MOVIE REVIEW: ‘KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES’ Is a Same Old Action Comedy Film!

Most action comedy films has usually consists of slapstick humor and exaggerated characterization that aims to tone down the action’s seriousness and that comes with ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’ as an example.

The film follows a family of an average American family who gets caught up in a terrorist plot after a new mysterious couple come in.

In terms of the story, the super spy tropes were spot-on through and through: classy outfits, high-tech gadgets and cars, the clichés were there and done right but however there were some times that felt exaggerated to the point where these things were overused that sometimes, it almost resembled Mr. And Mrs. Smith but it ended up like a cheap knockoff.

And while it’s predictable, it was interesting to see the film gave it to the perspective of the Gaffneys, your normal American family because there’s a dichotomy between these two couples and that made it up for the predictability and also thanks to Zach Galafinakis and Isla Fisher’s comedic chops and their chemistry was believable since they bring their naturally awkward and hysterical acting that comes off as funny that works well and not to mention, they were able to carry the movie from start to finish altogether.

Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm as the Jones couple looked convincingly good as the “super spy” couple especially when they acted out as the perfect, nice neighbors but unfortunately, their chemistry seemed forced, they became dull, repetitive and forgettable towards the end also, there were some moments that Gal Gadot was speaking her lines as if she’s reading the script and not acting out but still she was able to keep up with the cast for the most part especially her scenes with Isla Fisher.

After the stale humor and the over-the-top action comes the villain reveal and on act 3 where Patton Oswalt’s character was the film’s weakest link, there’s nothing compelling or intimidating towards and his motivations was flimsy to the bone because had a bad parking lot on his job which made him look like whiny individual.

Fairly enough, the laughs were there but sadly, Keeping up With The Joneses wasn’t able to keep up with the overall narrative, albeit it’s one of those forgettable action comedy flicks; I think the filmmakers in the future should reconsider quality storytelling first rather than depending on star power.

Keeping Up with The Joneses is now showing in cinemas. Special Thanks to 20^th Century Fox Ph for the invite!