Jobs (2013) Movie Review: A Look at the Life of an Icon
Released in 2013, Jobs is a biographical drama that attempts to capture the rise of one of the most influential figures in technology, Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. Directed by Joshua Michael Stern and starring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs, the film focuses on his early career, the founding of Apple, and the struggles and triumphs that shaped the visionary into the tech icon he became. In this article, we’ll explore the movie’s plot, cast performances, critical reception, and where you can stream it online in 2024.
Plot Summary: The Early Years of Apple’s Visionary
Jobs opens with the launch of the iPod in 2001, a key moment in Apple’s resurgence, but then quickly rewinds to the 1970s, showing Jobs (Ashton Kutcher) as a college dropout struggling to find direction. From there, the movie traces his journey through his earliest days of discovering the potential of personal computing, his founding of Apple Inc. alongside Steve Wozniak (Josh Gad), and the company’s meteoric rise.
The film covers several key milestones in Jobs’ career, including the creation of the Apple I and Apple II computers, the success and eventual failure of the Macintosh, and Jobs’ ousting from the company he helped build. The story also highlights Jobs’ eccentric personality, his relentless pursuit of perfection, and the many conflicts that arose from his uncompromising vision.
The final act follows Jobs’ return to Apple in the 1990s, where he helped reinvent the company, leading to revolutionary products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and beyond, though the movie stops short of delving too deeply into these later achievements.
Ashton Kutcher’s Performance as Steve Jobs
Ashton Kutcher’s casting as Steve Jobs was initially met with skepticism, given Kutcher’s background in comedic roles. However, Kutcher threw himself into the role with an intense focus on nailing Jobs’ mannerisms, speech patterns, and iconic look, including his distinct walk and posture. Physically, Kutcher bears a striking resemblance to the younger Jobs, and his performance captures some of the intensity and charisma that Steve Jobs was known for.
Despite Kutcher’s dedication, his performance received mixed reviews. Some critics praised his effort to embody the tech visionary, while others felt that his portrayal lacked emotional depth, particularly in scenes that required a deeper exploration of Jobs’ internal struggles and personal relationships.
Supporting Cast: Josh Gad as Steve Wozniak and Others
While Kutcher’s portrayal of Jobs takes center stage, the supporting cast adds significant value to the film. Josh Gad plays Steve Wozniak, the technical genius behind Apple’s early innovations. Gad’s performance brings a down-to-earth quality to Wozniak, who is portrayed as the yin to Jobs’ yang—more focused on the engineering and less on the marketing and grand vision.
Dermot Mulroney plays Mike Markkula, Apple’s early investor and executive, while Matthew Modine portrays John Sculley, the former Pepsi CEO who played a pivotal role in Jobs’ ousting from Apple. These performances help flesh out the corporate and personal conflicts that defined Jobs’ career, though the movie at times oversimplifies these relationships for dramatic effect.
Direction and Tone: A Straightforward Biopic
Joshua Michael Stern directs Jobs with a relatively straightforward approach, choosing to focus on key moments in Steve Jobs’ career rather than attempting to provide a comprehensive look at his life. The tone is dramatic, emphasizing Jobs’ relentless ambition, but the film occasionally feels more like a highlight reel of major events than a deep exploration of his character.
The movie captures the era well, particularly the 1970s and 1980s Silicon Valley setting, giving the film an authentic look and feel. However, it struggles at times to convey the emotional complexities of Jobs’ relationships with colleagues, friends, and family, leaving some viewers wanting more insight into the man behind the myth.
Critical Reception: Mixed Reactions to a Simplified Story
When Jobs was released, it garnered mixed reviews from both critics and audiences. Many praised Kutcher for his dedication to the role and the film’s ability to showcase the rise of one of the most important companies in modern history. However, it was often criticized for glossing over the deeper, more challenging aspects of Jobs’ personality, particularly his relationships with people closest to him, including his daughter Lisa, and the darker sides of his leadership style.
Some reviewers noted that the film felt like a missed opportunity to delve into the more complex aspects of Jobs’ life and career, especially compared to later biopics like Steve Jobs (2015), directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, which was widely regarded as a more nuanced portrayal of the Apple co-founder.
Where to Watch “Jobs” Online in 2024
If you’re interested in watching Jobs (2013), it’s available on several popular streaming services. Here are the best ways to access the film online:
1. Streaming Services: Subscription-Based Platforms
- Amazon Prime Video: As of 2024, Jobs is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video with a subscription. It’s one of the easiest ways to watch the film online if you have a Prime membership.
- Netflix (Limited Availability): Jobs has occasionally been available on Netflix in certain regions, though it may rotate in and out of the catalog. Check your local Netflix library for availability.
- Hulu: Hulu may offer Jobs as part of its rotating selection of films, so it’s worth checking if it’s currently available.
2. Rental and Purchase Options
- Google Play Movies & TV: Jobs is available for rent or purchase on Google Play. Renting typically costs around $3.99, and purchasing is about $12.99.
- Apple iTunes: iTunes offers Jobs for rental and purchase, making it a convenient option for Apple device users. Prices are similar to Google Play, with rentals around $3.99.
- YouTube Movies: You can also rent or purchase Jobs on YouTube Movies, which is another easy streaming option for those who prefer to watch movies directly on YouTube.
- Vudu: Vudu offers both HD and SD versions of the movie, with rental and purchase options available.
Conclusion: A Surface-Level Look at a Complex Figure
Jobs (2013) provides a surface-level but engaging overview of the life of Steve Jobs, focusing on his early years and the founding of Apple. While Ashton Kutcher’s performance captures the physicality and energy of Jobs, the movie ultimately falls short of delivering a deep or nuanced portrayal of the man behind Apple’s success.
For viewers interested in the tech world or those who want a simple introduction to the rise of one of the most influential figures in modern history, Jobs is worth watching. However, for those seeking a more comprehensive and emotionally complex exploration of Steve Jobs’ life, other films like Steve Jobs (2015) may offer a more satisfying experience.
In any case, Jobs remains a compelling look at one of the greatest innovators of the 20th century, and with its availability on multiple streaming platforms in 2024, it’s easier than ever to watch online.
