See 'Real Steel' robots today outside ballpark

Posted: September 15, 2011

The Phillies may play like machines, but Citizens Bank Park will have two one-ton, 8-foot Hollywood robots on view today, starting at noon.

The appearance is to promote a new movie, Real Steel, starring Hugh Jackman, that's a cross - a right cross? - between Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots and Rocky.

Alternatively, it's a lightweight version of Transformers, which featured bots as big as buildings.

Jackman plays a down-on-his-luck boxer, whose career ends when mechanical maulers take over the ring. Soon Jackman, with the help of his young son, is developing his own robo-Joe Frazier to make a vicarious comeback.

The visiting robots, "hero" Atom and "low-rent" Ambush, were used in the making of the film, but will just be on display and won't show off any moves - or sign autographs, according to a publicist.

No films stars will be in attendance, but people can pose for pictures with the robots.

With the Phillies playing a day-night doubleheader today against the Florida Marlins, the gear-giants are bounds to be seen by many fans. They'll be near the Third Base Gate until 7:30 p.m., just before the start of the second game.

The PG-13 DreamWorks flick, which costars Evangeline Lilly of "Lost" fame, opens nationwide Oct. 7.


Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.

|
|
|
|
|