After all the hype around the Transformers earlier this year, it’s nice to see an offering that brings us back to the human world, if only in part. Adapted from American sci-fi author Richard Matheson’s 1956 short story “Steel,” this mix of boxing, robots and father-son relationship struggles is a film that the whole family will enjoy. The audience is introduced to a world, set in the indeterminate future, in which the sport of boxing is forbidden to all except robots. Humans have been edged out of the sport. Like anything illegal, there is a black market in human boxing, and Charlie (Hugh Jackman) is a boxer earning his living in underground, illegal boxing matches. Charlie’s life changes in an instant when Max (Dakota Goyo), the son he never knew he had, shows up on his doorstep. Together, they begin to repair and train the robot Atom, and the process brings them closer together as father and son. The fight scenes in Real Steel are as realistic as they come. The actors were coached by boxing champ Sugar Ray Leonard and top-notch animation brings the robot fights to life. The kids will love it when the robots start breaking down into hip-hop moves. Though still in cinemas, Dream Works is already planning the sequel. Are we looking at the beginning of Rocky for the android age? In English.

DETAILS

What: Real Steel

Where: UME, Wanda, Megabox

When: premieres Tuesday, Nov. 8