A suburban couple becomes embroiled in an international espionage plot when they discover that their seemingly perfect new neighbors are government spies. It was the other Zack Galifianakis film that I watched back to back. 'Mastermind' was a fun crime film based on the true event, but this one was purely fictional action-comedy. Once again the casting looked so good. Particularly Gal Gadot, her involving in it after becoming Wonder Woman is a hype. So anyone to anticipating some great action sequences is normal, but it was average on that section.<br/><br/>First of all, it is nothing to do with the 2009 film 'The Jonese'. The characters seem quite resembling, like between and about the neighbors, but totally different plot. When a new couple move into a vacant house, the one in the neighborhood suspect there's something going with them. After all the efforts, when they come to know the couple's true identity, they're already involved in their undertaking and now cooperating is the only way out. So how it ends with their entanglement takes the film to its final stage.<br/><br/>Comedy scenes were good. Not that much clichéd, so one can have a decent fun watching it, especially with a low expectation. Both the lead women were hot, despite not much cleavage in the film. There are some unexpected parts too, but as a comedy, it was much better. And as an action & spy film, it doesn't do much to impress. Overall, a passable film, particularly comedy wise. So if you prefer it, then it should be on that merit.<br/><br/>6/10 Midsize PG comedies swinging for a double never seem to get any love from critics. Sure trifles like "Keeping Up with the Joneses" won't leave you in stitches but it has its moments. Most of the moments come from jokes related to Zach Galifianakis' skills as an HR professional coming in handy when dealing with ruthless thugs. Also, the friend dynamic between the always eminently watchable John Hamm playing with type as a hyper-confident man's man and the sensitive Jeff Gaffney. They both have a genuine character development arc and learn from the relationship. Some of the dialog and action sequences brings some real laughs and some real pathos but, no, none of it is a home run. In short, if you don't expect to much you might not be let down with this modest outing. An unfortunate misfire that has the odd moment of charm and the odder chuckle, but otherwise isn’t worth keeping up with.
Wantebai replied
295 weeks ago