“Real Steel” is the No. 1 movie in America, and it’s kind of like a really good song — infectious.
In fact, this is a film for the whole family that may just get you moving. Whether you bob your head along with the dancing robot or bob and weave along with Hugh Jackman, that’s up to you, but I definitely recommend this one.
It all happens in the near future as human boxers are replaced by robot fighters. Jackman is a washed up fighter who controls his robot contender in shady underground fights.
He can’t seem to get a win, he owes just about everybody some money and, on top of that, his ex just died, leaving his wily, estranged 11-year-old son without a caregiver.
When father and son get stuck spending the summer together, young Max gets bit by the robot boxing bug. But who wouldn’t?
Father-and-son movies, as well as films about boxing, come with certain expectations.
For that reason, “Real Steel” constantly has to battle not to become utterly cliché.
The entertainment value is way up there, though, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t enjoy the crashing, punching, sometimes dancing ride.
I’m a fan!
If you found yourself rooting for a CGI ape in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” wait until you meet Atom the robot.
One of my favorite aspects of this film is it’s based upon the Richard Matheson short story, titled “Steel.” I adore sci-fi shorts like these.
“Steel” was adapted into an episode of “The Twilight Zone” and now it’s a feature film. All the various versions differ, too, making the possibilities endless.