Real Steel (2011)

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Director: Shawn Levy

Writers: John Gatins, Dan Gilroy and Jeremy Levin, based on a short story by Richard Matheson

Stars: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand, Hope Davis


A ne'er-do-well former boxer (Hugh Jackman) builds a relationship with the son (Dakota Goyo) he barely knows and both of them grow against the backdrop of the futuristic sport of robot boxing. 


This mashup of a relationship drama about fathers & sons and a sports drama about underdogs travels a well worn path with every element of the plot going exactly where you think it will. 


And yet, I really liked this movie.
 

Tropes become tropes because they reflect something basic in the way we are acculturated to think of narrative, and when they are well executed, they can feel deeply satisfying rather than tired and uninspired.
 

I cared about these characters, wanted the best for them, and even got a little misty-eyed from time to time. 


The robot action was compelling and easy to follow. 


I liked the way they handled the aesthetic of this undefined near future period.
 

Aside from the existence of these advanced robots, it pretty much looks just like today.


















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