Real Steel

In the futuristic world of Real Steel we follow cynical ex-boxer Hugh Jackman through a journey of inevitable redemption. Jackman plays a down and out promoter of robot boxing (a sport that has come to replace its human equivalent) who sells his own son for a chance to get back into the big leagues. But saddled for the summer, as part of the transaction, with the eleven year old boy, he finds his plans somewhat disrupted.

This is not a film to tax the mind; a first glance at its description reveals the extent of its depth. That being said, if the concept of Hugh Jackman coupled with futuristic robot boxing strikes at your core, this is definitely the film for you. If you anticipate Jackman’s rugged charm and rippling abs to be the stars of this film, however, you may find yourself mistaken. This isn’t because those abs fail to make an appearance (for those interested, his shirt comes off within the first twenty minutes). Instead, Dakota Goyo as Jackman’s precocious but understandably bitter son proves to be an unexpectedly winning addition to the cast (his distressingly Bieber-like appearance and dance moves notwithstanding). His unfaltering faith in the abandoned, out-of-date scrap-heap robot he salvages and supports in its rise to the big leagues is heart-warming in clichéd but nonetheless fulfilling ways.

Speaking of clichés, this film makes no conscious effort to avoid them, seeming to revel in them. Absentee father seeking to redeem himself? Check. Relationship with the daughter of his dead mentor? Check. Underdog contender pitted against the soulless corporate champion? Check. This isn’t a movie that seeks to break molds. It promises nothing ground-breaking but delivers everything it attempts to achieve with impressive special effects and a rocking soundtrack.

This is not to say Real Steel is without its flaws. The chemistry between Jackman and his supposed love interest (Evangeline Lilly) is entirely absent and the relationship borders on unnerving considering their obvious age difference. In addition the bombardment of clichés can become draining to the point of distracting from what the film does have to offer.

If the prospect of Hugh Jackman and robot boxing doesn’t immediately sell it to you, going into this film with no expectations of quality can at least allow you to enjoy what it has to offer because, let’s be honest, watching robots box is pretty amazing.

See Real Steel at York's Reel Cinema. For more information visit http://york.reelcinemas.co.uk/

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