Shawn Levy's 'Real Steel' is a quasi-cyberpunk movie. I was searching for a time-killer when I found this film, but in the end, I found that it wasn't quite as bad as I had anticipated.

Charlie Kenton, played by Hugh Jackman, used to be a promising prize fighter. As boxing fans demanded more violence, bloodshed and extreme fighting, his ascending career was cut short when robots replaced human boxers. With a rusty robot, Charlie travels to matches and exhibitions around the country, but barely makes a living. To make things worse, he is informed that his ex-girlfriend has just died, and he has to waive custody of his son Max to the child's wealthy aunt. In desperate need for money, he blackmails the uncle and practically sells his right to custody. In turn, he promises to take care of Max for the summer. The father and son go on the tour with a new found sparring robot named Atom which exhibits great potential in learning. Incredibly, the story ends with Atom challenging World Robot Boxing champion Zeus.

Initially I thought 'Real Steel' was the kind of film that was just selling the idea of robot boxing: a lot of action, but no story, no acting, nothing to stir your grey matter, like one of those Arnold Schwarzenegger films. Well, actually, 'Real Steel' is short on the action, because the bulk of the film is devoted to following the father and son.

The first thing to note is how smoothly it flows, regardless of the content. Lately, I've been bothered a lot by recent Chinese movies, whose directors may have ideas to get across, but their movies stagger. In 'Real Steel', the action, conversation, sensation and fun parts are aptly paced so that viewers never grow tired. It is a skill that Chinese directors really need to catch up on.

And next let's get to the content. I call it a quasi-cyberpunk movie because you get to see underground robot boxing matches and a robot fighting a bull and actors dressed up in cowboy outfits. But for the most part it remains a father and son movie. The father, a talented boxer whose career path was destroyed by robots, loses all his bearings in life and becomes a total jerk. Only with his son's help is he able to get back on his feet again.

So look now around you, if anyone close to you is being a jerk, they might need your help.

The relationship part of this father and son movie seems unpolished. Perhaps a little subtlety would help. And maybe that's something a western director would have to learn from their Chinese counterparts.

Last but not the least, the movie also highlighted a dogged fighting spirit. It is the spirit that helped Atom survive the crushing fist of Zeus, and it is the spirit that you'll need to go back to work, however comfortable you are now sitting with your folks at home.

So in the coming year, may you help those around you and be a piece of 'real steel' in all your pursuits.

Before I forget, let's say 'Real Steel' deserves a five out of ten.