First Reviews of Ashton Kutcher's 'Jobs': Entertaining But Safe, "Fails to Think Different", Apple Fans Will Be Very Mixed

MacRumors · Jan 26, 2013, 03:39 PM

Following the premiere of Ashton Kutcher's new film Jobs at the Sundance Film Festival, a number of publications have posted reviews of the flick which is scheduled to arrive in theaters nationwide on April 19. The first video clip of the movie was released earlier this week.

Cinema Blend:

Quote:

A biopic about a great man that's way too aware of his greatness, jOBS tells us a lot about the genius of Steve Jobs, but doesn't show us much of anything that actually reveals it.

The Next Web

Quote:

But, overall, jOBS works. The lead actors are likable and appear to have put serious effort into getting the spirit of the characters right. The film looks (mostly) good aside from some of what could likely be ascribed to budgetary constraints. And though the director is a tad indulgent here and there, it doesn't take away from the overall feeling of 'decent' that I came away with.

The Verge

Quote:

As expected, there are some liberties taken with Apple's story and even / especially the representation of some characters -- but the emotional resonance of Steve Jobs himself is convincing. It's not revisionist history, and it's not some greater parable about the human spirit. Jobs is a point-A-to-point-B story about a uniquely innovative thinker and ruthless businessman -- one that had a notable and meaningful impact on the world. It's a good film, but it's also very "safe" -- a familiar story that doesn't try for a bigger picture.

CNET

Quote:

Others will write of the things "jOBS" omits, gets wrong, or simply avoids. My primary disappointment was in how shallow the film felt, given the extensive historical record. In the early days Jobs' co-workers had to wrestle with a man who smelled bad, who cried often, who yelled constantly, who missed deadlines, who overspent his budget by millions. He did it in service of products we love and use daily, and yet his obsessions took a toll on those around him. He also inspired others to do the best work of their lives, pushing themselves further than they ever imagined they could go. There is great drama to be found in all that, but it is not to be found in the saccharine "jOBS."

Other reviews are available from The Hollywood Reporter, Slashfilm, Indiewire, and the Salt Lake Tribune.

Article Link: First Reviews of Ashton Kutcher's 'Jobs': Entertaining But Safe, "Fails to Think Different", Apple Fans Will Be Very Mixed

AT06 · Jan 26, 2013, 03:43 PM

I think this will be a decent film, but don't expect The Social Network level of acting/budget.

FrankieTDouglas · Jan 26, 2013, 03:44 PM

Probably in the rush to be first, the depth of the script wasn't pushed.

1Alec1 · Jan 26, 2013, 03:47 PM

So, someone who watched the movie: Why is it called "jOBS"??

Lark.Landon · Jan 26, 2013, 03:47 PM

I really don't trust critics any more. I'd prefer to see the film and make my own judgement.

Shrink · Jan 26, 2013, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Alec1

So, someone who watched the movie: Why is it called "jOBS"??

Great question. Nobody has noticed that before on MR...

Bathplug · Jan 26, 2013, 03:50 PM

I think the film will be better than what most reviews say. Specially the ones coming from the tech and apple fanboy community who think they know it all but prob best they stick to tech reviews instead of movie reviews.

jlgolson · Jan 26, 2013, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Alec1

So, someone who watched the movie: Why is it called "jOBS"??

It used to be called 'jOBS' in homage to the iPod naming style. They have since changed it to 'Jobs'.

stukick · Jan 26, 2013, 03:54 PM

Just because he may look like Jobs, doesn't mean he can "pull off" being Jobs.

Lancer · Jan 26, 2013, 03:59 PM

They should have used Noah Wyle

cambookpro · Jan 26, 2013, 04:04 PM

Anyone know if this'll be in cinemas in the UK, or if we'll only get it once you can buy it on iTunes/DVD here?

chado53 · Jan 26, 2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlgolson

It used to be called 'jOBS' in homage to the iPod naming style. They have since changed it to 'Jobs'.

that still doesn't really make sense. wouldn't the correct homage be "jObs"?

MrDc2 · Jan 26, 2013, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chado53

that still doesn't really make sense. wouldn't the correct homage be "jObs"?

That would be too close to the feminine hygiene product, " OB "

rwiily · Jan 26, 2013, 04:23 PM

I just saw JOBS at Sundance this morning. It was much better than I had expected. Kutcher did a great job. I will see it again when it comes to theaters.

Xavier · Jan 26, 2013, 04:24 PM

I'm going in with low expectations so that I may be pleasantly surprised.

ArtOfWarfare · Jan 26, 2013, 04:30 PM

CNET's review sounds particularly damning. I'll probably watch this one when it comes to Netflix instant streaming. (Assuming I don't hear rave reviews... they still have a few months to touch up this film before its public premier, do they not?)

Shrink · Jan 26, 2013, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xavier

I'm going in with low expectations so that I may be pleasantly surprised.

If I were going to see this thing, I would go in with low expectations, and expect them to be met.

KylePowers · Jan 26, 2013, 04:33 PM

I'm only a recent Apple convert (last few years) and haven't read the Steve Jobs biography yet... so I anticipate being entertained.

Aidan5806 · Jan 26, 2013, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Alec1

So, someone who watched the movie: Why is it called "jOBS"??

Because it's about Steve Jobs' life, or part of it at least........duh?

bobringer · Jan 26, 2013, 04:36 PM

But the obvious question though...

