After writing 2 negative reviews in a row, I decided to take a breath of fresh air and write a positive review and somehow do not want to write about the bad in December.
How did I get to know the painting? I heard about it, or rather only saw the poster 3 years after the release, but I was not particularly hooked. I was thinking about another project about hardware like Transformers, Iron Man or the Pacific Rim. Only 8 years later I decided to watch thanks to active discussion in the 20s and Hugh Jackman. After watching “Stalie” I began to regret that I did not know about it earlier and did not go to the cinema.
The original name (Real Steel) translates to “Real Steel”. The Russian official name sounds better and even more appropriate. A great example of translation.
The idle boxer, earning money from fights among the steel giants, went deeper into debt and sent more robots to senseless destruction, until he was reunited with a son he did not even know about. The son himself unknowingly finds a robot that at first glance is old and not designed for combat, but has the function of repeating movements. Similarly, in reality, people have pros and cons. The plot makes you look from beginning to end and in places unpredictable. It is also one of the few films in which any viewer will empathize with the opponent and worry about the kind of dead cars.
Speaking of special effects, Living Steel came out at the right time when CGI was at its peak. For the film, several real robots were created, each of which is different from the others. Motion capture was used for shooting battles, in which real boxers participated. That's a symbiosis. At least the Oscar nomination for Best Special Effects is well deserved. The visual component looks even better than in most recent artworks.
For me, it's a canvas without a soundtrack, like going to a movie without popcorn. Each composition is perfectly matched to each scene. The songs are original, but at the same time create a familiar atmosphere. I can’t believe that the author of some of the compositions is Danny Elfman, who makes mostly Gothic for Tim Burton. No Wensday dance can replace Max and Atom.
Few people know, but this is a joint project of Dreamworks and Disney (instead of the Disney logo showed the logo of the subsidiary company Touchstone), that is, two competitors. The movie came out when Disney was still in his mind.
It’s like Charlie forgets that he’s a boxer. But this disadvantage can be forgiven with so many advantages.
The picture managed to manifest itself both externally and internally. It turned out to be a deep film about the perfect teamwork and father-son relationship with mesmerizing effects, not just grinding metal. I'd like to see him again. It could be the first thing I saw in a movie theater.
P.S. Authoritative sources talk about a possible continuation in the form of a film and or series. But let it be a full-length project, or rather a lot of exclusives for streaming services recently, especially for Disney+.
10 out of 10
My first review, I have to start somewhere.
Not so long ago I watched the movie “Living Steel” on TV, accidentally got a click of channels, and I just couldn’t take off the screen. (And so every time with this movie, several times with breaks of several years, I've seen this movie before.)
For me, in addition to beautiful robots, which is already interesting to watch, even the show battle robots loved to watch a long time ago. So apart from the robots themselves and the father-son relationship, for me this is a film about recognition. About how a little man gets the recognition of the crowd from the world of the future. He did it! And that's what we all want, confessions. And for me, as a person with a narcissistic trauma, the topic of recognition is especially sensitive, because deep inside I consider myself unworthy of this recognition, and I really want it and try to compensate for it, including unconsciously. I'm sure there are many. That's really another story. . .
Well, this movie just brings me to tears every time, so sincere, lively, honest and simple. And I'm so excited for this kid who got his way and who's really happy in this robot battle with his dad.
Of course, we can start talking about actors, music, plot, etc. But I didn't even think about it, because I'm totally absorbed in the film itself. And this is the criterion that everything was on top. I want to thank the creators for the emotions I experienced. Thank you.
10 out of 10
Let’s start small: the visual itself and how it looks. In my opinion, the film uses the cold dark blue filter the most. It looks beautiful, and in some moments it is especially beautiful! The special effects are also done quite well and look nice. I especially liked the robots themselves. I've heard that for this movie, they've even made some robots specifically and used motion capture to make everything look good. They did it. Robots look very realistic and worked out, although there are small shoals that do not even immediately catch the eye.
The musical accompaniment is also well done. In sad or tense moments, the music is calmer and sets the right atmosphere for such situations, but when epic and cheerful moments occur, then the music sets the combat mood and improves the perception of the film, makes you immerse yourself in this atmosphere. The music throughout the film in principle selected excellent, there is generally nothing to complain about.
The story takes place in our world, in 2020, where robot fights have replaced conventional boxing. Technology has advanced far, different phones and computers of the future and, accordingly, robots. From the most primitive robots of the first generation or made in a landfill to advanced robots from the major leagues. Yes, if you look at the way robots are built there, then their design and control raises many questions, especially one function, but from the point of view of fiction, everything is quite realistic. The story follows former boxer Charlie Kenton and his son Max. Charlie participates in robot fights, but constantly loses and gets into debt, and now he also follows his son. But throughout the film, you can see how the main characters change, learn from their mistakes and help each other change. Yes, on the one hand, the plot is predictable, the plot twists are obvious, but this film was not created for a complex thoughtful plot. The creators decided to take as a basis combat robots and show how it could be in the future. And show the relationship between father and son. The film is more focused on teenagers who like robots, but adults can also come. The film itself is not prolonged, there are no moments when you want to watch boring or squander. The characters and their characters are also well shown, it feels like they are alive. The film itself at some moments makes you think, and at others – have fun and watch the spectacular fights. And dancing.
In the end, we get a beautiful film about robot boxing and father-son relationships, which also allows you to relax and look at the possible development of robotics in the future. Well, that didn't happen in 2020. I loved the movie when I was a kid and I recommend it!
Perhaps we will fly over, but we will do it beautifully.
Director Sean Levy in the filmography quite a lot of useful projects. He is best known for his Night at the Museum trilogy, starring Ben Stiller. But even without this series of films, he has many well-known good works. So you can say that his directorial career was set. The same can be said about screenwriter John Gaitins, who also has a lot of great projects in the piggy bank. Based on Richard Matheson’s 50s story, they created this “something” called “Living Steel.” I watched this movie a long time ago in the theater when it was first released. To say that I was delighted is to say nothing.
The action takes place in the near future. To ordinary boxing lost interest due to lack of entertainment. It has now been replaced by robot combat. Former boxer, and now taking part in gladiatorial battles of robots, Charlie Kenton repeatedly fails. After the death of his ex-wife, his eleven-year-old son comes to him, who also loves robot fights.
Like I said, I liked the live steel. There are a lot of movies about robots. Interesting and not so much. And often these robots fight with each other. Take Robocop or Transformers. However, that these battles were at the official level – this is the first time I see.
The story catches from the first minute. It's starting out pretty cheerful. Once set, the film pauses briefly to better introduce viewers to the main characters. After a short acquaintance, the story begins to disperse. And until the very end, she keeps a good pace. The finale, as usual, is predictable, but from this it became no less interesting to watch.
For me, Hugh Jackman is primarily Wolverine from the X-Men series. In other roles, I didn't see him. Until the moment we watched "Living Steel." He is a very diverse actor who can play in both action and family movies. Here he struck me primarily as a dramatic actor. It looks very organic in this role. The same can be said about Evangelina Lily. It’s a little strange to see her in an unusual role, but she also coped with this task perfectly. I also liked the young actor Dakota Goyo. Before that, I only saw him as the young Thor in the film of the same name. But there he had a very small role, so there was nothing to evaluate. Here he revealed himself as a really good actor.
Visually, the movie isn't bad. Of course, it looks a little weak for 2011, after all, the special effects were at a much higher level. Take the final part of Harry Potter or X-Men. The first class came out the same year. But in "Living Steel" there is something to see. In particular, the battles of robots look large. I also liked the large number of locations. From the desert to the big competition between robots. These locations replace each other with terrible speed, not allowing to come to their senses.
