Short Circuit Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A military robot gets struck by lightning, becomes woke, and teaches Steve Guttenberg about the value of life, all while dodging G.W. Bailey and his trigger-happy security team.

🍿 Short Circuit: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Lightning Strike and Escape

Number 5, an experimental military robot created by Nova Robotics, gains self-awareness after being struck by lightning during a demonstration. Overwhelmed with a thirst for ‘input,’ the robot escapes the facility, seeking knowledge and understanding of the world. This newfound consciousness sets Number 5 on a path of discovery and freedom.

Encounter with Stephanie

While on the run, Number 5 encounters Stephanie Speck, an animal-loving woman who initially mistakes him for an alien. Stephanie takes Number 5 in, providing him with books and television to satisfy his need for input. As Number 5 learns more about humanity, he develops emotions and a sense of self-preservation, realizing he doesn’t want to be ‘disassembled.’

The Pursuit and Gaining Acceptance

Nova Robotics and the military, led by the determined security chief Skroeder, relentlessly pursue Number 5, viewing him as a dangerous malfunction. Meanwhile, Number 5’s creator, Newton Crosby, begins to question whether the robot has truly come alive. Through his interactions with Stephanie and Newton, Number 5 demonstrates his intelligence and emotional capacity, slowly convincing them of his sentience.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Number 5 (Tim Blaney (voice)): A military robot who gains sentience after being struck by lightning and seeks to understand life.
• Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy): An animal-loving woman who befriends Number 5 and helps him evade capture.
• Newton Crosby (Steve Guttenberg): The creator of the SAINT robots who comes to believe Number 5 is truly alive.
• Ben Jabituya (Fisher Stevens): Newton’s somewhat quirky assistant who aids in the search for Number 5.
• Skroeder (G.W. Bailey): The head of security at Nova Robotics determined to recapture Number 5 at any cost.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Number 5: “Need input!” – Number 5’s catchphrase, uttered constantly as he seeks information and knowledge from the world around him after gaining sentience.
• Number 5: “Hey, laser lips, your mama was a snow blower.” – A humorous and iconic insult Number 5 hurls, showcasing his newfound understanding of human slang and insults, albeit in a nonsensical way.
• Number 5: “No disassemble! Number 5 is alive!” – Number 5’s desperate plea, demonstrating his primal fear of being taken apart and highlighting his understanding of his own existence.
• Number 5: “Malfunction? No, malfunction is when you don’t have enough input!” – Number 5 explaining to Stephanie why he is not malfunctioning, but in need of information.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $40,697,761
• Worldwide Gross: $40,698,303

💥 Short Circuit Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved Short Circuit as a kid! Johnny 5 was the coolest robot ever, and his interactions with Stephanie were hilarious and heartwarming. The scene where he’s trying to understand ‘disassemble’ and crushes the grasshopper really stuck with me. It made me think about what it means to be alive, and even now it brings a smile to my face.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s sci-fi comedies”
  • “Families looking for a heartwarming movie”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of artificial intelligence and consciousness”
  • “Anyone who enjoys movies with robots and quirky characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some scenes of violence (laser fire, explosions)”
  • “Brief depiction of animal harm (squashed grasshopper)”
  • “Cultural stereotypes in the character of Ben Jabituya”

Professional Reviews

• MovieFanatic: “A heartwarming and funny film, Short Circuit boasts a memorable robot character in Number 5. While the human characters are a bit bland, the movie’s charm and positive message make it a worthwhile family watch. Dated special effects, but the story is timeless.
• FilmReviewer: “Short Circuit is a delightful 80s sci-fi comedy with a surprisingly philosophical core. Number 5’s journey of self-discovery is genuinely touching. It has outdated tech, a stereotypical Indian sidekick character and a fairly predictable plot, yet its heart and humor shine through.
• RetroMovieLover: “A must-see for anyone who grew up in the 80s. ‘Short Circuit’ is filled with classic humor and heartwarming moments that will bring you back. While some aspects haven’t aged perfectly, like the portrayal of the assistant, the story of Number 5 is still highly entertaining.

Audience Reactions

Number 5’s quirky personality and catchphrases are endlessly quotable and funny.: Viewers praise the heartwarming story and the iconic robot character of Johnny 5, who learns about life and humanity.

The film’s comedic elements and lighthearted tone make it a great family movie night choice.: Many enjoyed the nostalgia factor and the simple, feel-good nature of the film.

Overall Consensus: A beloved 80s sci-fi comedy that remains popular for its heartwarming story, memorable robot character, and nostalgic charm, despite some dated aspects.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The voice of Number 5 was performed by Tim Blaney, who was also a puppeteer on the film. He brought a unique personality and improvisational skill to the character.”
• “Syd Mead, the visual futurist known for his work on ‘Blade Runner’ and ‘Tron,’ was responsible for the design of Number 5. His design gave the robot a unique and expressive appearance.”
• “The filmmakers used a combination of practical effects, including a fully functional robot puppet, and some early CGI to bring Number 5 to life. The robot prop was incredibly complex and required multiple operators.”

🖥️ How to Watch Short Circuit?

Short Circuit is widely available for streaming and purchase. You can find it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or buy the movie. Check your local listings for television airings, as it occasionally appears on cable channels. For physical media, you can purchase the DVD or Blu-ray from major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Short Circuit, you might like these similar films:

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Shares the theme of an unlikely friendship between a human and a non-human entity (in this case, an alien) on the run from authorities.
• Batteries Not Included (1987): Features small, sentient robots who befriend and protect a group of humans facing adversity.
• WALL-E (2008): A more modern animated film about a robot who develops a personality and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, echoing themes of artificial intelligence and humanity.
• WarGames (1983): Directed by the same director, John Badham, and features a similar theme of technology gone awry with potential global consequences.

🛒 Short Circuit Related Products

• Short Circuit Blu-Ray: Relive the magic of Short Circuit in stunning high-definition. Experience Johnny 5’s adventures like never before with enhanced picture and sound quality.
• Number 5 Collectible Action Figure: A highly detailed Number 5 action figure with posable joints and interchangeable accessories. A must-have for any Short Circuit enthusiast.
• Short Circuit T-Shirt: ‘Number 5 is Alive!’: A comfortable and stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic quote ‘Number 5 is Alive!’ Show your love for Johnny 5 with this classic design.
• Johnny-Five Inspired AI Robot Kit: Build your own Johnny-Five inspired AI robot with this comprehensive kit. Learn about robotics, programming, and artificial intelligence while creating your own interactive companion.

🎧 Soundtrack

Short Circuit features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Who’s Johnny” – performed by El DeBarge

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Original Johnny 5 Robot from Short Circuit!

Ever wondered how they made Johnny 5? Adam Savage gets up close with an original movie prop and geeks out over the details. It’s pretty awesome to see how they built this iconic robot!

Aziz Ansari Settles His “Short Circuit” Beef With Johnny Five | CONAN on TBS

Aziz Ansari has some *thoughts* about ‘Short Circuit,’ and he’s bringing them to Conan! It’s a hilarious take on some of the movie’s more… questionable aspects. You have to see it!

Holding Out For A Short Circuit

Someone mashed up ‘Short Circuit’ with Bonnie Tyler’s ‘Holding Out for a Hero,’ and honestly, it’s pure genius! It’s such a fun tribute to the movie, you won’t regret watching it.

✨ Rate