‘Real Steal’ is a fighting film, pure and simple; but it isn’t just about fighting to win, it’s about fighting for happiness, fighting for the ones you love and fighting to better one’s self. Charlie’s (Hugh Jackman) story begins alone on the road, the bright lights of the carnival reflected in his truck window, a joy just out of reach. Again later, he finds himself looking dismally down into the reflection of his own failure in the spreading pool of oil at his feet. Yet by the end of Charlie’s journey the bright lights are shining down directly on him. It is clear that every shot in this film was carefully constructed to reflect the emotions of the characters in that scene. However it isn’t just good camera work and directing by Shawn Levy that makes this movie so awesome, it’s actors like Hugh Jackman(Charlie), Evangeline Lilly (Bailey) and Dakota Goyo (Max).
It’s the little things that can make an actor so believable, for example Charlie’s habit of punching the air even when he’s not the one in the fight. I was also impressed by the sheer emotion portrayed in the final scene by all three characters; I imagine it is terrifically hard to cry on demand in the middle of a film set let alone to cry tears of absolute ecstasy. Although the writing was excellent, it’s only half of what a movie is – a movie is visual and an actor’s facial expression and body language helps you read between the lines, something you will definitely be able to do in ‘Real Steal’. Of course the film would not be complete without a romantic kissing scene yet this one surprised me. It was very simple and realistic. There was no Hollywood glamour to it, just a prolonged kiss that showed the history and the longing, more than anything else, between these two characters.
The real relationship to focus on though is of course the father/son bond. The robot boxing is what brings them together as a common interest but there is so much more to this story and I liked how the film felt equally balanced between the two. It is obvious to the audience that Max has the same reckless nature as his father only this time he has the confidence, if not the skills or the muscle, to back it up - I loved this aspect of the movie; seeing the similarities reflected the son and how Charlie recognises them in himself and changes them for the better. Not only is it entertaining and heart warming to watch their relationship develop as they spend time together on the road, it is also touching to see the personal growth of Charlie both in becoming a father for the first time and as broken man repairing himself.
‘Real Steal’ has few faults; the main aspect I had a problem with was the date. I struggled to believe that such advanced robots would exist in 2020. The film would have had nowhere near the same effect had it been set far into the future and been overloaded with new technology, keeping it simple was definitely better. However it is suggested that the first robot fighting emerges in 2016, just four years from now. As far as I know the closest thing we have to robot boxing today is ‘Robot Wars’ which differs greatly in comparison! But the date was the only part of this movie I found unbelievable so in the greater scheme of things it is not a huge complaint.
Speaking of robots I found that Atom was presented in a very likeable way. With a loveable face and just the tiniest suggestion that there is something else behind his wiring, you can’t help but feel as attached to him as Max is. I walked into the cinema not knowing whether this film was about sentient robots or pure fighting machines and I was kind of glad it was the second. Having an autonomous robot would have over complicated the plot and taken it away from the simple father/son story that it is. Yet the hint of something more (such as Atom looking at himself in the mirror or appearing to listen to Max’s commands to “get up”) is mildly intriguing and makes us see Atom through Max’s eyes: as not just a machine but a friend.
Joey felt that the film’s ending was rushed and perhaps that is why it did not quite feel as epic as it perhaps should have, but maybe you will disagree; With slow motion action shots of Charlie flying through the air, it is easily arguable that the final scene is pretty awe inspiring. [SPOILER] Charlie and his son may not win the competition in the end but they have certainly won in other ways. The emotion conveyed by Bailey and Max, who look on at Charlie as he fights for them, finally the hero they have always wanted him to be, shows them as winners also. And as the light shines directly on the camera blurring the boy on his father’s shoulders with the giant Atom by their side, the three are merging together, it is clear that this victory means more to Charlie than any that have come before.
If you haven’t seen this film yet – you should. 4*
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