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Imagine a futuristic version of Rocky meets Rock Em' Sock Em' Robots and you have Real Steel. It won't win points for creativity or originality and many of the plot elements feel vastly familiar, but for those willing to accept that: it can be considered good mindless entertainment.

Aussie-hunk Hugh Jackman delivers an appealing and lighthearted performance as Charlie: a bankrupted ex-boxer who lies, cheats and steals in order to avoid inconveniences. He devotes most of his time to robot boxing, even after owing everyone money and rarely cares about the people he endangers or hurts. When he's asked to take custody of his eleven year old son: Max (played with genuine affection by newcomer Dakota Goyo), Charlie is torn between having to abandon his selfish acts or loose the only real thing that's ever mattered to him.

Skillfully directed by Shawn Levy (Night at the Museum), this is an uplifting tale of a man who finds redemption after discovering the importance of family, hope and forgiveness. It's also a unique character study that demonstrates how someone with a cold and cruel personality can have a change of heart after a good natured event has the ability turn their lives around.

The fight sequences are exceedingly well choreographed and feel realistic and it was even rumored that real life boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard was brought in to portray the robots using motion capture technology. Jackman and Goyo are perfectly matched and you can believe the father and son chemistry that exists between them, but even more extraordinary is the touching connection Max has with Atom (the previously generated robot which Charlie and Max discovers and trains.)

Even though this is one of those films where you can figure everything out before you watch it; the special effects are spectacular, the action is exhilarating and Jackman reminds us of how he became a genuinely charismatic movie star.

Boosted by a compelling script and a terrific ensemble cast "The Ides of March" is a profound and well-made political thriller that resourcefully addresses current political matters. It's a truthful and distinctive depiction of the cynical world of greed and betrayal.

The brilliantly intellectual George Clooney (who stars, directs, and co-wrote the script) lures the audiences in with sharp camera-work, fascinating political intrigue and breezy pacing. He also manipulates the audience with accurate and concordant points about America's suppressed and demoralized political economy, while sending out moral messages about the importance of trust and commitment. The immensely talented Ryan Gosling (who stars alongside Clooney) effortlessly immerses himself into his role as if the character were an actual human being and shows that he has the distinctive personality and bittersweet charm to become a gifted A-Lister. The supporting cast which includes: Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote), Paul Giamatti (Sideways), and Evan Rachel Wood (Thirteen) are uniformly excellent and all serve a purpose to the storyline.

Even though it proves to be too heavy handed for some, this is a rock-solid powerhouse thriller with Oscar-Caliber performances and a provocative storyline featuring astonishing twists at every turn.