Film: "Real Steel"; Cast: Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Evangeline Lilly; Director: Shawn Levy; Rating: ***1/2

In
this age, we crave for technology so much that even a brainless film
with a lot of tech and action thrown in works. The loud, garish and
pointless "Transformers" series is a case in point. Yet, a sci-fi,
technological film, need not be so bad. Want proof, watch "Real Steel"
that combines the best of tech effects with the soul of "Rocky".

In
a not-so-distant future, robot boxing is big. Charlie (Hugh Jackman), a
cocky promoter spoils his chances by making some rash calls. An
unsentimental guy, he even uses the son, Max (Dakota Goyo), whom he had
deserted for money. However, the sensibility and sensitivity of this
11-year-old kid changes his fortune and his life as a junk robot, with a
heart of steel and the "soul" of a champion, turns out to be a winning
prizefighter.

It should be clear at the onset that there's
really nothing original about "Real Steel". It's not even a very
creative reworking of cliches that most art films these days seem to be.
Instead, it plays along with the cliche, but with the endearing
lightness that makes it a worthwhile watch. Despite its hackneyed plot
and predictable subplots, it has the nimble footwork of a heavyweight
boxer who manages to 'fly' as he boxes.

The non-living, junkyard
robot Atom becomes a metaphor for the liveliest emotions we know: love,
courage and a never-say-die spirit. That it takes an inanimate object
to arouse human feelings in Charlie, is a commentary on our life and
times and our obsession for everything external. His wins as an
abandoned thing thus become the victories of what is truly important in
life, but which we have relegated into the junkyards of our lives. These
emotions are indeed the atoms of our very existence.

The film
will remind you of "Rocky". Surprisingly, the ending too is similar. The
film gives a beautiful message - You don't have to win to prove a
point. The real victory in life is in doing something with passion,
standing tall with courage and the ability to never give up despite the
odds.

There's tenderness in the father-son relationship, despite
its cliches, that will tug at your heart. The chemistry between Hugh
Jackman and Dakota Goyo - the actors essaying the roles, only adds to
it.

The special effects are gentle and subtle enough, not as
jarring as in "Transformers". That is, primarily because the driving
force in the film is the story, not the robots. Nevertheless, those who
like huge metal objects fighting or like watching boxing and wrestling,
will love the film.

It is thus surprising that Steven Spielberg,
who is also the producer of the "Transformers" series, also produces
this. For Indian cine lovers there's another reason to watch "Real
Steel" -- it has been co-produced by home ground company Reliance
Entertainment.