The Joneses - A thinking comedy

`The Joneses' is an odd mix. It's not that well-known, despite having a cast-fill of recognisable faces heading it. Perhaps it's a difficult film to market, as people might expect an out and out comedy, when what they get is more of a wry satire on modern consumerism in the West.

Without giving away the plot, The Joneses is about - as the saying goes - `keeping up with the Joneses' and what people will do to avoid being seen as a lesser person to their neighbour. The story manages to balance being consistently funny with a scenario that holds up over ninety minutes, while at the same time, makes you think.

David Duchovny is second on the cast list to Demi Moore, but he should definitely do more comedy (his few one-liners in the X-files always added a nice comedic element to Mulder's character). He really gets all the best lines, as she plays the `straight man' to his observations. Their on-screen children aren't as fully developed character-wise as they could have been, but they play their small roles well.

The Joneses may not be an absolute classic, but it is certainly different enough to be watchable and entertaining, while at the same time making you think about a few `what ifs?' If you like satire, then give it a try. It's an undiscovered gem.

8/10 The Force is definitely strong with this one