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I would assume that anyone who is going to undertake the writing of a boxing movie would have watched some of the greats: Raging Bull and Rocky to mention two of the most watched and acclaimed of all time. After all, a good writer draws inspiration from a number of sources. I would not, however, expect someone writing a boxing movie to steal the plot of one of these movies. Especially not so far as to actually steal the phrase “The People’s Champ.”
I was wrong.
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Either our writers, producers and directors have never seen Rocky; or none of them thought that stealing the plot (and not just the underdog boxer plot, but at least 60% of it) would be noticed by the majority of their viewers. Since they are already working on the sequel, this time I’ll know what to expect: Rocky 2.
The highlight of Real Steel was not already knowing what was going to happen next in every scene, but it the young Dakota Goyo, who plays one of the main characters, Max Kenton. This kid is the highlight of the movie, and the only reason I was able to maintain any interest in whatever part of the film was remaining. Max is the son of Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jackman) who is reunited with his father after the unexpected death of his mother. Although both are very apprehensive about their relationship, they bond over their mutual love of robot boxing.
"Why robot boxing?" you might ask… because it’s the future. Respect the future.
After Charlie has gambled away his last dime, Max accidentally finds an old robot that is close to death. Max and Charlie train the robot named Atom, and he becomes one of the most watched robot boxers of the year.
Overall, the movie is mostly dull, with occasional glimmers of interest, but only in the non-stolen plot lines…which are scarce.
4 out of 5 stars for Dakota Goyo, 2 out of 5 for Real Steel. |
