The Joneses

When Kate (Demi Moore) and Steve (David Duchovny) arrive in suburbia complete with wide smiles, attractive kids and the latest designer gear, they’re an instant hit. Soon, everyone wants what she’s wearing and what he’s driving. This is no accident: employed by a marketing firm, the Joneses are as manufactured as the products they promote. Researching the local demographic, they compete to influence brand spending patterns amid colleagues, classmates, even lovers. It’s a fascinating idea, and the logistics of their skilled subterfuge keep the story chugging along for some time. Moore is well cast as the mother/boss, while Duchovny adds heart as the newbie troubled by his conscience. But this fails to get under the skin of its characters, flitting between dark comedy, melodrama and so-so satire without ever finding a tangible sense of direction. You’ll enjoy meeting the Joneses, but whether you’ll want to keep up with them is another story.