Real Steel - 2011

Touchstone Pictures, Dreamworks SKG, 21 Laps Entertainment

Directed by Shawn Levy

Cast:

• Charlie Kenton – Hugh Jackman
• Max Kenton – Dakota Goyo
• Bailey Tallet – Evangeline Lilly
• Finn – Anthony Mackie
• Ricky – Kevin Durand
• Aunt Debra – Hope Davis
• Marvin – James Rebhorn
• Cliff – Marco Ruggeri
• Tak Mashido – Karl Yune
• Farra Lemkova – Olga Fonda

Story: A former boxer and now fight promoter and operator is near the end of his ropes. His boxing robot has just been destroyed by a bull in an exhibition fight, he owes money to just about everyone, and his friend and partner is about ready to sell her father's gym, a remnant from the days of human boxing. A process server comes and hands him what may be the best solution to his problem. His ex-wife has passed away, leaving their 11 year old son alone. His sister in law wants to adopt the boy, but since her husband is wealthy, Charlie Kenton acts like he will fight the custody hearing and, Marvin, the husband, offers him $100,000 to let the custody go through, half now, half when they return from Italy at the end of the summer. Charlie takes the money, thinking he will use it to buy another robot and leave his son, Max, with Bailey, his partner, for the summer. But Max has other plans. Together, father and son embark on an adventure that reunites them and inspires Charlie to take up the challenges before him.

Review: Okay, we've had robots who learn to think (Terminator, I,Robot, Bicentennial Man), a plane that learned to think (EDI) and computer systems who have learned to think (Colossus, SkyNet), so why not a robot who learns to box? At least this one doesn't do the thinking for himself, although since there will be a sequel in 2014, who knows. For now, let's concentrate on the plot: the age old story of a father reuniting with his son. Sure, its been done, but when the acting is good and the story is given a new twist, it will keep you entertained, if not enthralled. Jackman brings his talents to the forefront in this role, a departure from the grizzled Wolverine and the computer hacker in Swordfish, and his performance creates the air of reality in the film. Evangeline Lilly is easy to look at and plays the part of the tomboyish woman brought up around athletes, savvy businesswoman, and neglected love interest well. Dakota Goyo fits the role well, and you feel the emotion when he speaks and looks at Jackman. “What's with those eyes?” While his role is small, using James Rebhorn as the husband of the sister in law who wants custody of Max was an excellent move. I have long admired the ability of this character actor to pull you into the scene. And speaking of character actors, Kevin Durand is quickly becoming one of the more versatile players, doing good guys and bad guys with equal skill. Real Steal is a treat for the family, a film that will entertain and surprise you with its ability to bring you in. Too early to tell if it's a collectible, but you never know.