This is a partial life story of iconic founder of Apple Steve Jobs, how he founded his company, lost it and got it back. In between we see what an arrogant anti-social guy Jobs actually was. This was a far cry from the Steve Jobs who was so lovingly adulated after his recent death.
I do not know if it was because Steve Jobs the man is not exactly a good movie biopic subject, or was it Ashton Kutcher's fault for not being able to bring the man out? Yes Ashton had his distinctive walk, stance and mannerisms down pat, but maybe the way it was written that was the problem. Everything just felt so shallow. Even made-for-TV films (which this one felt like) could have told this story better.
One glaring instance of poor storytelling was the side story about his daughter Lisa. When he found out first that his girlfriend was pregnant, he did not acknowledge paternity. But somewhere in the second half, Lisa was a teenager living in his house! So what happened in between?
In contrast, the character of Steve Wozniak, Jobs' technical genius partner, was very vividly portrayed by Josh Gad. Woz was a well- developed character in his own little arc even if he was not the central character.
It was good to see former lead stars Dermot Mulroney and Matthew Modine on the big screen again, though the characters they played were dry corporate types, no big emotion nor action in their acting. But they were still able to deliver well enough in their unsavory roles nevertheless.
They assumed a lot that the audience already know about the difference between Apple 1, Apple 2 and Mackintosh, such that these were not explained clearer. I am sure the younger audiences were waiting for the iPhone, the iPad or Steve's fight with cancer to be shown, but alas, these recent developments were not even mentioned.
The movie is so dry and uninvolving. I did not get drawn to be interested to know more about him. The episodes of his life jump around so much without logical continuity. The supposedly inspirational ending came out of nowhere, not having anything to do with the ongoing story at that point It completely had no impact, which was a pity. 3/10
oh the review sounds like a really die hard Steve Jobs fan from the title alone until the last word of this review.
ReplyDeleteyour statement that "This was a far cry from the Steve Jobs who was so lovingly adulated after his recent death"
Really reveal much about you that you DONT know a thing about Steve Jobs, except for being a being a big FAN of him.
Maybe you don't know but, what was portrayed in this movie(and any other movie) is the REAL Steve Job, I don't know about you but that Loveable Steve Job did not exist.
He is arrogant and bossy in real life.
Check all the movies about him including Pirates of Silicon Valley, documentaries or read everything about his life story (written by other person)
Even CEOs were afraid of him, his own employees feared him coz he can fired anybody, anywhere if he feels like. He can humiliate anyone if he wants to in public.
Have you heard about the elevator incident?
There is a reason why he was fired in his own company he founded.
Steve Jobs is an asshole in real life and not a good role model to children, Did you know that he never forgave his father until his death even though his father keep reaching on him for forgiveness, he died without family closure!
He is built to ruin his enemies and not make friends, that is how S.Job is known here in Silicon Valley.
-From a former Apple Engineer