What can I say on the bottom line? Living Steel is probably one of the most interesting science fiction films I’ve seen in the last 15 years. Yeah, it's kind of a family movie. But not a baby. It looks like Disney works, which occasionally come out, but the audience is older than the Mouse House.
9 out of 10
Americans are good at making beautiful family movies that embrace community values. But when I watch movies like that, I always think of Indians. Has there been a real reconciliation between the white and the red?
Now the Japanese. Americans are trying to convince themselves that the Japanese ... how to put it more precisely. Unworthy rivals. That Japanese technology is opposed by American team spirit and Japanese technology. It is not possible to do without them again.
Do Americans understand Japanese culture? In the film there is a moment of a robot fight with a bull. For those who do not know: the most common style in the United States of karate "Kyokushin" - for the Japanese, no karate at all. Why? There are many reasons - one of them: the founder of the school fought with bulls. “A man should not fight an animal for fun,” the Japanese say. The Americans used to shoot herds of bison for fun.
What do we have in this American film about American family values?
Native American Communal Traditions Against Japanese Combat Spirit What is truly American here? The desire to fight for money. Profit is the third full-fledged hero of this film. As in ancient Rome: “Bread and circuses!” Two thousand years have passed, and the motto of culture has not changed. What can this movie teach the family? “Don’t rely on your fathers, son, take matters into your own hands.” And then the fathers will catch up.
This is probably how Americans are raised. Take the essence of different cultures and get an American citizen.
Would I show my kids this movie? I definitely didn’t recommend it as a movie. And I would talk to them if they were looking.
The score is neutral. There is a lot of good in the film and frankly poor.
All with us! I decided to end this year with a positive review. I decided to write a review for the film “Living steel” This film I watched a long time, but my hands reached to write a review only now.
Plot. It's 2020. Boxing has lost popularity and is not going to return. The fact is that people became cruel and brutalized to the point that they were given “bread and circuses”. And even fights without rules, which are famous for cruelty, can not quench the thirst for blood. Then a Robobox box with robots was invented. The main character is fight promoter Charlie Kenton. This is a visual representative of the so-called "White Bullshit": lives in a trailer, unemployed, and a loser in principle. One day he learns that he has a son, Max, whose mother has died. Profitably bargaining, Charlie temporarily acquires custody of his son. And while their robot makes its way to the Robobox Olympus, father and son learn to be friends. (I’m not going to write any more so as not to throw spoilers.)
Ladies and gentlemen, pluses:
1. Actors. Nobody's messing around here. Everyone from the cast played convincingly. I'm serious. Hugh Jackman is level (I won’t compare to Wolverine, I haven’t watched it.)
2. Robots. Did you know that for the film, the creators were not lazy to create real robots - only 19 pieces? It deserves respect. Do you have a favorite robot? For example, I liked Noisy Boy, Atom and Metro.
3. Music. I can't help but praise Danny Elfman, who was in charge of the music. “Till I Collapse” is in the ringtone forever.
4. The film is a skillful mix of genres. Do you like robot movies? Get it and sign it. Do you like boxing movies à la Rocky? Welcome. Welcome. Are you a fan of movies like "Breaking Bad"? Please. I am glad that the creators mix genres.
What can I say about the movie? It’s a good movie that the whole family can watch. But that's your opinion - to watch or not. I just recommend it.
So, let’s start with the fact that the meaning of the film begins from the very beginning, because the separation of father and son, I think this is one of the trembling and strong trials that had to go through not only the characters of the film, but also people in life who for one reason or another do not have the opportunity to communicate and be next to their father, it all begins when the father lost the fight at the beginning of the film, tries to escape without paying for his loss, the same scene and will still surface in the middle of the film.
As for the meaning, in general, I believe that the boy who was left to dig up the robot, did not know what he was, what would happen next, and whether he would become a champion, he dug out, because the robot’s hand saved the boy, eventually digging up the robot, investing in it, he got a champion, but the robot seemed to have a heart and knew perfectly what they wanted from him and who he was.
In the middle of the film, there are a lot of fights with the robot, where he won, but most importantly, in these moments, the father and son became so close that they could not separate when the vacation came to an end, I believe that although the film does not have amazing special effects, it keeps in suspense throughout the film. For me, this film seemed real and vital, the meaning of the film, in the rapprochement of relatives, you will achieve if you invest your energy. Thank you for your attention, please, for the review.
There are films that are difficult to describe rationally. This is the subjective opinion of the viewer. Let it be so.
This is one of those films that you don’t want to analyze and analyze deeply. For me, this is a clear indicator of quality work. If you start analyzing, then of course you can understand that the author leads you through the plot and you are inside a clear structure created by a professional. When you watch this movie, you don’t want to think about it.
If in fact, it is a great balanced, dynamic, kind and human story. It is aimed where it should be – at the attitude of people, and the battles of robots serve only as a fascinating background in the cheerful style of the Rocky franchise. It is the relationship of the Father and the Son that is at the head of the narrative.
There is an opinion that all chic films are stories about family, in one form or another. In my opinion, this picture is another confirmation of this theory.
The protagonist is an irresponsible loser who changes along the way, thanks to his son, who was once abandoned.
It may seem that a son is too wise for his age, or that his father is too stupid. But this is for attentive viewers with an analytical mind.
The rest, like me, will see a warm and kind story of true friendship, dedication and the will to win. As a result, it is necessary to watch. A great family movie that most people will like. If not, I don't understand you.
In the early 2000s, everyone loved playing games of different genres. Someone preferred to play in the genre of fights, others took quests, and others generally liked to play sports games, including football, basketball, hockey and even boxing. First, there were very few games coming out on different platforms, including PC, and second, they appeared sometime in the 2010s, or even a little later. The bottom line is that filmmakers were interested in such a game, and decided not only to transfer it to the screen, but also to add something fantastic.
“Living Steel”, a painting by Sean Levy, who staged in 2011, is a vivid example of the transfer of the sports genre of the game to cinema. As well as the appearance of players as "playable characters". And although there is almost no history of the so-called “death” of human boxing and the “birth” of robot boxing in this film, you can watch how robots work in the ring and what robots are involved. After all, after watching each fight, you can pay attention to what they look like, what their names are, who has what styles in boxing. In addition, robot boxers are divided into certain generations, which again suggests the appearance of robots, not to mention how humans control. In addition, the plot tells about a former boxer (played by Hugh Jackman), who takes part in robot fights, and his son (played by Dakota Goyo). The director added the problem of the relationship between father and son, because it is still relevant today. And apparently for a reason. Throughout the plot, Charlie and Max (as the main characters are called) get closer, traveling together to different battlefields and establishing a boxing career for a robot found by Max in a dump. Here Levy added a little lyrical, for example, when there are scenes where a boy and a robot called the Atom created a feature of entering the ring in the form of a dance, using a rare "shade function"; or when they walked down the night street. What happened to the robot, the boy showed a deep feeling for it, because the Atom, although a robot, understands everything. The main thing is to believe in a miracle, then everything will work out.
“Living Steel” can really be called one of the fantastic films about robot boxers. It was based on Richard Matheson’s short story The Man of Steel. For those who love both fiction and drama together, it is recommended.
9 out of 10
Boxing was recognized as a barbaric sport and was banned, boxers got out of the situation by organizing robot fights, and former successful boxer Charlie Kenton controls one of these robots in the ring. In the absence of luck in battle, lack of money and debt, 11-year-old son Max Kenton falls on his neck.
The film seems to be about boxing, robobox to be more precise, robots in the ring, controlled by people and spectators, making stunning bets, but the main meaning in the film is the relationship between people, between adults and children. The film is about trusting each other and it's people who make this steel alive. An 11-year-old boy shifts all his care to a robot, and the robot, amazingly, reciprocates him. And the former boxer and part-time father, will have to learn to trust his son.
The film has a great cast.
