CineFlixReviews

Movie Details

Genre: Biography, Drama
Release Date: August 16, 2013
Cast: Ashton Kutcher, Dermot Mulroney, Josh Gad, Lukas Haas, J.K. Simmons
Director: Joshua Michael Stern
Production Company: Five Star Feature Films, Endgame Entertainment
Runtime: 128 minutes

IMDb Scorecard

IMDb Rating: 6.0/10

Is This Flick for You? (No Spoilers)

“Jobs” is a biographical drama that takes you through the tumultuous and groundbreaking life of Steve Jobs, the visionary co-founder of Apple Inc. The film attempts to capture the essence of a man who was as brilliant as he was complex. Ashton Kutcher steps into the role of Jobs, delivering a performance that’s earnest and surprisingly convincing, despite the initial skepticism surrounding his casting.

The movie covers key moments in Jobs’ life, from the founding of Apple in a garage to his eventual return to the company after a tumultuous exit. Along the way, we see the personal and professional challenges he faced, his relentless drive for perfection, and his sometimes abrasive leadership style. The film’s portrayal of Jobs is far from a hagiography—it doesn’t shy away from showing the more difficult aspects of his personality.

This movie is perfect for anyone interested in the tech industry, Apple fans, or those who enjoy biopics about influential figures. It’s particularly suited for adults and older teens who appreciate stories of innovation and ambition, even if the subject isn’t always likable. Ready to take a byte out of Steve Jobs’ life and see what made him tick?

Deep Dive (Spoiler Alert)

Popular Scene Breakdown

1. The Garage Origins: The film opens with the now-mythical scene of Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad) working out of a garage, cobbling together the first Apple computer. This scene sets the tone for the film, capturing the scrappy, rebellious spirit of Apple’s early days. The chemistry between Kutcher and Gad is solid, with Gad’s Wozniak providing a down-to-earth counterbalance to Jobs’ visionary intensity. Ever wonder what it’s like to turn a garage into a billion-dollar empire?

2. Apple’s IPO: One of the film’s highlights is the depiction of Apple’s initial public offering (IPO), which catapults the company into the stratosphere. The excitement is palpable, and the scene is a great reminder of just how revolutionary Apple’s products were at the time. However, it also marks the beginning of tension between Jobs and the rest of the company’s leadership, foreshadowing his eventual ousting. Success is sweet, but at what cost?

3. Jobs’ Firing: The most dramatic moment in the film is undoubtedly Jobs’ removal from Apple. Kutcher does a commendable job portraying the shock, anger, and disbelief that Jobs must have felt as he was forced out of the company he co-founded. The boardroom scene where this all goes down is tense and emotional, showing just how high the stakes were. How do you come back from being kicked out of your own creation?

4. The Return to Apple: After years in the wilderness with NeXT and Pixar, Jobs’ triumphant return to Apple is portrayed with a mix of humility and vindication. The film captures the tension between Jobs and the company’s existing leadership, particularly as he takes decisive actions to steer Apple back on course. This part of the film is where we see Jobs fully come into his own as a leader, flaws and all.

5. The iMac Launch: The film culminates in the launch of the iMac, a product that would signal Apple’s resurgence. The excitement and energy of the launch event are well captured, and it’s a fitting end to the film’s narrative arc. The iMac wasn’t just a product; it was a symbol of Jobs’ return and Apple’s revival. Can a single product really change the fortunes of an entire company? Jobs certainly thought so.

Character Journey

• Steve Jobs (Ashton Kutcher): Kutcher’s portrayal of Jobs is a mixed bag, but it’s clear that he committed to the role. He nails the physical mannerisms and the intense, sometimes abrasive personality of Jobs, though the emotional depth of the character doesn’t always hit the mark. Jobs’ journey from a college dropout to the head of a tech empire is well chronicled, but the film doesn’t shy away from showing his less flattering qualities—his temper, his ruthlessness, and his often strained relationships with those around him.
• Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad): Wozniak, the technical genius behind Apple’s early products, is portrayed with warmth and humor by Gad. His character provides a necessary counterpoint to Jobs’ intensity, and Gad’s performance highlights Wozniak’s deep sense of loyalty and his discomfort with the corporate side of things. Wozniak’s decision to leave Apple is one of the film’s more poignant moments, underscoring the personal costs of success.

Visuals & Vibes

“Jobs” does a decent job of recreating the 1970s and 1980s tech scene, with period-appropriate sets, costumes, and technology. The film’s visual style is fairly straightforward, with clean, functional cinematography that mirrors the minimalist aesthetic Apple would become known for. The pacing is brisk, especially in the first half, which covers a lot of ground quickly. While it’s not a visually groundbreaking film, it effectively conveys the look and feel of the eras it depicts.

Tunes & Tones

The soundtrack of “Jobs” features a mix of classic rock and period-specific music, which helps to set the tone and immerse the audience in the time periods being depicted. The music underscores key moments in the film, from the exuberance of Apple’s early days to the tension of Jobs’ ousting. It’s a solid, if not particularly memorable, soundtrack that complements the film’s narrative without overpowering it.

Behind the Lens

Joshua Michael Stern’s direction is competent, though not particularly daring. The film’s screenplay by Matt Whiteley takes a somewhat linear approach to Jobs’ life, hitting the major milestones without delving too deeply into the complexities of his character. The film’s focus is squarely on Jobs’ professional achievements, with less attention paid to his personal life and relationships, which might leave some viewers wanting more depth.

Hidden Messages

“Jobs” touches on themes of innovation, ambition, and the cost of greatness. It explores the idea that to change the world, one must often be relentless and unyielding, even at the expense of personal relationships. The film also highlights the fine line between vision and hubris, showing how Jobs’ unwavering belief in his own ideas could both drive his success and alienate those around him. Ultimately, “Jobs” is a reminder that genius is often messy, complicated, and not always easy to live with.

The Final Word

Hits & Misses

• Hits: Ashton Kutcher’s surprisingly solid performance as Steve Jobs, strong supporting cast, and a brisk narrative that covers a lot of ground. The film does a good job of capturing the spirit of innovation that defined Apple’s early years.
• Misses: The film’s focus on professional milestones means that some aspects of Jobs’ personal life and character are underexplored. The screenplay can feel a bit surface-level, lacking the depth and nuance that the subject matter deserves.

Should You Watch?

If you’re a fan of Steve Jobs, Apple, or biopics in general, “Jobs” is definitely worth a watch. While it may not be the definitive film on Jobs’ life and legacy, it offers an engaging overview of his career and the impact he had on the tech industry. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s an entertaining and informative look at one of the most influential figures of the modern era.

Fun Facts & Trivia

• Ashton Kutcher reportedly went on a fruitarian diet to prepare for the role, mimicking Steve Jobs’ own dietary habits, but ended up hospitalized with pancreatitis.
• Steve Wozniak was critical of the film’s accuracy, particularly in its portrayal of events and his relationship with Jobs.
• The film was shot in just 28 days, with a relatively modest budget of $12 million.

If You Liked This, Check Out…

• The Social Network 
• Steve Jobs
• The Founder
• Pirates of Silicon Valley 
• The Big Short