Real Steel is a 2011 American science-fiction action film starring Hugh Jackman and directed by Shawn Levy. The film is based on the 1956 short story "Steel" by Richard Matheson, though Levy placed the film in U.S. state fairs and other "old-fashioned" Americana settings. Real Steel was in development for several years before production began in June 11th of 2010. Filming took place primarily in the U.S. state of Michigan. Animatronic robots were built for the film, and motion capture technology was used to depict the brawling of computer-generated robots and animatronics. Real Steel was publicly released in Australia on October 6, 2011 and in the United States and Canada on October 7, 2011. It will be in both conventional and IMAX theaters.
Why this movie? For starters because it has Hugh Jackman in it. Did you know his birthday is October 12th? Perfect blog for the week eh? Although Hugh is turning 43 this year, I still find him extremely attractive both in form and in person. I have not ever read anything on this guy that indicates he is a piece of work. You hear time and time again how great he is to work with or interview, or whatever. Therefore, since my Heath Ledger is no more (so sad), Hugh Jackman has moved up into my 1st place slot of favorite actors. A bit of history on Mr. Jackson:
As I said above, he was born October 12, 1968, in Australia where is an actor and producer. He has been involved in films, musical theatre, and television. He won international recognition for his roles in several major films, including his portrayal of Wolverine in the X-Men series. He did a great job in the movie Australia. I personally liked him in Kate & Leopold and of course who could forget Van Helsing.
Then in November of 2008 he was named the Sexiest Man Alive in People Magazine. Who could disagree?
Now, on to Real Steal: How would I characterize this movie? Rocky with robots. Underdog's journey to the top with the add in of a father son relationship and a hot chick. It starts off a bit slow. I admit it. Even with Hugh as lead, the movie is slow to start. But get about 20 minutes in and it takes off. You begin to hope and you begin to believe and by the time the end hits you, you want to jump up with the actors on the screen and yell right along with them. Yes, really. At one point in the movie I was sitting in my little theater seat, knees pulled up tight to my chest and holding my breath.
So need a decent recommendation for a movie? Well then check this one out. I loved it. On an added note, I saw today that a sequel to this movie is already in the works. Not sure I am on board with that. Sometimes one movie is all that you need. We will see.
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Wow, loving the background info here, Courtney. They should introduce all movies with interesting tidbits of information. So that's who Hughman is... I now know because of Wolverine. I'll have a look for this when it comes out on video (DVD... blue ray?... oooh I feel so technological). :)
ReplyDeleteGood choice for a number one ;)
ReplyDeleteI think, more often than not, the older the handsomer. So many of these men get better with age.
I like watching movies based on fiction or memoir best also - it's the closest thing you can get to reading a book, but you've also got the sound track in the background making you really FEEL it. I watched practically all the mini-series based on British lit and they really expand your understanding of the writing.
Maybe Shadow Dancer will be a movie someday! Got a dream cast in mind for it? I always do that when I'm writing.