Hugh Jackman is already on its own, an application for a successful picture.
Evangeline Lilly is generally an amazing actress, from appearance to play. Still charming 'Fresh' from 'Live'.
Dakota Goyo did not follow his career, but in the film the most touching moments are all his.
I first watched the film in 2012. Today I wanted to revisit 'Living Steel' again.
Boys 12+ and not only absolutely love it!
10 out of 10
I've been watching this movie 5 or 7 times and there's always goosebumps all over my body. Living Steel is the true story of what can be achieved without ever giving up or breaking down after every failure in life. Few people who have not seen this film, but really want to have it in your collection.
It is impossible not to devote one paragraph to the director of this creation, namely Sean Levy. I can’t say that this person is very well known to the general public, but before “Living Steel” he had another successful project “Night at the Museum”, perhaps someone else he will be known for the remake of “Pink Panther”. So, there's nothing else Shawn Levy did. But “Living Steel” is a real masterpiece, for which it is worth thanking.
We will evaluate this film according to such criteria as the plot, acting, soundtrack and the action component.
Plot: We are told about a certain Charlie Kenton, once a great puncher. He is caught in a black streak, but one day he meets his son, whom he abandoned with his mother a few years ago. From here begins this magnificent story from a robot from a landfill to a major league fighter. The plot is very exciting, for the action movie is generally magnificent, and with the dramas “Living Steel” can easily be compared. You can't put it into words, you have to feel it yourself. The storyline has its own structure, the elements of which are logically interconnected and with each scene more and more captures you in its threads. From the very first minute you dive and every minute this dive goes more and more. And most importantly, it happens after every viewing. In other words, the plot develops very quickly, without any swing, but quality does not suffer from this speed, which, in my opinion, is the standard of professionalism of the director and writers. The ending isn't typical either. It is quite dramatic, why again it is not clear why there is no genre of drama in the description of "Living Steel"?
Acting: This criterion is as crazy as the first. The cast of the film itself is very good. I don’t think anyone knows Hugh Jackman, who played Charlie Kenton or Evangeline Lilly, who played Bailey Tauriel in the Hobbit franchise. The other names are not as well known as the previous ones, but this again does not affect the quality of the whole picture of what is happening. Here, each actor gave his best. All the characters were different from each other, each of them was a separate person. Each had their own image, which they managed to convey delightfully. In other words, the heroes of Living Steel were important parts of the whole mechanism. The emotional component was also at the highest level. It was obvious that we were watching the game of real professionals.
Action: Probably the main criterion of the militant. Here it is made at a high level. There are no shootings, chases, epic destruction and so on. This film takes its fights, every fight is breathtaking, goosebumps go on the body. If you don’t see it yourself, you can’t feel what I and the millions of other people who have been lucky enough to see it. From these words it becomes clear that this criterion is also made at a posh level.
Soundtrack: Musical accompaniment is also of the highest quality. To each scene, the music added more atmosphere and epic. There were a lot of Tracks, but I remember one, because he's been with you all the time, all those 2 hours. Track "Fast Lane" - Bad Meets Evil This one song is just blowing your head off. Especially when it is fueled by such spectacular and beautiful fights. Danny Elfman made an amazing selection of musical compositions.
So, "Living Steel" is the best action movie I've been lucky enough to watch. I fell in love with this movie back in 2012, and I have never regretted spending time reviewing it every year. Each time feels different. The film does not bother you, but on the contrary it becomes very difficult to overcome yourself, so as not to watch it again immediately after the last time. In addition, “Living Steel” has a message, it raises the theme of willpower and the desire to win. The film tells you that everything is in your hands, everyone should manage their lives, no one owes you anything, your fate is in your hands. The motto of "Living Steel", namely: "Champions are not born, they are collected" fully corresponds to the realities. And in this motto there is such an interesting double meaning, which is not difficult to see. It is not clear why film critics so low rated the creation of Shawn Levy and it is not clear why the film did not collect so much, but “Living Steel” is a masterpiece, you can not doubt it. He's clearly underrated. I recommend that you watch 99% of them.
He can't hear you, do you understand what you're talking to?
What's he saying? If I had a robot, I would talk to it all the time. Fortunately, this role is successfully occupied by my dog, so I am not particularly upset.
Living steel
We have a sports drama that is full of cliches and cliches, but it is no less heartfelt. Such a lot has been seen already, but, nevertheless, the film turned out to be cool and to review it not a sin, but even for pleasure. That's what I did. I really like Hugh Jackman as an actor. He has charisma, and it is attractive. But he's the same actor. The whole world knows him as Wolverine. And someone like Van Helsing, but, guys, who are you kidding? Hugh - Wolverine and nobody else!
When Eminem’s track “Till I Collapse” is played, I’m excited to the limit, as if there’s nothing in the world that I can’t do. Eminem’s incredibly dynamic and motivating track is bound to end up in a movie like this. Especially, he is on my list - "Four untouchables". I must say more - he is in first place. It's just rap, you think, right? This is a hip-hop, nigga! This unstoppable, frenzied, grinding, dynamic, indomitable, unbridled, insane and ardent flow is what is necessary to sufficiently motivate and climb to the very top, along the way lifted a few ass!
A kind of comfort manages to recreate Shawn Levy. When you look at such a carefree and positive picture, there is nothing left that bothers you. The film is easily perceived by the public, which is what makes it suitable for family viewing. Yeah, it's fantastic. Where do you see robots boxing? Right, nowhere, but it is more interesting that the idea has not outlived itself. It is new, but removed within the well-established canons of the "sports drama". And I'll admit that the world has seen so many boxing movies that I can't believe. But in this picture, the darkest baragoses in the ring are arranged by robots. Guys, robots! And that, you know, is cool. If this were the case in real life, I would make it a tradition to regularly attend such contractions.
Boy dancing is what I do every morning before I go out and face this crazy world again, and better than a boxing match between robots, only a duel between robots according to the rules of MMA and a duel between a robot and a human. I actually like sports dramas. Many people’s favorite film of this genre is Rocky, but I’m not like that, I love Karate Kid 84 with Ralph Macchio and William Zabka in the lead roles, where Zabka played the good guy and Ralph the bad. Yes, you heard me right, that's how I see this picture. “Living Steel” is a film about a robot named Atom, which was smog, which was underestimated.
The pitch and the clichés that fill this film, of course, no surprise. All within the canons and many will say that the picture is quite ordinary. I'll do it again. Robots, guys! They box! In general, look and be filled with positive emotions. The picture is perceived without negative, all on positive notes.
Good movie.
P.S
1. Eminem - Till I Collapse
2. AC/DC - T.N.T
3. Pink Floyd – Another Brick in the Wall (Part II)
4. Styx - Man in the Wilderness
Despite the fact that the plot moves are very predictable and not too “dashingly” twisted, and the 11-year-old hero Dakota Goyo is the only character in the film who, unlike all adults present in the frame, really “steel” eggs, the work of Shawn Levy does not become a hypocritical commercial project.
That is, the application initially did not hide its essence and was regarded as a “money” ribbon, with an eye to a huge army of parents and their children. But this is just the case when the “market” picture turned out to be moderately sensual, and with really good acting, although the latter, for the most part, did not pay much attention, unlike combat robots.
Speaking of special effects and adaptation of the "iron giants" in the frame, there is no dissonance with the outside world (which cannot but please), and the staging of combat scenes, under the rhythmic tracks Eminem'a and Beastie Boys, are very colorful and interesting.
As such, the “message” to the public, Levi’s tape does not particularly carry, although sometimes there are unambiguous hints of human cruelty and universal compassion (an attempt to awaken human feelings in a pile of iron). Just a good and fantastic film, and in fact sometimes this is missing.