Has CNET's review been approved by CBS? Doesn't Microsoft advertise on CBS? Has Microsoft had their proper editorial approval over the CNET review? What about Google? IBM?

We need to be sure this review has received proper journalistic review by all CBS partners.

baryon · Jan 26, 2013, 04:41 PM

Come on, a film about Steve Jobs should be freaking amazing at least. If the film about Mark Zuckerberg was good with a high budget, why isn't this better with a higher budget?

iLoveiTunes · Jan 26, 2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rwiily

I just saw JOBS at Sundance this morning. It was much better than I had expected. Kutcher did a great job. I will see it again when it comes to theaters.

so you didn't get it the first time ?

j/k

macbwizard · Jan 26, 2013, 04:59 PM

Snooze. Bring on the Aaron Sorkin film.

rmwebs · Jan 26, 2013, 05:00 PM

So basically what we can take away from this is that it'll be on par with Pirates of Silicon Valley when it comes to storyline, casting and budget.

I can live with that.

pubwvj · Jan 26, 2013, 05:04 PM

I would rather not create false memories with this bit of theater.

Jan 26, 2013, 03:43 PM	#2
AT06 macrumors regular Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Winwick, UK	I think this will be a decent film, but don't expect The Social Network level of acting/budget. __________________ "Twenty seconds of insane courage" iMac 27"\| iPad 32GB \| iPhone \| Canon 400D, 24-105mm f/4L & 50mm f/1.8 www.turner.im - Flickr
	2

Jan 26, 2013, 03:44 PM	#3
FrankieTDouglas macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2005	Probably in the rush to be first, the depth of the script wasn't pushed. __________________ shtnom9
	2

Jan 26, 2013, 03:59 PM	#10
Lancer macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Australia	They should have used Noah Wyle
	18

Jan 26, 2013, 04:04 PM	#11
cambookpro macrumors 68030 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Berks, England	Anyone know if this'll be in cinemas in the UK, or if we'll only get it once you can buy it on iTunes/DVD here? __________________ Gatsby believed in the green light. The orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.
	1

Jan 26, 2013, 04:30 PM	#16
ArtOfWarfare macrumors 68040 Join Date: Nov 2007	CNET's review sounds particularly damning. I'll probably watch this one when it comes to Netflix instant streaming. (Assuming I don't hear rave reviews... they still have a few months to touch up this film before its public premier, do they not?) __________________ Battery Status - On the Mac App Store The only app that'll estimate when your wireless devices will need their batteries changed. Like it on Facebook!
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 03:47 PM	#4
1Alec1 Banned Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: The Democratic Republic of Congo, you racist!	So, someone who watched the movie: Why is it called "jOBS"??
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 03:47 PM	#5
Lark.Landon macrumors 6502 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: So Cal	I really don't trust critics any more. I'd prefer to see the film and make my own judgement.
	5

Jan 26, 2013, 03:50 PM	#7
Bathplug macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2010	I think the film will be better than what most reviews say. Specially the ones coming from the tech and apple fanboy community who think they know it all but prob best they stick to tech reviews instead of movie reviews.
	1

Jan 26, 2013, 03:54 PM	#9
stukick macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2000	Just because he may look like Jobs, doesn't mean he can "pull off" being Jobs.
	4

Jan 26, 2013, 04:23 PM	#14
rwiily macrumors newbie Join Date: Feb 2008	I just saw JOBS at Sundance this morning. It was much better than I had expected. Kutcher did a great job. I will see it again when it comes to theaters.
	3

Jan 26, 2013, 04:24 PM	#15
Xavier macrumors 68020 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Columbus	I'm going in with low expectations so that I may be pleasantly surprised.
	3

Jan 26, 2013, 04:33 PM	#18
KylePowers macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2011	I'm only a recent Apple convert (last few years) and haven't read the Steve Jobs biography yet... so I anticipate being entertained.
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 04:36 PM	#20
bobringer macrumors member Join Date: May 2004	But the obvious question though... Has CNET's review been approved by CBS? Doesn't Microsoft advertise on CBS? Has Microsoft had their proper editorial approval over the CNET review? What about Google? IBM? We need to be sure this review has received proper journalistic review by all CBS partners.
	4

Jan 26, 2013, 04:41 PM	#21
baryon macrumors 68020 Join Date: Oct 2009	Come on, a film about Steve Jobs should be freaking amazing at least. If the film about Mark Zuckerberg was good with a high budget, why isn't this better with a higher budget? __________________ Sent from my iPod Shuffle
	1

Jan 26, 2013, 04:59 PM	#23
macbwizard macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2005	Snooze. Bring on the Aaron Sorkin film.
	3

Jan 26, 2013, 05:00 PM	#24
rmwebs macrumors 68030 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: North London, England	So basically what we can take away from this is that it'll be on par with Pirates of Silicon Valley when it comes to storyline, casting and budget. I can live with that. __________________ Walt Disney World Guide
	0

Jan 26, 2013, 05:04 PM	#25
pubwvj macrumors 65816 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Mountains of Vermont	I would rather not create false memories with this bit of theater. __________________ -Walter Jeffries Sugar Mountain Farm Pastured Pigs, Chickens & Kids in the mountains of Vermont http://SugarMtnFarm.com
	3

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