Hollingsworth). When they move to a new neighborhood, they are almost immediately warmly greeted by Larry(Gary Cole) and Summer(Glenne Headley)… More
Steve(David Duchovny) and Kate(Demi Moore) Jones appear to have it all with two beautiful teenaged children, Jenn(Amber Heard) and Mick(Ben Hollingsworth). When they move to a new neighborhood, they are almost immediately warmly greeted by Larry(Gary Cole) and Summer(Glenne Headley) Symonds who is taking the opportunity to start her own cosmetics franchise. It's funny I write that because the Joneses are in fact not a real family at all but marketers hired to sell products to people in the neighborhood. To that end, K.C.(Lauren Hutton) evaluates all of their sales records. And that's the windup. Admittedly it is an intriguing idea for a movie but in reality "The Joneses" does little to develop it beyond a fairly routine critique of consumer culture, despite some surprisingly not bad performances. There is a particularly cynical view of human nature on display here. I mean, are we all so gullible to follow anybody just because they have the cool new toys? We're not five anymore.(Seriously, if you are five, you probably should not be reading this anymore.) If we had been at some point, we would have had at least some experience with a woman as a boss which should not be that big of a deal in any case.(Oh yes. The movie is also sexist.) Even worse, the movie attempts to depict the Joneses as at least partially sympathetic but I just saw them as another type of drug dealers. While the words unit and team are used to describe them, I think cell works best with all of its negative implications.
Sol C

They had a very interesting idea for a movie here, but they didn't execute the idea correctly. On the positive, all the actors do a great job. David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Lauren Hutton, and Gary Cole shine in the movie. The tone is off. I think the film should have had a tone… More
They had a very interesting idea for a movie here, but they didn't execute the idea correctly. On the positive, all the actors do a great job. David Duchovny, Demi Moore, Lauren Hutton, and Gary Cole shine in the movie. The tone is off. I think the film should have had a tone similar to the tone of the Truman Show. Still it is worth seeing cause of the performances.