8 out of 10
When “Transformers” is tired, and “Pacific Rim” is not yet out, the world saw a new fascinating metal-titanium spectacle, called “Living Steel”. In fact, after a few films about Decepticons and Autobots, I wanted to see something new about robots and director Shawn Levy provided this opportunity. Plus, Hugh Jackman thanks to the role of Charlie Kenton in this film got the opportunity to temporarily move away from the role of Wolverine (this belief, of course, is not entirely correct, because the actor starred in the period with the X-Men). Start. "Wolverine" to "First Class" in several films, and participate in a fairly large project.
As can be seen from the description, in the foreseeable future (judging by the way of life not quite remote) boxing as a sport ordered to live for a long time and was replaced by robobox, in which hefty metal machines took part, and people controlled them, in fact, playing a kind of console, but only in an unrealistically real format. The main characters here are Charlie (Jackman), his 11-year-old son Max, as well as an old robot named Atom, who will become the main star of roboboxing. This trio will gradually but surely conquer the ring, and, most importantly, Charlie and Max will find a way to improve relations with each other, because Charlie is a rather windy type who is not used to being in the family, and for Max, due to the loss of his mother, his father is the closest relative.
“Living Steel” rightfully received an Oscar nomination for “Best Visual Effects”, because the film turned out to be very spectacular, in which graphics played a not the last role. To some extent, the film turned out to be family, but at the same time quite action-packed. The combination of these two characteristics, probably, the best emphasizes the fact that the movie turned out to be attractive and interesting, no matter how you turn and from which side you approach it.
There are also attractive showdowns between adult uncles, who not only use robots in the ring to measure a famous place, but also use betting to spin big money. There are also father-child relationships in which both have to exert considerable effort to restrain themselves. There is an element of excitement, which is especially vividly demonstrated by Jackman’s hero during the battles of his expensive acquisition, as well as during the final fight between Atom and Zeus. In short, the film turned out to be beautiful, good, spectacular, moderately tense, family-friendly. This is another movie that you can watch in the company and in the family.
I wonder if boxing, because of its inhumanity, was recognized as persona non grata, what happened to other equally spectacular and bloody species? After all, fights without rules, and wrestling, and hockey, and American football are all cruel and tough. It is possible that robots have been used in them. But, one way or another, the main type for “Living Steel” was chosen precisely boxing.
But look at you. I do not impose my opinion on anyone.
Usually, I write reviews of films that don’t have them, or films that don’t have a single review that gets my approval. But... but... this movie deserves a review.
I don’t like sports movies (unless Wolf is an exception), I don’t like sports, and most of all in sports I don’t like boxing. I don’t like movies where the main characters are adults. As adults, we can solve almost any problem with almost unlimited possibilities. So what's the interest in watching movies where adults solve their problems? Another thing is when the main characters of the film are children. They do not have adult opportunities and their approach to solving their problems, which are not small, interesting and often unexpected. In this picture, two of my contradictions met, resulting in the dilemma of "look or not look." I'll look at one eye, I decided.
Of course, I didn’t expect much from the film – sports, boxing. Nevertheless, with the development of the plot, more and more imbued with the feelings and experiences of the characters of the picture.
Robots. The robots were able to create emotions. It would seem that after such films as "War Games", "Short circuit" and, of course, the first two parts of "Terminator" to create in the film a machine that evokes feelings in the audience, impossible. Oh, fuck you! Got it!
The son of a boxer. Smart, advanced boy. The picture is clearly made to understand - all in the father. But! In human relations, he is much better understand, and one of the phrases he said during the film. I don't know how to say it. I understood her very differently than his father. Whether it was intended, or...
Former boxer. At the very beginning of the film, the audience is given to understand that he is in debt, as in silk. And then suddenly fell on his head unwanted son. The boxer initially appears to the audience as an antihero, but is he really like that?
The ending is very unexpected and atypical for sports films. And this is a huge plus for filmmakers who managed to show that in life the main thing can be and is something else than sports. Without looking, you cannot understand.
The film made a good impression, but it is not for re-watching. At least for me.
Those who differ ... are able to move mountains and reach unprecedented heights
Why did I feel in the hall as if I were in a fairy tale, albeit reflecting cruel realities? Perhaps because it was an evening session, or I heard laughter in the hall, then sighs. In the end, some began to stand up to support those who have the will to win and nothing will stop them. Anyway, the feeling was unique. I had never seen a Rocky movie at the time. But even after looking at it, it still remains universal to me in many ways. The hero has big problems in life, from which he can not get out. It becomes depressing, and such a person sees nothing but work. Overcoming, overcoming, struggling with yourself is absolutely no joke. Sometimes there is a titanic effort to change yourself and your destiny. But you need a push, a stimulus ... in other words, a miracle.
For Charlie Kenton, a former boxer who had 24 unconditional victories behind his shoulders - seemingly brutal, uninhibited but in fact still an idiot with unclear ambitions, this miracle was his son Max. Why did Charlie become so cynical, and not overly putting the interests of others to good use? When you owe a lot of dollars, you can be a scoundrel. Max was a deeper character than his father. And not only because he was a child; he grew up without a father, lost his mother, was sold by his father, did not feel help from him ... and after all, he managed not to get angry and break, sometimes giving Charlie, albeit indirectly, but still lessons in relationships. What they should be. Dad needed to realize that this reunion didn't just happen. He gave him a chance, and life began to play with new colors. Beginning to make sense, spiritual upliftment. Common interests have only simplified this. Charlie had the qualities of a good father. I thought it was wrong to take the other half. I realized that I was not the best example. He realized that he was now connected to Max, while he seemed to forgive him for his irresponsible actions and waited for Charlie to fight for him. That's what happened. The final battle made hold of breath and sometimes to the last do not believe that Atom, that is, Charlie himself will withstand the onslaught of Zeus or those who seem to have everything. And then clap to a defeated winner who managed to melt the hearts of at least many of us. The reunification was successful. Tears came. Life has changed.
I love when robots are presented to us with emotion. They didn't talk here, but you could tell their emotions from their eyes. The atom is an unusual robot from a landfill, with the function of a shadow copying the movement of the host is surprising in that it is easy to perceive as a friend. The rest mostly look formidable, because they do not want to communicate. It was the "shadow" that made the Atom unique, things like raising a can and eating ice cream were amusing. And even durable metal is not the main thing in this robot, but a chip of the will to win.
The actors unconditionally coped with their roles. Hugh "Wolverine" Jackman revealed himself from the other side, an ideal candidate for the role of a father-individual with a rich past. Evangeline Lilly her presence graced the picture. Her character did not want to disappoint, but according to the script Charlie often did. I did not know then that Falcon's Eye Anthony Mackie rolled the engines in underground battles. Russian and Japanese in the role of successful people added pepper, it was not a lot. Kevin Durand with a funny jaw similar and in life the same bouncer, played well.
But Dakota... It's the cornerstone of the movie. Not only do you care, but you also learn from his character, at the same time amazed by his amazing acting for his then age. The boy has an inexhaustible energy and perseverance that the Spartans would envy. No matter what is strongly said, the last thing you could hear in the film.
And after all, Dakota Fanning is not needed by many, and Saoirse Ronan and El Fanning were already familiar to us.
9.6 out of 10
It deserves to be watched repeatedly. It is a rare phenomenon when Hollywood is not only striking with special effects. I want a sequel. But to get a pearl, you do not need to hurry.
P.S. The future here is shown in the present, only with some interesting gadgets. It is more realistic when compared to Back to the Future. And yes, the cool car that the Kents used to drive.
I watched the film for the first time in a cinema. Even then I wanted to write a review, but my hands did not reach (or there was laziness). It was written only now - after watching on TV.
Former boxer Charlie, who once again lost all the money on the battles of robots, is forced on his son for eight weeks. Spending time with a suddenly revealed offspring does not fit into Charlie's life concept.
