Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Jobs' & 'The Butler'
(KCBS) — KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl reviews "Jobs" starring Ashton Kutcher as the eccentric entrepreneur obsessed with supplying us all with personal computers, and Lee Daniels' "The Butler," about White House butler Cecil Gaines who served eight American presidents over three decades.
KCBS Entertainment Reporter Jan Wahl:
Jan Wahl Movie Review: JOBS & The Butler
JOBS (PG-13)
I was hoping this movie about Steve Jobs would illuminate the dark side of genius--and it does. We not only meet the eccentric entrepreneur obsessed with supplying us all with personal computers, but the other side of Steve Jobs: impossible, difficult, self centered to the point of isolation. This is a man able to bring misfits and rebels around him, often leading them to greatness. Ashton Kutcher was far better than I thought possible as Jobs.
The film tells the specific story of Apple, Steve's rise and fall, and rise again--boardroom politics. Nothing about his illness, spirituality--maybe that will be another film. Wozniak is beautifully played by Josh Gad. This is our neighborhood, and many people are invested in this story. See this movie, it is worth it!
Three & 1/2 hats.
LEE DANIELS' THE BUTLER (PG-13)
He served eight American Presidents over three decades. White House Butler Cecil Gaines learned to survive his long, complicated life. That's half of this film. The other half is the civil rights movement, made personal and relatable by the involvement of Gaines' oldest son.
Ideally, young people will see this and become stimulated to go deeper into our history. Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey ground the movie with affecting, engaging performances. Some of the trick casting of the presidents does not work, but the story and filmmaking is strong enough to make up for it--and sometimes it's fun! A fine film that will stay with you long after it's over.
Three & 1/2 hats.
Movies To See Right Now: The Way, Way Back, Lovelace, The Spectacular Now, Blue Jasmine, 20 Feet from Stardom & Fruitvale Station
Home Viewing/DVD: The Company You Keep & Mud
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
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