REVIEW: JOBS

It is just a matter of time before Hollywood makes a biopic about this icon in information technology. The icon I am referring to is the legendary Steve Jobs. For those unfamiliar with Steve Jobs, he is the founder and CEO of Apple Computers. Sadly, he passed away in October 2011 due to an illness.

 

Jobs is directed by Joshua Michael Stern and written by Matt Whiteley. The film stars Ashton Kutcher in the lead role with a supporting cast consisting of Dermot Mulroney, J.K. Simmons, Ron Eldard, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, and many more.

 

 

Will this film do justice to the legendary Steve Jobs who revolutionized computing until today? Do read on...

Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs

SYNOPSIS:

A college dropout Steve Jobs stumbles upon a friend's invention concerning computers. He felt this could be his future and starts recruiting friends to help build an empire surrounding computer technology. The empire is known today as Apple Computers Inc.

SCRIPT:

The script is quite okay though more emphasis could be given on establishing character backgrounds.  However, this is forgivable as the focus is on Steve Jobs. It gets a little messy when it jumps from one period to another and seems to missing some continuity. It is good that the script does not indulge in too many technical jargons.

Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs and Josh Gad as Steve Wozniak

ACTING:

From a mediocre script, came a brilliant performance by Ashton Kutcher in the lead role of Steve Jobs. Kutcher has come far in the development as an actor and can be considered a 'serious' performer. I felt his acting was convincing though maybe some in the audience might see him as the comic actor that he was before.

A comparison photo between Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs in the film and the real Steve Jobs

FILMING:

Nothing to shout about but the production design (set, wardrobe, make-up) did good in placing the film in the 1970s and 1980s. The film lacked style in cinematography and I feel this is attributed to the director who is relatively new in the business. The motion picture score should have been more uplifting and spirited.

Kutcher in a scene from the film

PACING:

Very slow in the beginning. Builds well in the middle towards the end.
TONE (MOOD):

A biographical film which juggles between human drama and facts.

A young Steve Jobs (Kutcher) about to make a presentation

 DOWNSIDE:

Pretty slow and draggy. Can be longwinded to some.
UPSIDE:

Ashton Kutcher's performance and a must-see for fans of the Apple product.

Ashton Kutcher playing Steve Jobs during his old age

OVERALL:

An okay biographical film that could have been done better. Lacked just a little 'ooomph' to make it great.

RATING:

6.5 out of 10

NOTE:
I would like to thank Amanz Network and author of Blogserius for inviting me to this exclusive screening.