The film interested, first of all, not robots (it was interesting in the second place), and the lead actor Hugh Jackman. I wanted to see what it was like without the usual adamant claws.
Movies on robotics are shot a lot. And they all look alike. “Living steel” is advantageous in that it contains the idea of “animating” a person thanks to a robot. When in many films of such subjects the priority is the opposite - "humanizing" the robot (" Terminator, "Robot named Chappie" and many others.)
In this film, the robot Atom acts as a “shadow” of Charlie himself: a decommissioned sparring robot found at night in a landfill, which was suddenly given a second chance. Thanks to Atom, this chance came to Charlie and his son Max - the work on the restoration of the Atom unites them.
When Max gives Atom a voice command mechanism, it becomes the first step in his relationship with Charlie as his father. With this act, the boy surprises Charlie and makes him pay attention. The next step is a common one in the development of the robot and Charlie himself: training. Charlie, teaching a sparring robot combat techniques, again learns to fight. Gradually, the Atom becomes a full-fledged part of the new family (although Charlie does not yet realize that Max has entered his life forever). A new family, in which they fight for their own, stick to each other and sell no one even 200 thousand “pieces of dollars”.
In a decisive duel, Atom takes on the world’s strongest robot, Zeus. He is famous for reading the movement of the enemy. Everyone knows that defeating Zeus is impossible.
The atom falls and rises, falls and rises again. Like in that infinitely distant fight, when the young green Charlie was put “warm up” famous boxer. With another blow, Zeus breaks Atom’s “voice connection.” Charlie has no choice but to “come out of the shadows” and fight: with his fears, doubts, complexes. Defeat your strongest opponent, yourself. And come out of the fight as a champion in his own life.
... Thousands of stadium roared when a small sparring robot, repeating the movements for Charlie, defeated the huge invincible Zeus.
9 out of 10
I will immediately say that from the movie “Living Steel” by Sean Levy I was in “puppy” delight. Recently, there is rarely a film whose characters you believe and empathize with one hundred percent, and inanimate characters - especially. However, my enthusiasm does not mean the absence of minuses, even if not critical. True, it must be admitted that all these minuses were “dug up” like the character of “Living Steel”. Atom, after watching. There are few of them and they will all come in one sentence. So, the disadvantages: predictability of the plot; almost indistinguishable future from the present; children and energy - things are incompatible and show its use with impunity - just blasphemy; as well as small inconsistencies in the plot (for example, when the hero of Hugh Jackman managed to pay off all the debts - it is unclear, for his money came only one "lender").
Then we move on to the pluses and, first of all, this is the basis of the plot. The plot, of course, is secondary, but presented with its own charm and style. Its essence consists of relationships: the father is a douchebag (and sometimes just a charming beast) - a son, almost not much different from the brief characteristics of his father. The Son of God is more than the Son of God. And this wonderful couple played by Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo will have to go through the film together and overcome the distance from indifference and dislike of sympathy and even love for each other. This first and main storyline is set against the backdrop of Robobox, a boxing sparring between robots controlled by humans. People in this sport have been rendered irrelevant by the failure to provide enough “bread and circuses” to the people in the not-too-distant future (I heard 2020). And here's the second storyline: the human-robot relationship. This line, as a rule, is expressed due to the similarity of the robot to the person controlled by it, often not only by habits, but also externally. It seems to me that it is thanks to this technique that Levi managed to achieve that during the fight, you empathize with robots as if they were alive. Perhaps this line will seem “under-drawn” to some and may be right. But personally, I believe that this relationship is also fully disclosed. For from battle to battle, we are given to understand that each robot is a reflection of the essence of the person controlled by it, if you will, the soul. And in the case of a father-son-robot relationship, it may also be a double projection. By the way, the father’s name is Charlie Kenton, the son is Max, respectively Kenton, the robot was called the Atom. The son simply projected on the robot what he saw in his father. As a result, at the end we got a chic trio, which is incredibly empathetic and heartily wishing for victory. Yes, what to say about the main trio, if even a light romantic line was to the place.
The pluses also include the picture of the film as a whole, and how did the robots – generally wonderful. I also enjoyed the music, even hip-hop didn’t bother me. Each of the compositions was in place and additionally colored what was happening on the screen. The actors did great because I believed them all. What can you do, I'm so sensitive. That’s why I’m so proud.
When you grow up on films in which GG fights injustice, fights through thorns to the stars and so on, it is difficult to deny yourself the pleasure of watching another film about achievements, + robots. Yes, robots in movies now few people are surprised, but not always around them revolves the plot.
It’s partly a sports and family movie, although family isn’t the best word. The trailer shows that the father and son meet for the first time, when the son is already at the age to realize that his father ignored him all his life, so their relationship immediately did not work out. And all would be well, because in many movies, people find stumbling blocks, look for an approach to get along, many are friends, although not all. But let's think about what would happen if a boy didn't like robots? Or in the place of the boy would be a girl who, for example, would not like robots. A beautiful fairy tale about the reunion of father and son is based only on the love of robots, which makes it unpleasant. But maybe that's okay.
Battle scenes capture, cause experiences.
8 out of 10
But I'm revisiting the film because of the robots, and I think it's primarily a sporty aspect, and it's a very traditional aspect of the film. Father-son relations are not impressed, tears, so to speak, do not cause.
A good, entertaining, dynamic film, sometimes funny, cute guy, a robot that fits, interesting variants of robots of opponents. A really good movie for a family viewing with a growing boy.
This film does not claim to be highly appreciated for seriousness or realism, therefore, it is not necessary to think about the logic of the presented future, about errors with the “shadow function”, about the fact that Atom has some kind of soul, about the fact that the boy has a decent ability to dance.
Surely especially for the children's audience show the child so smart and smart beyond his years. All these pathetic speeches and so-called “noss” are aimed at the viewer-child.
8 out of 10
What a wonderful movie it was! I did not plan to watch it even, because the description of the plot was not impressed, moreover, boxing in the future through robots - the idea looked crazy initially, and I am not a supporter of such sports films.
However, it just so happened that I was recommended this film and I promised to watch it. I was thrilled! Robots are there, but they complement the plot rather than being the basis. An amazingly sincere film, quite realistic in the plot, nothing superfluous, everything to the place and time - the idea blossomed and turned out to be magnificent. I didn’t see any clichés in this movie at all – they don’t. What was the real ending worth?
But the novelty and brilliant directorial work - I think everyone saw. Here and surprisingly lively replicas of the heroes, a beautiful cast. The boy... From such his energy you charge as you watch, a great role and its performance = Hugh Jackman Always good. And of course, Kate from Lost)
I've always said that cinema should be catchy, like any art. What catches is powerful, has more than the sum of skill and film science, although it is based on them. But it's more valuable in the beginning. Here is an example of this picture.
It’s probably one of the most emotionally powerful films I’ve ever seen. It seems to be a story and shallow, but... this is how you look – but here is life, real emotions, hopes, experiences. And it turns out there is depth. There is no pathos, which is even more valuable. It’s so rare to see films like this. There are no doubtful fantasies or attempts to tell a fictional and not very necessary story. Only one variable has fantastic features and instead of dragging the film to the bottom, it decorates and makes it more interesting. And everything else is a story that deserves attention and... understanding.
I watched this movie for the 2nd time today. The emotions are the same, even more solid. After watching, there are very kind, bright, powerful emotions. Optimism is exactly what the film carries, while being a wonderful energy. And yes, this movie also has a love of life.
There can be only one assessment:
“Living Steel” is a battle, grinding metal, nerves and a new and improved form of boxing, only beating each other is not professional boxers like Ali or Tyson, and robots. Robots have no fear, no pity, no fatigue, and for this reason: Living Steel is the most ruthless sport. But everything in order.
