REAL STEEL REVIEW

Robots punching seven tonnes of metal poop out of each other sounds good doesn’t it? Well that’s what Real Steel promises…

Set in the near future (more on this in a minute), boxing for humans has  disappeared and instead boxing for giant robots is where it’s at. Charlie Kenton (Jackman) was one such boxer in years gone by and now he spends his time touring around, taking part in robotic fights where he controls/trains a robot to pummel another robot. Charlie’s son, Dakota turns up and then things take a turn for the worst. Charlie abandoned said son and doesn’t really want anything to do with him. From here another knockout fills the screen and the squabbling father and son team have no robot, no fights and no hope. That is, of course until the son pulls a sparring bot out of a scrap yard and they both train / control Atom. Eventually they end up (predictably so) getting a title shot against the coolest robot I’ve seen in years! Will the father and son reunite? Will they win the title? And..well…I’m outta will they’s.

But, it’s not as predictable as I thought and that’s a good thing. Firstly, the robots are absolutely awesome and metal punch ups are tightly shot and are fast and furious. And the opening fight at a “rodeo” is one of the coolest thing’s I’ve seen all year. That alone is a movie worth making! Did I mention the robots are awesome? I want one, and I want one now. Each one has a very independent personality, look and style and they really are the stars of the show On the human front, Hugh Jackman is as always, incredibly likeable and oozes coolness. So, so far so good!

If I had to be critical, it runs a little too long. It just feels like a bit more use could have been made of some scenes. They actually slow things down a little. In particular the finale is everything it’s meant to be, but get’s slowed down by labouring around a bit. The final round, with Jackman though, is a bit cringetastic. The chemistry between Dad & Son is a tad forced and contrived, particularly for the young lad who is no Haley Joel Osment (back in the day). But for me, the biggest problem with the movie is the future tones. Gigantic robots thundering around a ring, coupled with visually fantastic remote controls mixed in with what looks like 2011 doesn’t exactly scream future. It all seems a bit bizarre. It’s like the world has huge agile robots, but that’s about it. It forgot to catch up. Not that I was expecting Bladerunner vista’s or anything, but still…

Overall; Real Steel,  besides it’s shortcomings (which are forgivable for the best part) is a big ol’ popcorn flick that kids and adults alike, will thoroughly enjoy.