Another review I meant to post ages ago, and for some reason never did. Haha. Interesting. Then again, things have been busy for me lately, so I guess that’s what it was. Anyway, onward we go.
I went to go see this movie mostly out of sheer curiosity. I have read part of the Walter Isaacson biography on Steve Jobs—though I have yet to finish it. From what I recall, the biography starts off interestingly enough, but it’s a book that I did get the sense I’d want to set aside some time for, and with my schedule the way it is at the moment, that’s not likely to happen anytime soon.
The movie was bit better than I thought it was going to be, but at the same time I wouldn’t say that I was floored. At the very least, Ashton Kutcher did surprise me with his portrayal of Jobs. Whoever his makeup artist was, I think they did great work. I didn’t actually look too deeply into it, so I’m not sure if they based this off that Isaacson biography or not, but I was definitely reminded of it throughout the duration of the movie.
I think the casting was done well in addition to Kutcher as Jobs. Dermot Mulroney was also a pleasant surprise. I haven’t seen him in many roles since My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) with Julia Roberts, but out of all the ones I’ve seen him in since then, his role in this movie was actually somewhat memorable.
One of the main things I wish the movie expanded more on was Jobs’ experience during his time with Next. Perhaps the movie glossed over it because there’s not enough information available about it, but that seemed to by the point in his life that inspired him to change the way he managed people and Apple.
The second biggest disappointment I felt with this movie was the way it started and ended. The movie focused more on the earlier half of his life than the latter half, which made the story seem a little unbalanced, in my opinion, but perhaps that’s for the better. Kind of hard to say though, I think.
FINAL VERDICT: C-
The movie is slow, and I agree with critics out there that have said for a movie based on someone so innovative, it was actually pretty mediocre. I think the movie works just fine as a rainy-day rental.
Cutting Edge Creativity 
Nice review Rae. Kutcher tries his damn hardest to make this work, but the rest of the movie just can’t find its footing as to what it wants to say, or how to do so effectively.
The very idea this movie even exists seemed like a very pathetic way to cash in on the life of Steve Jobs. Even for a rainy-day rental, I suspect I’ll find something better to watch.
Yeah, I thought that too and well, you never know! What happens when you’ve watched every movie known to man, hm? :p Just messing with you~