Based on a short story written in 1956 by novelist Richard Matheson (who also penned I Am Legend), Real Steel takes place in a future world where fighting robots have taken over in the boxing ring, forcing former prize-fighter Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) into a life spent in the sidelines. Kenton proves less successful in the robot arena, chalking up monetary debts after suffering a consecutive string of losses. To make matters worse, the has-been gets more than he bargained for when his estranged son is thrust into his custody following the death of an ex-girlfriend. The duo finds a common bond in their quest to build a robot contender that could signal the end of Kenton’s losing streak.

Okay, many of you are probably scoffing at the idea of spending 2 hours watching a washout fighter coaching violent machines. But give it a chance, and this movie may just surprise you.

Real Steel combines the innocent charm of The Iron Giant with the heart-warming determination of Rocky and the animatronic spectacle of Transformers – it’s a potent mixture, and one that director Shawn Levy puts to full effect.

Whether you’re a fan of action movies or not, it’s difficult not be carried along by the sheer optimism of the film, especially with an extremely likeable cast. Even as an irresponsible alcoholic gambler, Jackman exudes enough charisma and cheeky humour to keep Charlie Kenton an amiable character despite the many despicable acts he commits, like selling the custodial rights to his son, Max, to pay off his debts.

Kenton’s relationship with his son starts off shaky as Kenton exhibits no desire to form any emotional bond with the boy, but playful affection gradually begins to colour their interactions.

As plucky Max, child actor Dakota Goyo holds his own against Jackman, and it’s fun to watch the more cynical Kenton play off the youthful arrogance of his equally stubborn son.

Unfortunately, the heavy focus on the father-son relationship means that the other characters do not receive the same attention, like potential love interest Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly), the daughter of Kenton’s ex-mentor. Although her screen time is limited, Jackman and Lilly’s comfortable chemistry ensures that the few scenes they share are memorable enough.

Which is more than you can say for the “villains”, Farra Lemcova (Olga Fonda) and Tak Mashido (Karl Yune), who end up as flat stereotypes of rich European heiress and Asian mastermind respectively.

A more unlikely star comes in the form of Atom, the Kentons’ salvaged boxing robot. Which is startling, because it doesn’t behave the same way as other well-loved movie androids. Unlike C-3PO or Wall-E, Atom doesn’t possess a personality – it is not capable of independent choice or thought, and it doesn’t do anything unless Max and Charlie order him to. Atom is also silent throughout the movie, and its only form of communication is by mimicking the physical movements of Max and Charlie in the training sessions.

Through use of motion-capture technology seen in Avatar, director Levy ensures that Atom’s movements are kept as realistic as possible while displaying the nuanced differences in each character’s gestures, from Max’s carefree running to Charlie’s disciplined fight moves.

Since this movie involves giant machines pummelling the bits out of each other, you’d probably have to expect violence. Fans of combat will not be disappointed by the vicious amount of robot carnage, since having insentient fighters means Levy can pack as much adrenaline-pumping savagery and destruction into the movie as much as he wants without sparking protests from censors.

The end result means that Real Steel works as both an entertaining family movie and a blockbuster action flick. Indeed, Shawn Levy is so confident of the movie’s success at the box office, he reveals a sequel is already in the works, all ready to enter production if the first film is well received.

One sees no reason why it won’t be.

Movie: Real Steel

Rating: 4/5
Opens: Oct 6
Duration: 127 minutes
Language: English

Age Rating: PG-13

Genre: Action, Science Fiction, Drama

 

Director: Shawn Levy
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo