In an era where we bear witness to all sorts of remakes via television and the movies, it's refreshing to see one that takes a unique twist. Although the movie "Real Steel" isn't touted as a remake of any kind, the intelligent audience member, can't help but revel in the similarities, story-wise, between the Academy Award winner, "Rocky" and this year's "Real Steel". The former starred Sylvester Stallone as a small time boxer who's given a shot at the title for a one time quest for glory. The latter, stars Hugh Jackman, as a once mid-card boxer who never made it to the big time, until now, via the strength and fortitude of a robot who's given a shot at the champion for a one time quest for glory... Sounds familiar, don't it?
"Real Steel" takes place a few years from now, when the crowd's taste for blood and action, far exceeded what any human being could dish out in a ring against one another. Exit the two-fisted gladiators, in with the computer and engineering geeks, who construct robots for full-size bouts of Rock 'em Sock 'em! However, while the film is fully capsulated by impressive digital effects, the story still carries itself on a human level. Jackman plays Charlie Kenton, a down on his luck ex-boxer and deadbeat dad, who in a moment of greed, agrees to take charge of his young son who's recently lost his mother, in exchange for money, with which he hopes to get his robot fighting career back on course. Throughout the story, he learns to love, not only his son, but himself.
It's a touching story, wrought with excitement and action, and riddled with some humour, as well. There is something here that will appeal to just about any sort of audience you put in the seats. Although, I doubt "Real Steel" will win any "Best Picture" or "Best Director" awards, it should still win in your hearts.
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