The storyline takes us into a future where boxing has become completely different from what we are used to seeing. People are no longer interested in watching boxers fighting - it has become out of fashion and outdated. To replace people in underwear and gloves came robots, which immediately became very popular and gave birth to a new kind of boxing. Former boxer Charlie Kenton buys one robot after another, constantly failing, as his son falls on his head, who he will have to look after until the end of the summer. Along the way, Charlie is in debt trying to improve his life and finally win something. But all his expensive robots suffered a shameful collapse in the ring, until in his life there is a forgotten living remnant of its former popularity robot of one of the first and outdated generations. With this robot, Charlie and his son Max will begin to break the path not only to success, but also to mutual understanding and friendship with each other.
The film makes you worry not only about the fate of people, but also for the fate of robots. I felt sorry for robots as if they were living creatures. As it often happens, especially in sports, the one in whom no one believes, the one from whom nothing is expected, the so-called “dark horse” suddenly comes out and proves to everyone around him that he is worth something – this is how the robot “Atom” manifested itself. The robot is not designed for fighting, small, outdated, but has a good armor, which allows you to get minimal damage even after the strongest critical blows. I was infinitely sorry for Atom, when during fights he received an incredible number of blows to his body and head, he has a rare function of "imitation", he is able to repeat like a mirror everything that will show him, his owner. This feature will be skillfully used by Charlie Kenton and his young son Max. Also, little genius Max built into the “Atom” voice control, will make this empty machine, literally intelligent creature.
I liked the acting, Dakota Goyo played Max Kenton at a fairly high level, there were of course no big errors in his game, but this is not too noticeable. Evangeline Lilly, who played Bailey – this is a girl in the image of whom I just fell in love, very clearly set the character of her character, in a word – smart! Hugh Jackman played well, I certainly can’t say that his performance was the best of the best, no, he always plays like that, in other words, Hugh stayed at his level, neither better nor worse. The overall rating of the actors is positive.
At the moment, I want to say that I really liked how the robot fights reproduced themselves, it turned out very realistically. Also, the family drama is well enough staged to make sense of even the most sensitive people like me. Robot "Atom" made literally alive, it feels the soul, will and desire, which is not inherent in soulless machines - and I think the main advantage of this film.
In the end, the film leaves only positive emotions and very much want to see the sequel, which has long been announced, but still does not go to the development stage.
The champion is not the one who is stronger, but the one who goes to his goal to the end, falling and getting up again no matter what.
10 out of 10
I'm afraid I don't have enough words to describe this movie. After the last minute, they just ended, giving way to emotions. I'm -- really amazed. All right. I can't remember a painting that has surprised me so much lately. Sure, there were strong movies, but it’s a breakthrough, a huge boom! When all feelings are sharpened, they seem to be felt, touched. I want to shout at every step about this chic film adaptation and analyze the plot in detail. Actually, a small paradox - "details", only steel, and are a key element of the plot.
You only turn on the movie, but you already cover your eyes with pleasure. Late evening, fields, a car and such a captivating tune. And you know, the next two hours should be beautiful. And when you read the names of Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis in the executive producers, you tune in to the film even more and exceed the bar of expectations, and in the end you realize that the reality turned out to be millions of times better.
The genre of the film suits any audience, he skillfully absorbed the best of the best: action movie, fiction, and even family. The plot unfolds in the future, when boxing, as a sport, was slightly transformed: for inhumanity, people were forbidden to participate in such fights, but now in the glowing rings and under the enthusiastic cries of the public, robots controlled by people converge in a duel. And one day, the life of former boxer and misfit Charlie Kenton (Hugh Jacksan) changes in an instant when on his life path there is 11-year-old son Max (Dakota Goyo) and defective, but, nevertheless, not without abilities, robot Atom. Charlie himself lives in the house of Bailey Tallet (Evangeline Lilly), the daughter of the great boxer, who at one time betrothed Charlie all the fighting techniques. And then there is the champion of the league of robots, the invincible Zeus, belonging to an influential and oppressive person. And that's where the director's fantasy begins, and there's a million parallels to draw. First, there are two lines of human relations: the friendship between father and son, the love of Charlie and Bailey. Second, training the Atom for the film’s main climax, the battle with Zeus. Throughout the film, all the lines are woven into one big network, and as a result, something magical and truly beautiful is born.
The camera work is impressive: the picturesque landscapes, the quiet life of the American suburbs and the riot of colors in the overflows of “live steel” in the ring, every look, every honed movement in battle, a tear that accidentally rolled down at the most touching moment, wrinkles between the eyebrows in a tense situation – the camera does not miss a single detail, conveying emotions and actions of the characters, exactly everything – for real, as if you can move the curtains and see the same arena, hear the rumble of the crowd under the grind of metal, if you do not cry out, if you do not cry out with delight.
Acting and directing work have a colossal impression: everything is so sensual, without excessive pretense, when you can not distinguish the hero from the actor because the line is maintained when in an instant they turn into a single whole. The most delicious part of the plot, similar to hot dishes, a subject under the cloche - the final battle. It seems as if the actors deliberately saved all their strength and abilities to just blow up at the end; the most emotional scene is when you yourself sit there on the podium, feeling goosebumps running on the skin and feeling the frantic rhythm of the heart. Agitation covers with the head, breathing speeds up, eyes run from side to side, as thoughts, turning into a formless lump of one question, knock in the head: “How will everything end?” Robots knock each other out, get up, knock out again, fourth, fifth round, fight again, despite the shaking legs and smoke from under the hull, in seconds it all turns into a whirlpool, you do not have time to watch the camera switch from the far to the near, the heat of passion, the roar and bass of the songs (which, incidentally, were added to the playlist), you forget about reality, there is only a screen, only life on the other side, and at one fine moment this movement, reaching the switch from the far to the near plane, you completely take the turn, but you do not expect it to happen with the turn ... Unbelievable. Literally you feel a lump of swirling events rolling through the whole body and with a deaf sound falls down. And you rejoice: you explode with the stands, throwing your hands up and screaming not with your voice. You can't walk away from what you see for a long time. You scroll over and over again in your head, analyze, think. And such a pleasant feeling spills out in the soul, some inexplicable happiness from such a bright, vivid and real picture. Remember every dimple on Hugh Jackman's face, Dakota Goyo's dazzling smile, and the turquoise eyes of Atom's robot. Computer scientists also tried to fame, making the graphics so realistic.
The film reveals the fullness of human relationships, motivates you not to give up in a difficult life situation, love, believe in love and your dream, show that if the dream and goal merge together, then there is no barrier to achieving, you just have to take a risk and step forward, even if there is an unknown abyss ahead, filled with unpredictable events. I am grateful to Sean Levy for the work he has done and for the emotions he has given me.
Since I’m not very interested in blockbusters, this movie went unnoticed for me at the time. In fact, I thought it was another comic book adaptation that I never followed. But in fact, “Living Steel” is more of a family movie genre than fiction, since the center of the plot is still the relationship between father and son, and already in the background there is a sports line about robots that fight in the ring. By the way, I liked the idea of replacing people in the ring with robots. We all loved playing Dendy as kids and going through tough levels. And now many people enjoy playing video games, so the plot is quite modern.
At first I thought I would give the film a low rating. It started so corny that I was just wrinkling with the number of stamps. This image of a failed father has been so erased that not even Hugh Jackman can save the day. It’s time to come up with something new, because the cynical attitude of the insolvent father to the child somehow does not catch at all. But this, apparently, wanted to emphasize the fact that people themselves began to hide their emotions, increasingly showing insensitivity, like robots. And yes, the cars in this movie look more alive and vulnerable than humans. The theme of loneliness is the leitmotif, giving the plot touching. Of course, these speculations on the feelings of the audience will not notice only the blind, but involuntarily touch when the eyes of the child glow with happiness. It doesn't take that much. Just a little attention.
