Real Steel
SCORE: 76
Long time readers know I enjoy powerful
films. I like it when a movie can stir the emotions and pump us up. Real
Steel is one such movie. Hugh Jackman plays a down and out ex-boxer
named Charlie. He owes people money, and is trying to get it all back
with robot boxing. His flaws include abandoning his son, and trying to
get all the money at once. If you think Hugh Jackman sounds familiar,
then you have probably seen one of the X-Men movies. He played
Wolverine. He does a good job of playing the gruff and insensitive
character.
Expect robot violence, and some human violence. Remember he owes people
money, and at some point they come to collect. The robot violence
involves parts being ripped off, and sparks fly. I have to admit seeing
a robot punch another one in the head or midsection does not really
bother me. Mainly because they are not real. And it saves humans from
taking that kind of damage.
Charlie's son Max (played by Dakota Goyo) gets to spend some time with
his dad. Mainly because his mother dies. His aunt and her husband are
off on a trip to Italy. Max seeks his fathers approval, and finds an old
sparing bot. They start slow, and they start low. They start making
money, and wind up being brought into the official league. The champion
of the league Zeus has never been defeated, and no robot has lasted past
the first round. You can probably see where this is going.
The biggest surprise of Real Steel is the language. We were shocked at
how much bad language is in this movie. Honestly it was rarely needed,
and limits the potential audience. Max disobeys his father on multiple
occasions. The movie teaches us that he is a lot like his father in the
form of being stubborn. The music and the crowd in Real Steel will
really pump up the viewer. Expect some Rocky like moments from Real
Steel.
Family Friendly Gaming was provided the Blu-ray plus DVD version of Real
Steel. The DVD includes Bloopers, Making of Metal Valley, Building the
Bots, and Audio Commentary as the bonuses. The Blu-ray contains all of
those and deleted scenes, extended scenes, Countdown to the Fight, Real
Steel Second Screen, and Sugar Ray Leonard Cornerman's Champ. There are
more than enough extras to keep families busy for a few days.
There are plot points in Real Steel that are predictable. But that does
not make them any less enjoyable. In fact I like how Charlie finally
realizes what is important. I love the David versus Goliath match up
that we know is coming. I will not spoil the ending in Real Steel. All I
will say is there is more than one way to win.
The main lesson in Real Steel is family is what is important in life.
Charlie chases fame and the almighty dollar most of the movie. He is a
little slow, but finally figures out what is actually important. He
learns to put his faith into his son, and things really turn around. He
also learns to help his son out when he is asked, and things get better.
I really enjoyed watching Real Steel. Be careful of the language if you
let children watch Real Steel.
- Paul
Graphics: 69%
Sound: 64%
Replay/Extras: 86%
Gameplay: 84%
Family Friendly Factor: 77%
System: Blu-ray/DVD
Publisher: Touchstone Pictures
Rating: ‘PG-13’ - Parents
Strongly Cautioned
{For some violence, intense action and brief language}
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