Recently released Real Steel was mocked on concept before it even hit theaters and while it has Hollywood branding all over it, the film is not short on execution. It's a classic estranged family story combined with the popular elements of Rocky with some robots thrown in which add some parallels to modern techno-dependence. Bottom line, if you can swallow the concept, the rest of the film is smooth sailing.
First of all, despite appearances, the film is not technically based on Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots. There are no direct references to the game anywhere in the film. It's based on the short story Steel by Richard Matheson (a common novel-to-film author with titles such as I Am Legend and Stir of Echoes). The story of a former boxer now managing in a robot boxing league is lifted from Matheson's original pages. I think the idea for the film actually came from product association. Most audiences recognize the film as similar to the game which creates something familiar for them to connect with. There are a few subtle references to the game, though I'm not certain if they were deliberate. For example, the protagonist Charlie (Hugh Jackman) loses his second match when his robot's head gets knocked off. Perhaps an eye wink to fans of the game, perhaps simply a dramatic effect, there's no way to say for sure.
If you are familiar with Rocky, the film's story will hold fewer surprises. A true American underdog whose day should be long done comes up from nowhere and challenges the invulnerable champ. (On a side note, it would have been interesting if they had managed to pull Stallone for the title role.) It's been seen often before. What separates it is how much energy is infused into a literally lifeless combatant. The robot, Atom, has no A.I. personality and takes no independent action but the cast does a fine job performing off it and pinning their hopes on it so that the audience can almost believe there's something underneath. The plot devices of the shadow function and audio response further add to this.
Most of the casting choices were well picked. Jackman plays a rough lone wolf who wonders the country. He's done it before and he's good at it. What I would call the breakout performance of the film is Dakota Goyo as Max, Charlie's son. Although he sometimes takes it too far, he plays as a scrappier Anakin Skywalker, making him a great foil to his more impulsive but less intelligent father. Performances by child actors can be a little hit and miss, but Goyo starts strong (his first line being "You screwed me.") and holds out pretty well throughout. He carries most of the human element of the story as a boy who has suffered a tragedy and uses the robot as a substitute for his father's love. It reminded me of the short story, Robbie, by the robot master, Isaac Asimov.
I think the film can resound with current audiences due to the current habits of getting invested in artificial worlds and constructs such as avatars and MMORPG's. Real Steel just takes it to another level. I mean, how many movies can you name where the climactic battle is essentially two forces playing expensive video games against each other?
Though the modern audiences can find some parallels, the story can't fully escape its era. Other than the robots, computers, and mobile phones, there are no visible technological advances. In addition, much of the film takes place in very old school homey settings such as state fairs, boxing gyms, and junk yards. The final conflict screams Cold War era sci-fi with two homegrown American boys facing off against the finest forces the Eastern powers have to offer (a Russian supermodel and a Japanese programmer). Special effects not withstanding, the film would not be out of place if released in the 1960's.
The film's flaws are relatively minor. The female lead Bailey (Evangeline Lilly) has weak presence and character development. The romance between her and Jackman feels very forced and might have been better saved for a sequel. Product placement is rather obvious and is mostly recognizable heavy brands. The film even plugs itself at one point. None of these really bring the film to unwatchable levels, which coupled with a fall release, allowed the film to take a decent box office return. If you like robot battles, you should see this film. If you like underdog stories, you should definitely see this film. If you like Hugh Jackman... well he gives his usual performance and takes his shirt off in one scene.
Enjoy.
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