Review: 'Real Steel' Packs A Solid Punch

By Michael Lopez

You've definitely got to hand it to a movie like Real Steel. If nothing else, it is most certainly original. Mixing boxing movies with sci fi robots isn't something that makes it way to the theater very often and this flick does a fantastic job of blending the genres together.

Throughout its 90-minutes, you'll see scrap metal fights in the ring, Rocky-esque training sequences, and awesome CGI effects with main battle bot Atom. But, what's at the heart of this movie (as director Shawn Levy emphasized) is a touching story between father and son.

Hugh Jackman plays Charlie, a down-on-his-luck boxer who's resorted to making money off underground robot fights. And in case you're wondering, yes this movie takes place in the future, though the exact year is never clearly specified. Charlie, it is shown, did at one point have a career as a real fighter, but eventually wound up in the world of Real Steel.

After some bad deals and big losses in the pocketbook, Charlie gets the opportunity to score quick cash by signing over the parental rights of his estranged son. Obviously it's hard to feel affection for our hero after watching him pull a stunt like that, but Hugh's got enough charm to pull it off.

Here's the glitch though, the wealthy relative who'll be raising Jr. can't take him until the end of the summer. That gives Charlie and son just enough bonding time to forge a relationship. What actually binds them together is Atom, a junked up robot who clearly has talent in the ring. But can he score the ultimate robo championship belt? You'll have to watch the movie to find out!

They often say that life is more about the journey than the destination. Real Steel capitalizes on that notion by providing a thrilling adventure right up to the final battle. Interestingly, when the knockout does happen, most audience members won't care. They'll be much more focused on the resolutions between father and son.

Bottom line: Yes it's true that Real Steel has recycled elements from some of America's most beloved movies. But the important thing to note is, it's recycled them well. Shawn Levy has kept the action tight, the effects crisp, and the performances engaging. And if you’re curious about who steals the show here, it's Atom. Expect to see this scrappy fighter on cereal boxes, t-shirts, and video game covers in the very near future!

Are you planning on watching Real Steel this weekend? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, boxing, Hugh Jackman, Movie Reviews, Movies & CineMás, Real Steel, Shawn Levy, Sports