Real Steel

Would you go to see robot boxing? Well, in the future world of the film 'Real Steel', this is a common sport and one which serves as the basis for the 2011 movie starring Hugh Jackman. Set in the year 2020, 'Real Steel' is actually based on a short story written in 1956 by Richard Matheson. It foretells of a bleak future in which humanity have largely been replaced by robots in the sport of boxing. Within this world, former human boxer, Charlie Kenton, played by Jackman, trains and promotes the sport's new 'athletes'. As 'Real Steel' begins, Kenton is struggling personally and financially after his robot Ambush is defeated and destroyed in an unsanctioned match. He later learns of the death of his former girlfriend along of the life of his 11-year-old son. Despite giving custody of Max, played by Dakota Goyo, to another relative, Kenton is to spend three months with the boy. It is from this point that the bonding between lost father and son and the thrill of an unlikely robot, Atom, explores the nature of winning along with action-packed, state-of-the-art fight scenes. Though the critical reviews of 'Real Steel' were mixed due to its largely action-focused nature, the film itself did receive and Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects and Jackman won the People's Choice Award for Favourite Action Movie Star in 2011. The enduring message of 'Real Steel' is clearly in its effects despite the 'silly' nature of its premise. The battle of boxing robots may not be a reality for our time, but the concepts are there and the potential exciting.