Ashton Kutcher And Josh Gad Protest Too Much In Wake Of 'Jobs' Criticism

Ashton Kutcher and Josh Gad have defended their latest film Jobs. The biopic has been heavily criticised in reviews. A number of critics have said the film is "excruciating and failing to entertain" (Slant) and "bland" (Variety). The latter comment is, by far, one of the most positive.

Ashton Kutcher at the Jobs premiere, held at Regal Cinemas in L.A.

In an interview with USA Today, the two actors attempted to defend their position and the roles they obviously felt very connected to.

Gad made a number of excuses for the criticism of the film including that there was so much to cover. In the interview, Gad paid tribute to the late Steve Jobs, saying the film's cast and crew wanted to pay their respects to "a man whose life spanned so much." Further declaring Jobs as "one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th and 21st centuries, who will be revisited over and over again on film." Therefore, his life is impossible to condense into two hours. Gad claims the tale is more of "an origin story" which allows viewers to identify with the character of Steve Jobs before the main story "that everybody knows."

Jobs is based on the life of Steve Jobs and his relationship with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak. Kutcher stars as Jobs whilst Josh Gad plays Wozniak. In supporting roles are Dermot Mulroney (New Girl), Lukas Haas (Touch) and Matthew Modine (The Dark Knight Rises).

Watch the movie trailer for Jobs:

Jobs is in direct competition with another film on the life of Steve Jobs. This is based on the authorised autobiography, entitled Steve Jobs, by Walter Isaacson. Wozniak is a consultant for the project, something Gad is keen to point out when referencing his criticism of the project. On the matter Gad said Wozniak "is a consultant on the other project, declined invitations to meet, and had seen only small portions of the film." He continued by advising viewers that they "have to appreciate that in the context of his criticisms."

Jobs is released in US cinemas today (August 16th).

Josh Gad at the L.A. premiere.