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Sundance audiences got the first full-length glimpses of Joshua Michael Stern’s “jOBS” when the film closed the film festival Jan. 25. The film—starring Ashton Kutcher as the late Apple CEO Steve Jobs, and “Book of Mormon’s” Josh Gad as his co-founder—received mixed reviews as critics said the movie lacked energy and failed to take risks.

As previously reported on WallStreetInsanity, “jOBS” chronicles the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs life “from wayward hippie to co-founder of Apple.” Covering 30 years of Jobs’ life, the action starts in 1976 when he and Steve Wozniak, portrayed by “Book of Mormon’s” Josh Gad in the film, founded Apple, and continues to late 1990s when Jobs returned to the company after being forced out.

One Variety critic said “jOBS” too closely mimics the Jobs already known to the public.

If these moments are intended to suggest the cruel emotional withdrawal needed in order for genius to flourish,’ wrote Variety, “They unfortunately make the point in overly blunt and obvious fashion.”

The Hollywood Reporter agreed, describing “jOBS” as a ”two-hour commercial covering the first 20 tumultuous years of Apple’s development.”

And while Collider was impressed by the likenesses Kutcher and Gad bear to Jobs and Wozniak, it called Kutcher’s “convincing” portrayal of Jobs “distracting.”

Samantha Lile

Samantha Lile is a 2002 Missouri State University graduate of journalism and mass media. She has served as a reporter and editor for various newspapers throughout her journalism career. She made the leap into writing full-time after working for a major financial institution since 2000.

Because of her banking background, Samantha is knowledgeable in finance reporting, but is also strong in commentaries, personal profiles, youth studies, horticulture, history and entertainment-related works.

Samantha lives in Ozark, Mo. with her husband of nine years, four dogs and two cats.

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