Boxing robots steal the show...

• Entertainment
• 11 October 2011
• by Sophia Hélène Price

I have to say, it was the thought of gazing at the gorgeous Hugh Jackman for a couple of hours that drew me into this 'sci-fi world' film.  In the lead role of Charlie Kenton, bad boy boxer turned inspirational father to his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) there was sure to be plenty of him in a tight-fitting singlet!  But I hadn't counted on the powerful and impressively choreographed robot fights being quite so mesmerising; definitely worth the trip to the cinema and the boys won't be disappointed either... the visual effects are incredible, worthy of the Oscar shortlist.

No surprise then that the film is already a US box office number one, coming above George Clooney's Ides of March, and although the story is attracting a predominantly male audience, there's an amusing, romantic sub-plot between Charlie and Bailey, played by Lost star Evangeline Lily.  Even the fight scenes are entertaining and incredibly captivating which ensures the film appeals to both sexes.

Director Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum 1 & 2, Date Night), supported by mentor Steven Spielberg, injected some real feeling into the plot so that the chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo is wonderfully convincing with a particularly outstanding performance by 11-year-old Dakota (and some super cute dance moves!) – I was only afraid the robots might also develop some rather cheesy human-like qualities and personalities but Shawn maintains a clear divide between actors and their 8ft robotic co-stars.  Although the ending tends towards some predictable clichés, the overall result is a light-hearted, feel good film; perfect for autumn viewing whether young in age or simply young at heart!

Real Steel opens in UK cinemas on Friday 14th October.