Leofwine_draca SHORT CIRCUIT was a childhood favourite of mine back in the 1980s and I'm pleased to see that it still holds up for modern viewers. This is the kind of well-plotted, action-packed family fare that gets by on physical effects and well-filmed action sequences, rather than boring and tired CGI scenes. The choice of making Johnny 5 a physical model was a very good one as you never question the believability for a second. Plus he's one of the most lovable robots ever put on screen, so there's that.Otherwise, the story is fairly typical for an '80s film. There's the 'outsider' heroine, played by Ally Sheedy, who goes on the run from the usual military-type bad guys who take ruthlessness to the extreme. G. W. Bailey plays EXACTLY the same role as his one in POLICE ACADEMY, and Steven Guttenberg is very similar to his part in that film too. Fisher Stevens gives the most memorable and funniest performance as the Indian guy; those who champion political correctness might question the use of 'brown face' but it's hard to dislike his constant malapropisms and his sheer good-naturedness.Otherwise, SHORT CIRCUIT proves to be a rollicking good time for all the family. There are fun references to classic movies, lots of cute animals, chase scenes, explosions, and a wonderful, western-style showdown. No crude or lowbrow humour in sight, but some nice throwaway jokes for adult viewers. Plus there's that ending, which will have any kid crying. The one reason this works though is that Johnny 5 is an extremely endearing protagonist, and would return in the even better sequel, SHORT CIRCUIT 2.

OllieSuave-007 Another movie from my kid past, a story about a military robot named Number 5 developing self-awareness and consciousness after being struck by lightening. With the company who built him, Nova, out to get him because they think he has malfunctioned, technician Newton Crosby (Steve Guttenberg) and animal lover Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy) are on a mission to save Number 5 from being reprogrammed.After watching this movie in its entirety as an adult, I, unfortunately, was not impressed with the film. The movie takes a very long time to gain any steam, if any, and there is really no plot, just Number 5 befriending Stephanie while Nova is out to get him - no twists or turns and no unpredictable moments. I could live with movies with simple or no basic plot lines if there are any redeeming qualities like humor, comic relief, likable characters and action. This movie, to me, doesn't deliver on any of those. The so-called comedy is unfunny, the action is dull and the characters were extremely annoying.Ally Sheedy's Stephanie Speck character was loud, obnoxious, overbearing and developed no chemistry with lead Steve Guttenberg; Fisher Stevens' Ben Jabituya character was very lame with his dumb, stereotypical Indian accent and unfunny jokes; Austin Pendleton's Howard Marner character was overly-excited; and G.W. Bailey's Skroeder character was over-asserted as the supposed villain. Only Steve Guttenberg, Brian McNamara and Number 5, which I thought was pretty cool, had any likable qualities.Overall, though, this movie is dull and boring with pretty awful acting. Watch at your own risk.Grade F

FilmBuff1994 Short Circuit is a good movie with a good storyline and a decent but not fantastic cast.I watched the movie because my mom always talked about it as a fond movie she remembers as a child,but it definitely wouldn't hold up today,the effects and especially the acting is very cheesy,but its almost impossible not to fall in love with Number 5,he's a very funny and lovable character.I wasn't impressed with the cast,however,I did enjoy G.W. Bailey's performance,I really enjoyed his asshole that he proved from Police Academy that he can pull it off very well.Short Circuit is a very fun movie that the whole family can enjoy.After the fifth member of a group of robots is electrocuted,he forms human feelings and emotions,and escapes his organisation with no intention of returning.

deatman9 I remember seeing this movie when I was little and I have loved it ever since. The story is a great family tale thats heart warming and adorable. It is kind of a 80s B movie because the acting is not great but it makes up for it in story line and hilarity with the robot.This movie is about a military robot that is struck by lightning. It gets out of the military compound and now realizes it has gained consciousness. He finds a lady and they become friends and he becomes more and more human.This movie is just great I would still highly recommend this to kids now a days just because they are sure to fall in love with the robot just as I did as a kid.