Real Steel (2011)
3.5-4 out of 5 stars
I needed some brainless mind candy this week and the next thing in my Netflix queue just happened to serve up Real Steel starring Hugh Jackman (of Wolverine and Leopold fame).
When I saw the trailers last year, the first thing I thought of was a video game my kids used to play called One Must Fall. Actually, the screenplay is based on a science fiction short story called ‘Steel’ published in 1956 by Richard Matheson (of I Am Legend fame).
For once, I admit I agree with Roger Ebert on this film, when he stated, “Real Steel is a real movie. It has characters, it matters who they are, it makes sense of its action, it has a compelling plot. Sometimes you go into a movie with low expectations and are pleasantly surprised.” My sentiments exactly. I came away very pleasantly surprised, giving my heart a much needed boost up from a devastating loss at home this week.
I did get a chuckle out of a couple of scenes as Atom began his climb up the robot boxing ranks. A nod and a wink back to Every Which Way But Loose and at least one of the Rocky films. I probably missed some other scenes that referenced other boxing films of the past, due to my limited experience in that film subcategory.
This movie kept me up way past my bedtime, but I didn’t mind at all. Take a chance on Atom and enjoy Real Steel soon.