Well, the effects themselves looked good. Willy-nilly imbued with sympathy for this rusty junk from the dump and begin to follow his success story, although you know in advance who will be the winner. Of course, the most important feature was the dance of Dakota Goyo and his Atom. The main drawback of the film was its predictability. All the characters to yawn are boring, and the vicissitudes of the storyline are guessed at once. This significantly spoils the impression. But if you look as a background movie for routine homework like cooking dinner, it is quite possible to pass the time in a wonderful company. And not so many films touch on the subject of fatherhood, especially in modern cinema, where the family genre, alas, was left behind in the distant 90s along with game consoles.
I don’t think I can add anything new in my review. This film has a clear uniqueness and a kind of dominance over similar films of this genre. There is no need to write this great story, it was done for me in dozens of reviews. I want to emphasize only the special moments for which this film deserves such high marks and wonderful reviews.
"You sold me for $50,000, where's my share?"
The script of this film is filled with diversity. We see many situations from different angles. We see a man Charlie Kenton, an athletic build, who does not have a home, has lost confidence, has huge financial problems, so he has to count every dollar. Something went wrong in his life, that's obvious. And life presents him with changes, his ex-wife has died, and he will have custody of his 11-year-old son. Such a turn of events, he was clearly not happy, and without thinking twice, takes his son into his custody only for the summer, after which he will give him to the care of his sister, receiving solid money, thereby "selling" his own son. We also see the complexity of the boy himself. He is smart beyond his years, stubborn, ready to fight for any desire. Charlie’s life changes dramatically, our heroes come across all sorts of difficulties and joys, with which they fight to the end, the son really begins to influence his father. We see a picture filled with the complex relationship of father and son, as they find common interests, help each other, and become closer without noticing it. All this fine line is observed very carefully, and looks great in the film.
I have to go.
- Thousands of miles for a kiss?
The kiss was worth it!
We should not forget about other important characters. A very bright and memorable image puts in this picture Evangeline Lilly, playing the role of the girl Charlie. Lilly just amazes with its natural beauty, brilliant smile, endless positivity and soulful kindness. She tries to provide any support to Charlie in the most difficult situations, and, not least, has warm feelings for his son, as he does for her.
“I want you to fight for me, that’s all I need!”
In the film very brightly look the characters of the second plan, bearing the image of rich and influential businessmen and businesswomen, bearing the permanent title of champions and being invincible rivals for many years. In the film very good special effects, wonderful robots, their animation, elaboration, amazing fights and wonderful musical accompaniment, which is unique for each action in the film. A short but very touching love line between the characters of Hugh Jackman and Evangeline Lilly. A beautiful image of a boy who is very young, full of energy, hope and will. His relationship to the robot in some places is very touching, he treats and communicates with him as something more than just a piece of iron.
Maybe we'll fly by. But let's make it beautiful.
The film is unique, everyone will find something in it that will have to “hack”. The film is ideal for family viewing, for adults and children, there is no cruelty, viciousness and other negativity, the film carries only good deeds, thoughts and positive.
10 out of 10
Living Steel, directed by Sean Levy. The director was so inspired by the story of writer Richard Matheson that he decided to film it. The film was produced by such famous people as Steven Spielberg and Robert Zemeckis. The main role was played by Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman. The world premiere of the film took place on September 6, 2011. The film looks in one breath, and the stunning effects and musical accompaniment do not let you get bored.
The best, I will not hesitate to say, the greatest film of the decade in this genre! How can you not be satisfied after watching this movie?
Thinking of a movie for kids? For nothing! This is not just a banal muzzle, it is something special, it is a storm of emotions, it is an interest from beginning to end, this desire to watch this film again and again.
Of course, the plot itself is quite predictable, but the film is just fine, the acting is also cool, and of course such a film can be reviewed at least how many times, because such a beautiful film as such does not bother at all.
10 out of 10
This film is based on the idea of replacing boxing between live people with boxing between specially designed robots, and it turned into good business. Interesting and even original, but the idea is tempting only externally, because the film itself is a set of horribly familiar and annoying decisions, where the central theme of “robot boxers” has become anything, but certainly not central in its status.
From the very beginning it becomes clear that the film is not imbued with mechanics and robotic mood. A little later it will become known that this and fiction can only be called a stretch. The main character is a loser who is trying to survive and owes money to serious people who do not like to wait for the debt to be repaid for a long time. This character is unconventional only because he is engaged in “robo-boxing”. True, unprofessional, but primitive. Stupidity flies from the picture in the first duel between a robot and a bull (Wild West!). Three children grab a torn robot hand with their bare hands, and carry it away, as if it was not a heavy metal structure with hydraulics and cutting edges, but a soft toy. Everything is just beginning, and “Living Steel” is already embarrassing with its standardity and stupidity. Loser/Jackman has a son. Jackman would have happily signed a waiver from him to continue digging into rust and fuel oil, but then the film would not have been at all, because this movie is not about the future, not fiction about new technologies, but another story about father and son, who have established relations after common cause. Something similar was in the painting “By all means” by Stallone. It seems that since everything in the plot is so familiar, the original idea about the “robo box” should correct the situation, but it does not quite work.
The way of life of the future and the change of human boxing to mechanical in the film is described superficially, fitting into the said words, but not into the case. Usually in fiction you can see a spectacular introduction, where everything would be illustrated, but not here. The film immediately transports to the future, which, with the exception of robots drawn by animators, is fundamentally no different from the present. And how is it that people have “smartened” enough to replace the harsh and health-threatening living muzzle with simulation mechanics, but have not yet learned to marry so as not to mess with laws and children? All right. Any semantic punctures may not affect perception, if the film has a good content of the plot, but here and with this issue there are problems.
The relationship between father and son is predictable. Hugh Jackman can be fun, but that doesn’t change much. Because just as much fun could be gleaned from a TV commercial where he got rid of a fan by pointing him at "that guy in a vampire movie." There are very few touching elements and they are easy to predict. Evangeline Lilly attracts attention with appearance, so that there is no need to think about the insides of the film. The main action revolves around the three main characters. Jackman and his son find an old robot. It is found, and not collected, so that the processes of working with machines to observe is not expected. There is a workshop here, but attention is not particularly focused on it. In "Fast and Furious" the main characters are more interesting tinkering with the engines of modern cars than here the main characters work with the device of advanced robots from the future. And how exactly the robot Atom turned out to be a technically wealthy fighter turns out to be primitive in meaning, investing in an explanation that can be described as “they somehow succeeded.” When he is released for battle, he guesses the scheme “first locally, and then up.” That is, Atom must fight with the scum to get into the ring of the most prestigious tournament and to come out against the strongest robot. This is already “Rocky”, where the hero passes “from the bottom of life to the top of glory”. There can be no doubt about the outcome of the fights. All automatic. Of course, show business tycoons are portrayed as bad people. It's not a problem, but when the main villains in a movie look too funny and unserious, it becomes a problem. And it is difficult to resist, not to be surprised, how much overdone the writers at the end of the film, decided to bring to condition the confrontation between the good and the bad right in the hall for fights. This is not natural at all.
The plot is so familiar and predictable that the originality of the main idea is buried, and the dynamics and speed of action are not impressive, but tiresome and angry. Jackman entertains, Lilly distracts, and robots would look more serious if there were no Transformers. It seems not boring, but not interesting, like not talentless, but not particularly noticeable. Just average.
Where's the progress? Physical labor has not disappeared. Just working, sorry, hacking robots, not a person. For those who have already seen the film directed by Sean Levy “Living Steel”, this postulate does not seem fantastic.
