I never really wanted to see this on when it first came out, but looking back at it, this film has a solid pedigree. It’s directed by Shawn Levy, uses a story by Richard Matheson as a launching point, has a score by Danny Elfman, and features Robert Zemeckis and Steven Spielberg serving as executive producers.

And that’s just behind the scenes.

In front of the camera there’s Hugh Jackman leading the cast. He’s joined by Evangeline Lilly, Anthony Mackie, Kevin Durand, Hope Davis, Karl Yune, and James Rebhorn.

The film seems to take the idea of the toy/game Rockem-Sockem Robots and bring it to life. Jackman plays Charlie, a hustler and has been boxer who is just trying to stay one step ahead of all the people he owes money to. He fights in underground robot boxing rings, controlling his robot(s) which never seems to help him break even.

When he’s saddled with a son he barely knows, Max (Dakota Goyo) when an ex dies. He takes a deal from Max’s rich aunt (Davis) and husband (Rebhorn). He immediately invests in a new robot, and promptly ruins everything.

But when Max finds an earlier model that has some unique traits, Charlie may have a way to pay off his debts and make some money.

But along the way, he learns to care for his son, they begin to connect and with their robot, Atom, they may be able to ttake on the heavyweight robot champion… Zeus.

The effects are solid, the pacing and story are engaging, and Levy makes it sweet and family-friendly without making it overly saccharine.

You could argue that it’s a sports movie, but it’s also a story about fathers and sons, and second chances. Not only for Charlie, but Max as well.

It’s fun, charming, and honestly, it’s easy to see why it seemed to vanish after its release. It’s definitely engaging, but with the way media is consumed today, it didn’t have a chance to make itself stand out. Or last.

For all that, I like it.

It’s got a fun kinetic energy in the fight sequences and Jackman is able to show the character’s growth through the story. And I love that the film is packed with so many recognizable faces and names.

There’s no real surprises through the course of the film, you know going in how it has to end, butt it’s still a fairly enjoyable journey along the way. Jackman is a lot of fun, and there’s a nice chemistry between him and Goyo, not to mention he and Lilly.

It’s a fun, popcorn movie. Have a look.