Keeping Up with the Joneses
- -An ordinary suburban couple finds it’s not easy keeping up with the Joneses – their impossibly gorgeous and ultra-sophisticated new neighbors – especially when they discover that Mr. and Mrs. “Jones” are covert operatives.
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Quick Movie Review: Keeping Up with the Joneses
A Spy Comedy That Moves Into the Suburbs
What happens when suburban boredom meets covert espionage? Keeping Up with the Joneses delivers an answer with explosions, awkward dinner parties, and a whole lot of charm.
Released in 2016, this action-comedy stars Isla Fisher and Zach Galifianakis as the Gaffneys. They’re a perfectly average couple whose quiet neighborhood is rocked when new neighbors move in. These newcomers—played by Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm—seem too perfect to be real. Spoiler: they are. They’re spies.
The film blends the secret-agent vibe of Mr. & Mrs. Smith with the suburban absurdity of Neighbors. The action sequences surprise with their polish, especially for a comedy. The story zips along without dragging, which keeps the fun consistent from start to finish.
Comedic Chaos and a Charismatic Cast
The comedy leans heavily on the contrast between the Gaffneys’ cluelessness and the Joneses’ effortless cool. Isla Fisher steals every scene she’s in. She’s quirky, energetic, and yes—she looks stunning in just about every frame. Her comedic timing complements Zach Galifianakis, whose signature awkwardness brings out the best (and worst) in his character.
Some viewers found the Gaffneys irritating—especially Jeff, whose wide-eyed innocence often crosses the line into oblivious. But that seems intentional. Their role is to bumble through the chaos while forcing the cool, composed spies to adapt.
Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm shine as the mysterious couple next door. Their chemistry is subtle but effective, and their presence elevates the film from standard suburban slapstick to something a little more stylish.
Not Groundbreaking, But Definitely Fun
Let’s be honest—the plot isn’t groundbreaking. You’ve seen the “normal people discover spies” trope before. But Keeping Up with the Joneses doesn’t pretend to be anything deeper than what it is: fun. The jokes may not always land, and some twists feel predictable, but the energy and cast carry the film across the finish line.
One scene in particular, involving a house explosion being brushed off as a “minor gas leak,” might leave logic-lovers scratching their heads. But again—this isn’t Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. It’s a popcorn movie, and it never forgets that.
Final Thoughts: Enjoy the Ride
Keeping Up with the Joneses delivers on what it promises: spy thrills, laughs, and an easy-to-digest story. If you’re looking for deep character arcs or unpredictable twists, this isn’t your movie. But if you want something light, fast-paced, and full of charismatic performances, it’s a solid pick.
It’s also a great vehicle for fans of any cast member—especially Isla Fisher, who turns in one of her most entertaining performances to date.
Verdict:
A fun, fast-paced action comedy with a charismatic cast. Don’t expect brilliance—just enjoy the ride.
3.5/5 Charms
🎯 Best For: Fans of spy comedies, awkward suburban humor, and anyone who loves Isla Fisher being absolutely adorable.