The Quarantine Stream: ‘Real Steel’ Is ‘Rocky’ Meets ‘The Iron Giant’ With A Big Beating Amblin Heart
By Ethan Anderton/Oct. 6, 2020 12:00 pm EST
Speaking of which, it’s Hugh Jackman who might be the movie’s best special effect. He so effortlessly plays the kind of rough around the edges, irresponsible father that it can feel a little uncomfortable when he treats his kid like nothing more than an inconvenience to quickly dispatch. The chemistry he has with Dakota Goyo is the heart of the movie, and Real Steel wouldn’t anywhere near as well as it does without their emotional arc. Like Jackman, Goyo has no problem leaning into his role as a know-it-all kid who isn’t about to take any crap from the father who hasn’t wanted anything to do with him for a long time. He’s the kind of kid who’s a bit of a jerk, but you can’t help but like him. Together, they’re spectacular.
