Jobs

Steve Jobs is one of the few true visionaries who changed the modern, not only American, market. At least that's how he's been portrayed for a long time. It was only a matter of time before someone took the rights after his death and made a biographical film about him. jOBS is certainly an idealistic film to such an extent that not even the slightest dishonest word is mentioned about him, which will likely bother Jobs' critics a lot. Certainly, his family problems, footwear, and that sense of perfection are depicted here, but that's just who he was, and it's known about him. Initially, there were a lot of doubts about the portrayal of Jobs by Ashton Kutcher, but damn, that guy really tried hard, and I would say he was very aptly cast as "Da Man." The film ultimately cuts off abruptly and does not delve into the modern revival of Apple politics, but I would say that's simply understandable... 90%...[27.08.2013_Cinema City IMAX_Flora] (27.08.2013)

jOBS is a commercially successful film, and I get it. Ashton Kutcher is a big name in Hollywood. But if you really, really want to know about Apple, go watch Pirates of Silicon Valley instead. It’s more objective, and in my opinion, feels more genuine and real. This movie is just too Hollywood—it doesn’t offer much new info compared to the other film, but it does present the story from a glossier, more dramatized perspective. Which isn’t all bad, because you still get a sense that Steve Jobs wasn’t exactly a saint. Both films agree on that. But jOBS softens it, making him seem like a good guy in the end... Classic Hollywood, right? (29.12.2013)

The events of the story are engaging and interesting, but unfortunately the film is completely brought to its knees by one major problem: Ashton Kutcher's lacklustre and dull performance; he simply can’t handle drama. I don’t know how Jobs was in real life, but I’m very sure he wasn’t a cold fish with the same set expression and slight smile. What's more, the film doesn't make it so clear what Jobs struggled with most – himself, his almost morbid perfectionism and uncompromising egotism, where he was willing to go over dead bodies – but in Kutcher’s interpretation he looks more like a puppy who occasionally barks and bares its teeth. All those casually thrown situations don’t really explain what Jobs’s greatness was. Better read Walter Isaacson's book, it is infinitely more engaging and dramatic. (17.11.2013)

Jobs was an incredible hard worker and visionary with a strong and inspirational character, regardless of how well the film is managed. In my opinion, it was maybe a bit short and sometimes too humorously presented. I would expect much more compelling plot twists in building the company, more psychology and moral dilemmas in the pursuit of fame that every successful entrepreneur has to overcome and solve, sacrificing something for something. Unfortunately, we don't get that completely here. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie, or rather, Ashton Kutcher's portrayal of Steve Jobs entertained me, he really tried hard. In some scenes, I could literally feel his frustration through the screen and most importantly, I understood him. (09.12.2013)

After its cool reception in the US, I found this movie a pleasant surprise. It does not deal with Jobs’ private life, but with his role in Apple’s establishment and the first phase of the company’s existence. It delves into his personal life only marginally, for a quick outline of his character by showing his approach to unexpected life events (which he did not address in an exactly typical manner). The main focus of the narrative is his approach to professional events: his passion for his work and adamant belief in his vision. This, along with the profound ideas he continually expresses, makes this film inspiring and energetic; something that can give you a nudge in the right direction. Plus, it shows “how it really happened”, which will be relatable to all ambitious garage-based startup founders, who also struggle with their creativity being misunderstood by profit-seeking investors. Jobs is a pleasant and useful little film on the level of the “TVlike” Hitchcock, but of course it’s not as good as The Social Network, which is more refined in its screenplay and direction. Ashton Kutcher’s good. The fourth star in my rating is purely personal – I understood his every decision, urge and move, and even the glass table in his office was similar to mine. :-) (15.08.2013)