Real Steel is a great, feel good movie without being over-sweet with the "good guy wins" theme.
I'm a huge fan of "rock 'em sock 'em robots" so I was going to love this movie regardless of the acting -- or cliches. But I'm happy to report the acting was solid and believable and the cliches were uniquely done with a fresh angle.
My 8year old son was riveted (as his parents) from beginning to end. I love a movie that offers pain along with redemption and Real Steel offers a perfect balance with both. Would love for a RS2 but not sure if the originality of this movie would hold up for a sequel.