THE CAST
Hugh Jackman - Charlie Kenton
Evangeline Lilly - Bailey Tallet
Kevin Durand - Ricky
Dakota Goyo - Max
Dakota Goyo - Max
THE DIRECTOR
Shawn Levy
THE STORY
This film takes place in the not too distant future, where human boxing no longer exists. Instead, giant robots compete in the ring, aiming to become the ultimate champion. Charlie Kenton (Jackman) is an ex-boxer, now promoter who's struggling to make ends meet. After being reluctantly reunited with his son Max (Goyo), they discover an old robot that could change their lives forever.
This film takes place in the not too distant future, where human boxing no longer exists. Instead, giant robots compete in the ring, aiming to become the ultimate champion. Charlie Kenton (Jackman) is an ex-boxer, now promoter who's struggling to make ends meet. After being reluctantly reunited with his son Max (Goyo), they discover an old robot that could change their lives forever.
THE STRENGTHS
I'm going to try and get through this review without using the terms, "it packed a punch" and "it didn't pull any punches". The chances are you'll see these phrases being used a lot when critics review this film.
Anyway, this is the classic underdog story, but with a twist. A twist that shouldn’t really work, because these types of stories rely on the audience connecting with the character on an emotional level (something that’s difficult to do when it’s a robot), but somehow it does. It has a lot to do with how much Max (Dakota Goyo) emotionally invests in Atom, the robot that saves his life. Not only that, but there are times where the film implies that my Atom has feelings. Of course it doesn’t, but by using some clever directing techniques, the subtle suggestion that he might have, means you actual begin caring what happens to the metal 'man'. The casting is great and a special mention has to go to Goyo for his performance, which manages to be engaging, funny, confident and emotional. Not bad for a ten year old relative newcomer. Hugh Jackman (Charlie) is in fine form and manages to make, a potentially unlikeable character, likeable from the very start. I left the cinema wanting him to be my dad! Sad I know, but you'll understand if you go and see the movie. The CGI is on point and doesn’t venture into the realm of the ridiculous like Transformers. In fact, it’s so good, you forget they’re computer generated characters and believe you’re watching real giant robots smashing the hell out of each other.
Anyway, this is the classic underdog story, but with a twist. A twist that shouldn’t really work, because these types of stories rely on the audience connecting with the character on an emotional level (something that’s difficult to do when it’s a robot), but somehow it does. It has a lot to do with how much Max (Dakota Goyo) emotionally invests in Atom, the robot that saves his life. Not only that, but there are times where the film implies that my Atom has feelings. Of course it doesn’t, but by using some clever directing techniques, the subtle suggestion that he might have, means you actual begin caring what happens to the metal 'man'. The casting is great and a special mention has to go to Goyo for his performance, which manages to be engaging, funny, confident and emotional. Not bad for a ten year old relative newcomer. Hugh Jackman (Charlie) is in fine form and manages to make, a potentially unlikeable character, likeable from the very start. I left the cinema wanting him to be my dad! Sad I know, but you'll understand if you go and see the movie. The CGI is on point and doesn’t venture into the realm of the ridiculous like Transformers. In fact, it’s so good, you forget they’re computer generated characters and believe you’re watching real giant robots smashing the hell out of each other.
THE WEAKNESSES
I spent the first half of the film thinking the robot they found was called ‘Adam’. It isn’t, it’s ‘Atom’, but in an American accent it’s impossible to know that until you see it written down. I’m sure it was clever word play by the writer, as Adam was the first man created by God (if you believe in all of that), but it just annoyed me. I don’t want to ruin the ending for you, but just keep in mind that Zeus, the unbeatable robot that destroys all who dare compete against him, takes a long time to finish the final fight against Atom. Considering we’re told that his artificial intelligence can learn during a fight to calculate its opponent’s weaknesses, you’d expect it to be over pretty quickly. He could rip his head off, pull his arms out, squash his robot heart…or (as he does) just punch him the same way a few hundred times. I get that this is a film, so you have to suspend belief and all that, but come on. It built up to this final fight with so much hype, I wanted it to be amazing and it wasn’t.
THE SUMMARY
Real Steel is a futuristic merging of Rocky and Karate Kid, so don't expect any big surprises, this is going to play out exactly as you'd expect...sort of. Children will love it, but you'll probably only like it, as you’ll be annoyed with how easily you fell for the sentimentality of the whole thing. This is your standard popcorn movie; solidly directed and acted. Don't expect to be blown away, but do expect to thoroughly enjoy yourself.
Real Steel is released in the UK on 14 October 2011.
MICHAEL'S MOVIE MARK 8/10
Awesome review! I loved the movie and I’ve watched it several times since and it’s still as good as the first time. I love to watch hit movies any chance I get and this is why I enjoy using my Blockbuster @ Home. This is a way I can view all the Hollywood hits and it’s so easy. Watching movies or playing games is easy with access to thousands of movies, games, and TV shows. I can stream a movie to my iPad or TV while I get my next DVD to my door. The in-store exchange works fabulous when I need a quick swap. I hooked this up with my employee service from DISH for $10 a month.
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