DVD: The Joneses

Photo: amazon.ca

Starring David Duchovny, Demi Moore and Amber Heard. Directed by Derrick Borte. 93 minutes

Remember in The Truman Show, Truman was the only real man in a fake world and every so often, someone would showcase a product like an ad? Well The Joneses is The Truman Show in reverse. This time, the story is about the phony family.

The family in The Joneses aren't really a family; they're a work unit. They sell the ideal American lifestyle, moving city to city trying to amp sales in shiny cars, fancy TVs and tres haute couture. Steve (David Duchovny) has just joined the Joneses, Kate (Demi Moore) and her children, Jenn (Amber Heard) and Mick (Ben Hollingsworth), as their move into their new suburban town. Formerly a car salesman, selling the American dream isn't what Steve's used to, but after some coaching from Kate and a new incentive, he numbers begin to rocket as his faux family becomes the "icons" of the 'burbs. But of course, we all know it's never as simple as it seems and Steve begins to question his morals.

It's an interesting idea. It almost seems like a possible idea. You'd never really know if your neighbour's new ride was just a ploy to get you to buy one just like it. Immoral as it is, it seems like a smart business move. It's better than commercials, it's better than bus shelter ads. Why not live alongside the advertisers?

Clearly, the green in this film doesn't just run through the dough. It's about being jealous of what you don't have. Although the approach may seem fresh, the theme is redundant: you don't realize what you have until it's gone, yadda yadda. Yeah, thanks, Mom.

It's kind of funny seeing Demi Moore after so long, after all the "cougar" drama and it doesn't seem like she still has it. Her performance wasn't much to "wow" about but then again, her character wasn't given a lot to work with. She was a cold, money-crazed woman who by some unseen magic learned to love.

Duchovny wasn't much to brag about either. He spoke monotonously and seemed tired, but then again, it was in his character. Either he played it miraculously realistically, so realistic that it was not entertaining, or he actually was bored.

But it's OK, David, I was bored too. C+

EXTRAS: Deleted scenes