Real Steel (2011)

 

If you like the story of 'Rocky' and have a thing for robots, then this is the film for you. 

Because it is akin to 'Rocky', except with robots. 

Done.

I jest, of course. Sort of.

High Jackman is Charlie Kenton, a former boxer in a world where boxing is now performed by robots for more carnage. He is also a swindler and manages to constantly make bad decisions and owes money to quite a lot of shady people. Then he gets notified that his ex-wife suddenly passed away and there's the minor issue of custody of their only child, whom Charlie hasn't seen since birth.

Swell guy.

To be fair, Charlie instantly agrees that his wealthy sister-in-law take the kid in, but first they are going on a holiday and so Charlie takes Max (the boy) with him for a couple of weeks. Could also be months, it is pretty unclear, actually. 

They have nothing in common, but through the sport of robot boxing, they find each other. You can predict this is going to happen from step one. 

Charlie pretty much stinks at this sport, as he is overly eager to make money and thus makes bad decisions. Turns out his kid gets it a lot better. Things change when they find an old sparring robot that Max fixes. This robot is a lot better than anyone gave it credit for and now it is on, as Charlie and Max set out to prove to the world that they actually are someone and not just some losers. 

You know: little guy eventually getting a shot at the title and stunning the world by not being a pushover? 

Yeah, that's 'Rocky' for you.

But in all seriousness: 'Real Steel' is a decent enough feelgood flick. You get invested in the story, as most people can enjoy a 'zero to hero' plot when it is done well enough. It certainly helps that you have people like Hugh Jackman in the cast. When is Jackman ever not engaging? 

The robots also look really neat. It's a nice mix of CG and practical effects and the difference isn't too noticable, so that's nice. 

Just a few issues: Jackman is supposed to be a total douche at the start of the story, but being Jackman, it isn't really believable. He's trying, that's for sure, but it's pretty hard to dislike this guy and they quickly do away with the obligatory arsehat-moments. And yes, the story is highly derivative of the already mentioned sportsfilm, but don't fix what's broken, I suppose.

'Real Steel' is an okay pastime that will surely leave you with a grin at the end. It is nothing truly remarkable or groundbreaking, but good enough for a Sunday afternoon matinée.