The near future of humanity once again appears before us in the form of the tireless Skolkovo. Only instead of the gloomy man-made crisis of the Terminator or the apocalypse of the Matrix does Levi offer us a more “rainbow” perspective. Passion for spectacles and craving for violence were realized in the invention of a fundamentally new entertainment - robobox. Now rivals can freely maim each other in the ring, tear off limbs and spray engine oil on a squealing audience. As they say, on the set of the film, no living creature was injured.
... Charlie Kenton is a long-time loser. He still has an ex. Sports career, wife and even robot fighters, which Charlie buys on the cheap, patches and releases to underground fights, in the hope of cutting down a little money. The used iron, as a rule, diverge on spare parts in the first round, and the grieving manager dribbles from creditors and looks for any opportunity to borrow money without return.
Upon learning of the death of his wife, Charlie, in his characteristic manner, decides to use this sad news for the benefit of the cause. Properly negotiating, he realizes his father's rights to 11-year-old son Max, but in order not to upset his mercantile native aunt-guardian, cleans the boy for the summer. The boy was with character, but his father’s road lifestyle appeals to him. Together they travel to America in the near future and go through landfills in search of spare parts for the next robot.
During one such night out, Max discovers an old android in a pile of garbage. Iron named Atom is actually not even a fighter, but a sparring partner, a pear for real roboboxers. But the boy caught fire with the idea and with the help of a file and a swear word brought this bucket with bolts into the proper form for the fight. New relatives manage to win several fights, after which they are invited to participate in the main tournament of the country. A good chance to show teeth to venerable champions and at the same time to establish family relations.
To understand where the legs grow, we turn to the filmography of the director of the film Shawn Levy. The first success for the Canadian knocked on the door in 2003, along with the premiere of the live comedy “Weddings”. Then there was the medium-lucky remake of "Pink Panther" and finally a big pile of bucks thanks to the family sentimental film "Night at the Museum." And that's where Levy and had a great template, which he continues to have until now: a touching loser everyday heroism punches his way to respect and love loved ones. With the same tracing, Levy shot "Living Steel."
From afar, that is, at the stage of the trailer, the tape seemed a promising blockbuster and future overthrown “Transformers”. In fact, it turned out that in comparison with the large-scale plan of Michael Bay, “Living Steel” looks like a stunted robot Atom against the background of champion Zeus. No skin, no face. Neither Hugh Jackman’s falsely executed emotional torment, nor Justin Bieber’s dances, nor even the fist fights of humanoid robots could save the project from a natural fiasco at the box office. It wasn't a bad idea. But he died smoothly, filled with crooked hands.
The sad thing is that the plot is predictable until the very last credit. The prodigal father and son rush through thorns to the stars to meet mutual understanding. Periodically breaking off on fierce debates about who to steer the next fight. Young Dakota Goyo, aka the young Thor from the film of the same name, played a medium, but tolerant, good that fit into the fashion trend of the already mentioned Bieber. It remains a big secret how the producers managed to lure a really good actor Hugh Jackman into such a pathetic and drooling project. Does the Australian also experience hardship similar to that of his character? At least when he came to Moscow as part of the Live Steel campaign, he seemed happy and content. But what can you do for a lot of money?
Now, don't get me wrong, the robots are really good. Powerful, brilliant, thundering. But the next Rocky from Jackman did not work. For an athlete who has lost the chance to win the title, he doesn’t really care. Accordingly, it is not possible to feel together with him. And the tears of happiness rolling down the cheeks of the characters in the final scene can cause a bout of joy only in the feeble-minded. It looks so fake and fake.
It was possible, of course, to close your eyes to all this sticky obscenity, focusing on the computer Chukalov, which the creators of the tape lured the audience to theaters. But even here, the authors frankly questioned their hair, forcing the public to look at the monotonous bumps and uppercuts. The intrigue of battles, the scriptwriters, apparently, smoozed from Van Damme’s early films: a good guy is mutated all the way to a state of inconfrontation, after which, in the last round, he finds a second wind and wins a convincing victory with a crown blow. For Jean-Claude, such a plot was the height of creative luck, but, excuse me, was it worth it to inflate several tens of millions into the recreation of chic robots for the same purpose? Only to demonstrate the obvious progress in choreography over the "Transformers" mess?
The young people liked it. The soundtrack is cheerful, modern. The actors are well-groomed, pumped up. Fighters are brilliant. Again, there is morality and love-carrot. Some people expected Jackman to perform his signature dance from Lipton commercials, but it did. To compare Levy’s craft with iconic boxing pictures like Rocky or Ali is simply blasphemous. Even Americans themselves, to whom we always attribute popcorn brains, refused to take Living Steel seriously.
A good family movie with clear moral values is the verdict of most Western films. Alas, this psychologically important bar in his work Sean Levy can not (or does not want) to overcome. From his work for a mile smells commercial sweetness and, no matter how fun and cheerful it was not performed, the sediment from painted smiles and tortured emotions remains unpleasant.
About the film “Living Steel” I learned, watching the next issue, already closed, program “Projectorperiskhilton”. The guest was Hugh Jackman, who flew to Moscow for the premiere of the film in Russia.
And then 2 years later, I saw this picture, and I watched it with my family. The main storyline is nothing new: the father-son relationship is one of the most popular themes in world cinema. I can also assume that the main inspirations of the film were the works of the previous years “Rocky” and “Thought”. But the story of the boxer-loser, vainly trying to improve his regrettable financial situation, is transferred to the future, where the main sport has become the fight between robots, controlled by people.
At this point, I wanted to stop in more detail. Replacing people with robots in boxing looks like a very promising idea, primarily from the point of view of entertainment and humanity. I watch boxing and I watch matches between the best players in the sport, but when an athlete is injured or injured during a fight that prevents him from fighting, or is injured that puts an end to his career at best and at worst, the alternative in this film is very, very attractive. Still, must pass the time of gladiatorial fights, with bleeding fighters and spectators eager for it, especially if the gladiators are representatives of the beautiful half of humanity.
But back to the movie. Among the advantages of the film is worth noting the excellent acting work of Hugh Jackman and Dakota Goyo, who played father and son, the relationship between which develops progressively from complete hostility to mutual love. Evangeline Lilly is as beautiful as ever, she looks great in the frame and is the decoration of this film.
In its message, this film is for the whole family and will be interesting for both adults and children.
8 out of 10
What is a good movie? This is a movie that I love to look at. What is a great movie? This is a good movie, around which thoughts swarm after watching.
Note that I am not talking about any heavy, serious films, which are kind of good for their semantic component, but have some “trouble”, which makes viewing difficult. Most of the time you think about these films, sometimes they even change your mind. But it's not about them.
We are talking about light films that do not require much effort to watch. "Living steel" is just one of these. The film combines action, colorful characters, beautiful shooting, a good plot. Plus timely good advertising before the premiere and a good cast (Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly and young Dakota Goyo). The question is, what else does it take to make a good movie? Yeah, actually, that's enough. But for the film to be great, as I said earlier, it must attract thoughts.
So what is the essence of "Living steel"?
And the point and the point is that this movie somehow gives you hope. He says that even the most seemingly hopeless people (Charlie Kenton) should not be put to rest. On any road of life, you need not give up, you need to achieve your goals, you need to fight for what is dear to you, you need to improve. There's always hope. And that hope comes from the most unexpected sources.
By chance, the main character meets his 11-year-old son. By the way, he had never been interested in his son before and did not experience any “fatherly need” in him. But with this meeting, his life changes. Armed with a child and a seemingly hopeless robot found in a landfill, Charlie Kenton makes his way up. And up not only to fame and success, but also up to spiritual growth, to love.
This film teaches not to lose yourself, not to give up, to love, to look for hope.
And after watching the thoughts with pleasant sensations and hover around this unconventional plot, and look for something else that inspires warmth.
What else do you need to make the movie great? That's enough.