Real Steel is about a not too distant future where robots have replaced human beings in the sport of boxing. That may sound silly but the logic that the script provides is actually pretty sound. The battles can be on a larger scale and more violent. They can fight to the death but no people get hurt and it still requires the skill and strategy of a person to operate it and win the fight. This setting is just the backdrop however for a down on his luck ex-boxer turned battle robot operator played by Hugh Jackman to get reunited with his son under complex circumstances.
As you can see from the commercials, this is a family/kids movie about a father and son relationship as well as a movie about fighting robots. The movie tries hard and succeeds to a certain extent in avoiding the common pitfalls of this type of fare. Hugh Jackman plays his role as a addicted gambler, overconfident showman, irresponsible but charming loser with a shameless appeal that many other actors probably couldn’t pull off. He has no interest in the kid whatsoever until he sees a way of getting something out of it for himself. This film is not nearly as corny as I expected since the relationship between the father and son is confrontational from the start. His son isn’t nervous and shy to open up later and on the other hand he isn’t overly spunky or cute. He is played seriously just like a normal person. Their relationship is almost more like the kind that two brothers would have and that is a good thing.
I also like the way that the history of the robot boxing comes out in dribs and drabs through characters dialogue in a way that dosn’t seem forced or out of place. The movie simply treats it as if it is totally normal to these people and it is reffered to in a casual manner. The movie has a very realistic feel to it.
The special effects are fantastic. The look and movement of the robots is very well done from the way they look to the way they move. And they are blended together with the live actors in a way that is seamless. The cinematography looks amazing. Every scene looks spectacular and the editing and camerawork is a feat to behold. The visual experience is really a blast to watch. The composition, lighting, color and look of the scenery, both indoor and out, robot or human looks perfect.
This movie is fun and entertaining but I don’t recommend it for everyone. Obviously it is what it is and nothing more. If the subject matter doesn’t interest you, then it is unlikely you will like it. It is still a family film and there are some cliched elements and plot developments that you will see coming. However it is nice that two key elements of the ending don’t go the way you may expect them to and that is a good thing.
Real Steel is playing in IMAX even though none of it was shot in IMAX. However it does look great and crystal clear on the IMAX screen I saw it on.
You can see more of my Movie Reviews hereCopyright, You Don’t Know Jersey, LLC (2010-2012)
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Tags: Hugh Jackman, movie, REAL STEEL, review
