Real Steel

Synopsis: Hugh Jackman and boxing robots, that’s all you need to know.

Review: After the recent and rapid degradation of the Transformers franchise I’ve been hesitant to have faith in any flick that doesn’t centre around the organic, just as Michael Jackson now knows in an ethereal sense, not to trust his doctor (too soon?). First and foremost, this is a boxing film and NOT a Sci-fi flick. Now for those that aren’t familiar with this genre think Rocky, The Hurricane, Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby or even the Karate Kid (old one, that new Will Smith kid is rubbish). What that means is the plot is generally pretty simple. Underdog wants to be a successful boxer, is subject to some oppressive force in their life, however with the help of a quirky, knowledgeable but jaded mentor is able to endure and overcome. In this case the narrative follows Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman, or ‘Wolverine’ as we call him at my local comic book store) who is a washed up boxer trying to make it in a world where the public’s thirst for carnage has seen boxing evolve into orgy of servo charged destruction. Charlie is forced to take his estranged pre-teen son Max (Dakota Goyo) on the circuit with him and they very quickly form a bond that sees them become successful in their boxing endeavours. Now I’m a Jackman fan (man-crush set aside for this review), adamantium claws or otherwise and I’m happy to report he doesn’t disappoint. With guns bristly, chin jutting and that perfect balance of five o’clock shadow and resonant alcoholism his character is the quintessential likeable f**k-up. Couple this with a great supporting cast, excellent direction (provided by Shawn Levy) and amazingly animated scenes of robots literally beating each other to pieces, it becomes obvious that you’re in for a good time.  All in all Real Steel is an innovative permutation of the boxing genre executed with pants wetting awesomeness, that will leave you with an ear to ear grin and the compulsion to figure out how you can alter your vacuum cleaner into a sparring partner.

Rating: 4/5