Ashton Kutcher’s resemblance to Steve Jobs is uncanny. And, for the most part, I felt like I was watching the real Steve Jobs ranting and raving and firing employees. Yes, Jobs shows Steve Jobs, warts and all. The fun part of the movie centers around Apple’s beginning in a garage (literally!). Steve Jobs’ partner, Steve Wozniak, played to perfection by Josh Gad captures the geeky spirit of Apple’s origins. Wozniak loves circuit boards and making something new. But as Apple becomes more successful, Steve Jobs gets darker and more obsessive…and less fun. Wozniak leaves Apple and shortly thereafter, Steve Jobs is fired. I found the movie well done, but limited. Not much is made of Steve Jobs’ cancer. Jobs’ introduction to the iPod is presented, but nothing about the iPhone and iPad (both fascinating stories). Jobs captures some aspects of Steve Jobs’ life, but plenty is left out. GRADE: B
I dismissed Kutcher for a long time because of the silly character he played in That Seventies Show. Then I remembered Tom Hanks in Bosom Buddies, a show he’d probably like to see disappear forever. Not putting Kutvcher on his level of talent…just saying.
Randy, Ashton Kutcher performed well as Steve Jobs. His remarkable resemblance and attitude convinced me.
Kutcher really turns me off. He seems way too arrogant although that may be perfect for playing Jobs.
Exactly, Patti! Kutcher’s arrogance fits perfectly with Steve Jobs’ personality.
It’s the smarmy smirkiness I can’t stand, Patti. I enjoyed him playing stupid in THAT 70’s SHOW but not in anything since then.
Jeff, Steve Jobs was smirky, too.
George, this is on our see when on video list. I’ve seen more than one documentary on Jobs-Wozniack and the beginnings of Apple, and it’s a fascinating story. Since I don’t tend to care which actor does what role, I focus on the screenwriting and directing, as well as the level of acting. Anyway… I think the reason for the left out parts of the story is time limits of films. To do it right, it would have to be a 4 hour film and no one (except me) would bother to go. Besides, as interesting as the introductions of the iPhone, iPad Macbook Air and so forth would be, the introduction of the iPod is an icon for all the introductions that follow. I do wish they had covered the cancer and battle with keeping Apple going while he had that personal challenge.
Rick, you’re right about the length it would take to tell Steve Jobs’ full story. I just wish the producers and writer of Jobs had chosen other parts of Steve Jobs’ life to focus on.
I agree, George. Jobs was smirky and awful in a lot of ways.
Too kind, George.
Todd, I’d like to see better movies than JOBS made. But bio-picks seem to be a hard sell in Hollywood these days.