Real Steel (2011)

I did not know what I was going to see in real steel. I expected a little more from Shawn Levy than two robots beating each other to pulp for the entire 126 minute length of the movie, but that was about it. Instead, I got an interesting, thoughtful and actually quite realistic action-adventure film from the director of night in the museum.

Good visuals is a key part of a film like real steel, and these did not disappoint. On the design side of things, each 2000 pound robot looked a little more hulking and menacing than the last, waging war in variously gritty and underhand environments, being cheered on by lowlifes and vagabonds as they dismembered and smashed each other across the walls and floor. Each fight scene was so dynamic and detailed though, I almost forgot I was watching a sci-fi production . A job well done.

Even so, people who were expecting a slasher with robots got a little bit more. The storyline in this film is also intriguing. I'm not going to spoil much for those who have not seen it, but real steel tells the story of a man and his son, after finding a rusted and damaged junk yard robot, who take on the challenge for the glory of robot boxing in the near future, and perhaps, win.

While the story line for real steel is a good one, it uses many old tricks in order to interest a younger and, less understanding audience. The main character starts as a dislikeable and unable personality, especially to his son, but gradually becomes better as the story progresses. This is not a bad aspect, but it is something we have seen often before. there are some other main parts of the film which are poorly explained or happen through sheer luck, but there is not much else to criticize when looking at the films age range.

Overall, I think real steel is a fantastic adventure with only some minor storytelling errors, but very well acted and visualised

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