‘Real Steel’ Trailer Is a Knock Out

By  · Published on December 9th, 2010

Even with 1/3 of the energy that director Shawn Levy displays in person, the trailer for Real Steel that’s smashing its way through the internet is still enough to get the blood pressure rising.

The film focuses on Hugh Jackman as a former boxer who turned to Robot Boxing when the sport replaced MMA as the world’s most popular sport that involves punching. Now, he’s washed up twice over and trying to make a come back while reconnecting with his son. That last element is nowhere to be found in this trailer, but the hype sure is.

Watch the trailer below:

The film looks like it’s covered in sweat and rusty memories, so it won’t be surprising if the film itself comes off more like Rocky than Transformers – which only earns a comparison because of the ludicrous title and cheesy premise. On the other hand, Levy and company look like they’ve taken a corny high concept and given it some soul, and there’s something to be said for that.

Still, the movie will still have a lot of hurdles to clear in order to be taken seriously. The main example is proving that watching metal beings that don’t feel pain fight each other can be as exciting and humanistic as watching, well, humans. Then there’s the issue of redemption through another life form – pushing buttons doesn’t seem like much of a comeback.

Although, for some fans, I imagine it’s difficult to hear Jackman yell, “Bring it on!” without seeing him then release the claws buried deep inside his knuckles. For the rest of us, this is a pretty rock solid teaser.

Real Steel is scheduled to hit theaters October 7, 2011.

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