Real Steel
Rated PG-13
My Review: Hesitantly, I was not sure if the subject matter of sparring robots would actually be entertaining for two hours but surprisingly, "Real Steel" was more than entertaining; it was genuinely a hit.
"Real Steel" centers on a deadbeat father and ex-boxer, Charlie (Hugh Jackman), and his consistent attempts to make money fighting bots in underground venues. Unfortunately, he seems to lose more than he wins and is consistently late on his rent with his estranged girlfriend Bailey (Evangeline Lily), racking up numerous unpaid debts.
As if things couldn't get any worse, Charlie then learns of the death of his son's mother and is asked to appear in court regarding the custody of the child, Max (Dakota Goyo). But Charlie has worked with bots too long, and becomes callous to the whole affair, selling off his rights to the boy's Uncle. Compromising, he agrees to keep his son temporarily for the summer and thus begins their adventure together on the road.
On the surface, the movie is filled with action and fight sequences using some very realistic robots - some that we have to say are pretty cool on the big screen. But beneath, this is a story about a father and son attempting to connect after years of abandonment. In addition, there are Charlie's issues with his own inner turmoil and his once successful boxing career.
Through the gentle nudges of Bailey, who is very nurturing towards the young boy, and the discovery of a G2 late model robot, things become tangible for the father-son duo, bringing them straight to the top in a boxing match for the coveted belt.
For me, this was a pretty complete package. It was entertaining, funny and surprisingly heartfelt at times. I certainly heard loud cheers of approvals from the group of boys behind me who were clearly rooting for the underdog, and understood the message of what it meant to be small and unassuming. But as with Max, the robot, too, becomes a symbolic object that represents the fight in those of us who refuse to lose; even if it is heavily unmatched. The point of the movie is that at least you fought for something.
If you're looking for a great family film, I give this one an enthusiastic nod of approval. Just be warned that it is inevitable that karate chops will ensue the minute your children leave the theatre. “Real Steel” opens in theatres today.
Cast and Credit:
Directed by Shawn Levy
Hugh Jackman - Charlie
Dakota Goyo - Max
Evangeline Lilly - Bailey
"Real Steel" centers on a deadbeat father and ex-boxer, Charlie (Hugh Jackman), and his consistent attempts to make money fighting bots in underground venues. Unfortunately, he seems to lose more than he wins and is consistently late on his rent with his estranged girlfriend Bailey (Evangeline Lily), racking up numerous unpaid debts.
As if things couldn't get any worse, Charlie then learns of the death of his son's mother and is asked to appear in court regarding the custody of the child, Max (Dakota Goyo). But Charlie has worked with bots too long, and becomes callous to the whole affair, selling off his rights to the boy's Uncle. Compromising, he agrees to keep his son temporarily for the summer and thus begins their adventure together on the road.
On the surface, the movie is filled with action and fight sequences using some very realistic robots - some that we have to say are pretty cool on the big screen. But beneath, this is a story about a father and son attempting to connect after years of abandonment. In addition, there are Charlie's issues with his own inner turmoil and his once successful boxing career.
Through the gentle nudges of Bailey, who is very nurturing towards the young boy, and the discovery of a G2 late model robot, things become tangible for the father-son duo, bringing them straight to the top in a boxing match for the coveted belt.
For me, this was a pretty complete package. It was entertaining, funny and surprisingly heartfelt at times. I certainly heard loud cheers of approvals from the group of boys behind me who were clearly rooting for the underdog, and understood the message of what it meant to be small and unassuming. But as with Max, the robot, too, becomes a symbolic object that represents the fight in those of us who refuse to lose; even if it is heavily unmatched. The point of the movie is that at least you fought for something.
If you're looking for a great family film, I give this one an enthusiastic nod of approval. Just be warned that it is inevitable that karate chops will ensue the minute your children leave the theatre. “Real Steel” opens in theatres today.
Cast and Credit:
Directed by Shawn Levy
Hugh Jackman - Charlie
Dakota Goyo - Max
Evangeline Lilly - Bailey
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