Real Steel has Appeal

Is it cheesy?

Well, yeah.

Is it predictable?

Sorta.

Does it give ample opportunity to view Hugh Jackman’s abs?

You bet!

But these are not reasons to skip the futuristic bot-boxing, father-son, feel-good popcorn flick of the Fall.

Lots of good is going on in Real Steel making it totally worth the time and cash to watch.

Hugh Jackman (X-Men, Australia) is Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who, since this is the future, is into robot fighting. Kind of like that classic board game, Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots? Only, these bots are computer-powered and remotely controlled by their promoters. It’s big business, meaning BIG money, and hugely popular, drawing arenas full of loud and enthusiastic fans. Charlie is on a down-swing at the moment, losing fights in clashes that destroy his bots, and losing money, owing more than one eager collector. At the low point, just when he really needs some money and fast, he’s informed that a former girlfriend has tragically passed away, leaving their 11-year-old son without a guardian. Charlie shows up to the hearing, intending to give up his custodial rights since he doesn’t know the kid anyway, but discovers that the boy’s aunt, who wants custody, has a very rich husband. This husband really wants to spend the summer in Tuscany with his wife without the family’s new addition. Used to quick-thinking situations, Charlie makes a deal with the aunt’s husband, which results in his making $50K as well as having his son’s company for the summer.

Charlie got much more than he bargains for in his son, Max. First off, Max is a bot-boxing fanatic. He’s also pretty smart and savvy, not to mention headstrong and determined. Through a series of events, Max has Charlie training an old, run-down sparring bot, Atom, for the world championship against the sport’s almighty champion, Zeus. In the meantime, Charlie’s learning that he may just have more room in his heart for living and breathing companions in addition to his robotic ones.

Dakota Goyo plays Max, and let me tell you, this kid is going to be a heart-breaker in about ten years. He already acts twice his age at least. His depth is impressive. He’s drop-dead cute without being gag-me sappy. And he rolls with Jackman with ease and poise. Keep watching for this kid. He’ll be around for a while, I bet.

Evangeline Lilly (Kate from Lost) also appears as Charlie’s best bud from childhood/real love, Bailey. Her sparkling eyes and infective smile always add to any cinematic adventure. Then there’s Kevin Durand (I Am Number Four, Robin Hood, 3:10 to Yuma) as the cowboy bad-boy out for Charlie’s blood for the cash he owes him. As always, Durand plays a good villain, though some day I’d love to see him in a romantic comedy lead? A stretch, I know, but let’s think out of the box, people.

Anyway, Real Steel is The Champ meets Rocky in the 22^nd Century. It’s got heart, cool bot effects, and a few laughs thrown in for fun. It’s a great family movie, though the kid does let a few PG-13 words fly every now and then.

Real Steel won’t let you down.

Happy movie-watching, Billings!

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