Real Steel Film Review

Real Steel

It’s 2020, and gone are the days of human boxing. Robots have entered the ring, demolishing others of

their kind. People enjoy watching the fights, betting thousands of dollars for one robot to survive a round or two.

Charlie Kenton used to be a famous boxer until robots decide to call the shots. He’s been living life as a

loner: gruff, emotionally unapproachable, and in desperate need of money. Then comes a bombshell that

knocks him off his rocker: he has a son. That’s right, 11 year old Max whose mother (Charlie’s ex-girlfriend)

passed away. Forced together for three months, is it possible for father and son to bond? (Warning: Spoilers are

included in this review).

Positive Elements: Much like actor Hugh Jackman’s other iconic character Wolverine, Charlie has a tough

as nails exterior and shuts out his real feelings for much of Real Steel. He doesn’t want to be a father, much less

to a mouthy 11 year old. He’s content with being alone and trying desperately to win robot boxing matches. 

But kids have a way of changing an adult’s perspective, and Max is no different. Sure, he has his father’s

stubbornness and doesn’t like rules very much. However, the two do bond over robot boxing. Max is wicked

smart for his age, speaking a different language, and has a fearless determination. When Charlie is ready to

throw in the towel at some junctures, Max pleads with him to persevere.

One robot named Atom has a helping hand here. When Max falls off a cliff, his hand saves the latter’s life.

As Atom's winning streak begins, Charlie and Max start to enjoy time together. (Spoiler Warning): Atom (to

everyone’s surprise) still fights stronger than ever, and that is shown in the film’s final match. 

Bailey puts Charlie in his place a few times when the latter crosses the line. She is loyal to a fault, refusing

to let Charlie be stuck in his stubborn ways. As the film continues, Charlie becomes grateful for her friendship,

and reconciles with Max. He manifests a soft side that gradually deepens later on.

Spiritual Content: One host refers to a battle as a “David vs. Goliath spectacle.” Charlie encourages Max to

“pray” before a boxing match.

Sexual Content: Bailey (along with multiple other female characters) wear form-fitting outfits that reveal

cleavage and leg. The same female characters (except Bailey) are decked in bikinis as well. Charlie is shown

shirtless a few times.

Bailey and Charlie once dated, but stayed friends. However, Charlie still has feelings for her. After a long,

tiring day, he lays down abutting her in bed with a hug (it’s more for comfort than sexual activity). They share

tender kisses at two different times in the film.

Violence: Real Steel is Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em robots meets Transformers and this section displays why.

Several robot boxing matches are filled with wince-inducing punches, slams, and knockouts. One robot is

demolished by a raging bull. Another loses half his body to a robot champion (offscreen). 

Some action occurs outside the ring too. (Spoiler Warning): Ricky and his goons corner Charlie and Max

because the former owes him money. They nearly pummel Charlie to death as Max watches in horror. A friend

of Charlie’s avenges him by dealing with Ricky (offscreen). Max beats Charlie when the latter leaves the kid in a

junkyard all night. As mentioned, Max falls off a cliff and comes close to dying.

Language: Multiple misuses of God’s name, including medium smatterings of (but not limited to) “h—,” “d

—n,” “a—,” “b—ch,” “p—ed,” and Jesus’s name are the rough and tumble salty words here. The s-word is spoken

a few times.

Drugs/Alcohol: Violence isn’t the only factor at the robot matches: alcohol makes several appearances too.

Bailey watches one match from a bar, drinking a beer as she does so. Charlie’s first scene has him, hungover,

drunk, and being rude to kids. Max drinks several Dr. Pepper sodas, seemingly buzzed by the caffeine.

Other Negative Elements: As alluded to, Max mouths off to his father, and has no respect for rules. Initially,

Charlie doesn’t want to be a father and only takes Max for money. Gambling and bets are the norm for robot

matches. Charlie makes a comment about “peeing your pants.”

Conclusion: Real Steel has heart and I’m not just talking about the father-son duo (portrayed by Hugh

Jackman and Dakota Goyo respectively). The film reaches farther than most live-action Transformers movies,

not only delivering fantastic robot boxing matches, but touching on themes of responsibility, family, and

friendship. Indeed, for people who like “underdog” stories, this one is amazing.

There are a couple of content problems parents need to be aware of. The language isn’t frequent, but the

words are not to be repeated in well-discerning households. Violent matches have a somewhat intense

approach that could frighten sensitive viewers. Parents won’t be thrilled with the gambling/bet atmosphere

presented here. Yep, these concerns are warranted for discussion before watching Real Steel with your family.

That said, Real Steel is 1000% better than the five Transformers films combined. Dakota Goyo radiates

determination through his portrayal of Max. Evangeline Lilly pulls out all the stops as loyal friend Bailey. Hugh

Jackman does not hold back as Charlie. These performances plus the redemption arc are what makes Real

Steel bearable.

Deep down, we all feel like Charlie: desperate for money, living in a fast-changing society, and down on our

luck. But when life’s (metaphorical) curveballs knock us sideways, it’s how we choose to respond that matters. 

2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV) puts it like this: “Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are

wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” Despite Charlie’s gruff exterior, spending time

with Max softens him. When we choose to be content and not rush to our own selfish desires, humility takes

root, slowly changing us from the inside out.

Max’s unwavering determination reminds viewers that quitting is not the answer to solving your problems.

His attitude echoes Hebrews 12:1 (NLT): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses

to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” 

Life is hard at times, and we are tempted to bow out and shirk responsibility. While the society we live in

enforces that behavior, it is a double standard. Lies never address the consequences tied to them, instead

they’re presented as appealing. Real Steel displays tough love, asking us to consider the choices we make.

The film has problems, and some parents won’t be thrilled with their kids watching Real Steel. However,

compared to Transformers, it has a deep layer, heart of gold, and positive lessons. Trust me, Real Steel is the

most underrated gem that, while not perfect, manages to make you feel upbeat and motivational. This is an

underdog story you won’t want to miss.