Release: 2011-09-28
Runtime: 2h 07m (127 minutes)
Charlie Kenton is a washed-up fighter who retired from the ring when robots took over the sport. After his robot is trashed, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son to rebuild and train an unlikely contender.
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Provided by JustWatch
Genres: Drama, Action, Science Fiction
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly, Kevin Durand, more
Hugh Jackman
as Charlie Kenton
Evangeline Lilly
as Bailey Tallet
Kevin Durand
as Ricky
Anthony Mackie
as Finn
Hope Davis
as Aunt Debra
Miguel Sandoval
as Judge (uncredited)
Phil LaMarr
as ESPN Boxing Commentator
James Rebhorn
as Marvin
Dakota Goyo
as Max Kenton
Olga Fonda
as Farra Lemkova
Sophie Levy
as Big Sister
Tess Levy
as Little Sister
Charlie Kenton is a washed-up fighter who retired from the ring when robots took over the sport. After his robot is trashed, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son to rebuild and train an unlikely contender.
Courage is stronger than steel.
Real Steel is a 2011 American science fiction sports movie featuring Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo, directed and co-produced by Shawn Levy for DreamWorks Pictures. The film draws inspiration from the short story "Steel" by Richard Matheson, first published in May 1956. The story was later adapted into a 1963 episode of The Twilight Zone.
The plot centers around a former boxer, Charlie Kenton (played by Jackman), whose career has faded as boxing is now dominated by robots. Struggling to connect with his estranged son Max (Goyo), Charlie finds an old sparring robot named Atom and decides to train it for the new world of robot boxing. The film explores themes of family, redemption, and the spirit of competition.
Filming for Real Steel began on June 24, 2010, primarily in Michigan. The production included the creation of advanced animatronic robots and utilized motion-capture technology to enhance the boxing scenes. The movie premiered in Paris on 06 September 2011 and was released in the United States on 07 October 2011, earning nearly $300 million at the box office against a budget of $110 million.
The film received a mix of reviews but was generally praised for its emotional depth and impressive visual effects. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 60% approval rating, with critics highlighting its engaging action sequences and heartwarming father-son dynamic. Additionally, it was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Visual Effects.
The story unfolds in a future where human boxing is replaced by robot fights. After losing his robot in a match, Charlie learns about his ex-girlfriend's death and must attend a custody hearing for Max, whom he has not seen since birth. To secure a bond with his son, Charlie agrees to take care of Max for three months while his aunt and uncle go on vacation.
As they navigate their new relationship, Charlie and Max acquire Noisy Boy, a well-known robot, only to see it defeated in an underground boxing match. However, while scavenging for parts, they discover Atom, an outdated robot with unique capabilities that can mimic its opponent's moves. Max and Charlie train Atom, leading to an unexpected winning streak.
The climactic fight features Atom challenging the reigning champion, Zeus. Despite facing overwhelming odds, Atom showcases resilience and strategy, earning the admiration of the audience. The fight concludes with a narrow victory for Zeus, but Atom is celebrated as the "People's Champion," signifying the triumph of spirit over defeat.
The film's characters are brought to life by a talented cast, including:
Real Steel combines thrilling action with emotional storytelling, making it a memorable film for audiences of all ages. Whether you're a fan of sports movies or science fiction, this film offers a heartwarming experience grounded in the themes of perseverance and redemption.
