13 Robots More Badass Than The 'Bots In "Real Steel"
By Shanté Cosme | Oct 8, 2011 | 9:57 am | Permalink
A robot's technical qualities don't always determine the sum of its parts. It's not a heap of wires or a new-fanged weapon, or even superior programming, that determines a robot's worthiness as an on-screen object of obsession. A robot's "it" factor can be attributed to a more elusive quality, a certain je ne sais quoi similar to coolness but with a sharper edge: badassness. It may not be the most scientific term, but it's the difference between a robot whose sprockets (or cyborg limbs) are firmly cemented in sci-fi history and one who makes his way straight to the junkyard.
Atom, the pile of discarded metal Hugh Jackman trains to be a boxing 'bot in Real Steel (in theaters this weekend) is one such failed attempt. Atom shows promise, possessing the physicality of a true fighting machine, but the potential amounts to nothing but a high-tech pile of steel, a metal-mime with no intrigue inside of his impressively armored facade. Outside of Atom's standing as a heavyweight contender in the ring, it's clear this one-trick robot is all brawn with no real bite.
While Jackman's pal's ultimate fate in robot history is still undetermined, one thing is already clear: There are a number of robots, whether with their admirable attitude or damage-inducing demeanor, who undoubtedly kick far more ass. Atom could possibly win the metal-crushing battle; these science fiction soldiers, a.k.a. the 13 Robots More Badass Than The 'Bots In Real Steel, are bad enough to win the war.
badboymoviestar October 8th, 2011 at 11:10 AM
How is Wall-e and the fem-bots more "badass" than Atom? Who wrote this nonsense?
Michael T. October 8th, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Amazing how the scientifically illiterate writer (Shante Cosme) of this article cannot distinguish between a robot and an android.
MN34 October 8th, 2011 at 11:28 AM
This was very enjoyable! Here are a couple more the over-40s will appreciate: * The Gunslinger from "Westworld". If you look up 'badass' in the dictionary, they just have his picture there. * The Lost In Space Robot was often a comedy character, but when someone tried to mess with Will Robinson, The Robot dealt with, and dealt with well. And you'd definitely want him in your foxhole to issue a "Warning! Warning!" if any baddies were about. * The police robots from "THX 1138" were pretty badass; interesting contrast to RoboCop's badassedness. * Going way back to the silent film era, Hel from "Metropolis" was kind of the one who started it all. * Johnny Sokko's Giant Robot, with his sad, noble face, rocked many a Saturday morning for me in my formative years. * He's only in the movie for 3 minutes, but Box from "Logan's Run" gave me nightmares for many years thereafter. "Fish! And seaweed! And plankton! And protein from the sea!" Scary! * How about Gort from "The Day The Earth Stood Still"? Only 8 feet tall, but ready and willing to vernichten the whole friggin world if you don't give him the password! * There are many more, but I'll end my list with The Robot from "Forbidden Planet". He was a groundbreaker, a pioneer. The Steve Jobs of robots. Thanks for this essay! Much fun!