Keeping Up with the Joneses

I just watched - "on a streaming service" . This movie that passed under the radar here in Italy.

My gf proposed it and I had no expectations at all.

It came after we had watched some really bad movies from the past (Spy hard, terrible and Hot Shots, worse than it seemed to my 15 yo self).

Well this movie made me laugh.

Yes, it's simple, formulaic maybe, but I found both actors very good and honest/heartfelt.

I liked especially Galifianakis in the role of the guy who cant keep his mouth shut, maybe because I am bit like him, but he is honest and transparent, maybe to much.

I also liked Jon Hamm in his semi serious bad guy misterious man version.

The girls were very good too and the jokes were quite good to me.

Ok the best I had was the unrivaled Spy with Melissa McCarth and Statham but this was good too.

Funny and not vulgar. Family and love oriented, finally.

Ya know, everyone in real life I know loved this film. It's fun. Then you come here and a bunch of civilians making comments about real life spies and tool bags hating on this flick. Whatever, watch it and consider it entertainment like it was Intended.

"Ten years, thirty countries no one finds us out and we can't even last a week in suburbia." Jeff (Galifianakis) and Karen (Fisher) Gaffney are a normal suburban couple with an average non-exciting life. When a new couple moves into the neighborhood they become friends with them, but the new couple has a secret. Now Jeff and Karen are put in the middle of a deadly high stakes deal with no idea what they are doing. First thing I have to say about this is that the movie is really funny and entertaining. There really isn't anything all that new and the movie is a little cookie cutter, but the acting and jokes make it seem fresh and exciting. The chemistry between all four of the actors is almost perfect and really helps the movie a ton. This movie won't win any awards or become a classic, but it is hilarious and I laughed throughout the entire thing. That is what a good comedy should do. I would compare this to Central Intelligence. You pretty much know what's going to happen the entire time, but you can't stop watching and laughing. Overall, a little generic and predictable but a movie that will keep you laughing and extremely entertained the entire time. This is a great watch. I give this a B+.

"Keeping Up with the Joneses" is a delightful blend of comedy and action that keeps viewers entertained from start to finish. Directed by Greg Mottola, this film offers a fresh and entertaining take on the classic spy genre. With a talented ensemble cast and a cleverly written script, it delivers a fun-filled ride that will leave audiences laughing and on the edge of their seats.

The story follows an ordinary suburban couple, played by a charismatic duo, who find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes espionage plot when their new neighbors turn out to be spies. The film excels in its ability to balance thrilling action sequences with side-splitting humor. The comedic timing and chemistry between the cast members bring the script's witty dialogue to life, resulting in numerous laugh-out-loud moments.

The ensemble cast is a standout feature of "Keeping Up with the Joneses." The lead actors effortlessly embody their characters, bringing charm and charisma to the screen. Each member of the Joneses, played by a talented ensemble, adds their own unique quirks and comedic flair, creating a dynamic and entertaining group of characters.

The film's action sequences are well-executed, providing the necessary thrills and excitement. From high-speed car chases to intense fight scenes, the movie keeps viewers engaged with its well-choreographed and visually appealing set pieces. The espionage plot unfolds at a brisk pace, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

Beyond the laughs and action, the film also touches upon themes of trust, friendship, and the importance of being true to oneself. It adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more than just a surface-level comedy.

Visually, the film is polished and aesthetically pleasing. The suburban setting is portrayed with attention to detail, creating a picturesque backdrop for the unfolding events. The soundtrack complements the tone of the film, enhancing both the comedic and action-packed moments.

In summary, "Keeping Up with the Joneses" is a hilarious and thrilling adventure that delivers on both the comedy and action fronts. With its talented cast, clever writing, and well-executed action sequences, the film offers an entertaining experience for audiences. So buckle up and get ready for a wild and laughter-filled ride!

"A suburban couple becomes embroiled in an international espionage plot when they discover that their seemingly perfect new neighbors are government spies. " The comedy of "Keeping Up with the Joneses" comes from exaggeration. Mottola and screenwriter Michael LeSieur play up a suburban oasis for Jeff and Karen, with the pair living an idyllic life in a beautiful home. She's an interior designer, he's a practiced corporate negotiator, and while their marriage is stable, it's become flavorless. You've seen these characters before, and the production does little to disturb expectations, highlighting sexual dysfunction in the household, with newfound summertime freedom inspiring thoughts of savage coupling, only to have the pair maintain distance out of habit. There's no twist, no larger message of love. Jeff and Karen are set up as cheerful nothings easily overwhelmed by the arrival of Tim and Natalie, who stun their neighbors with flawless style, beauty, and sophistication. They're incredible, bewitching the community with tales of international travel and the display of impressive dart-throwing skills.

Gal Gadot is always good at playing at the sexy lady and Jon Hamm was good at playing his manipulating and sly character. There's hardly any jokes that work in the movie, and if it wasn't for Isla Fisher and Zach Galifianakis's improvisational Comedy it would've flopped big time! The movie had one of the biggest disappointing showdowns we've ever seen. All in all, it's not a disastrous movie, but your best bet is to rent it on Netflix. 5/10. 2/5 stars.