Real Steel

Futuristic films of late have had some grim premises, such as "The Book of Eli", District 9", "I Am Legend", "I, Robot", "Minority Report", "9" and too many more to even mention, that it's a refreshing change to see something a bit lighter in the form of "Real Steel".

Set in the near future, where robot boxing not only has replaced human boxing, but also has become a top sport, a struggling promoter, Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) feels, through his 11-year-old son, Max (Dakota Goyo) whom he recently realized he had through his ex-girlfriend who died, he's found a champion in a discarded robot, Atom. As Charlie's rise to the top continues, Max wants to know his father, however the reciprical seemingly happens slowly if at all. But Max is determined to not only help Charlie continue with his rise to the top, but persists on finding out who his father really is, especially through Charlie's assistant, Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly) of Tallet's boxing gym owned by her Dad who died years earlier.
Others to round out the cast are Anthony Mackie as Finn, a professional boxing odds better, Kevin Durand as Ricky, a nemesis of Charlie's, Hope Davis as Aunt Debra, sister of Max's Mom, James Rebhorn as Marvin, Debra's husband, Marco Ruggeri as Cliff, Karl Hune as Tak Mashido, a robot designer, Olga Fonda as Farra Lemkova, a boxing promoter, and John Gatins as Kingpin.

This slickly directed by Shawn Levy ("Just Married" '03, "Cheaper by the Dozen" '03, "The Pink Panther" '06, "Night at the Museum" '06, "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" '09, "Date Night" '10). He's one of the few directors that seems to be able to convey decent directing even with all the visual effects; just look at his resume to figure that one out. With the exception of a bit of choppiness in the script, I thought John Gatins wrote a fairly good screenplay which was based on a story by Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Leven.

Hugh Jackman was definitely well cast here as was Evangeline Lilly. Dakota Goyo as Max was a bit over the top, but given more roles in his future, experience can only serve him.
This is certainly worthy of viewing on the large screen, if for no other reason, that with all the visual effects and for John Rosengrant's stunning Robot designs, makes this ride fun.

Out of 4 stars: 3                     Rated: PG-13                      127min.