Short Circuit 2 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Johnny Five goes to the city, gets tricked by some baddies, and then electrocutes them with justice, becoming the first robotic citizen; basically, a very complicated episode of ‘Cops’.

🍿 Short Circuit 2: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ben’s Toy Business in the Big Apple

Ben Jahrvi, now in New York City, struggles to make a living selling miniature Johnny Five robots. He dreams of expanding his business and creating high-quality toys. A chance encounter with a toy buyer, Sandy Banatoni, offers him a huge opportunity: an order for 1000 robots, but he lacks the resources.

Fred’s Shady Deal and a Warehouse Factory

A fast-talking con artist, Fred Ritter, becomes Ben’s business partner, securing a dilapidated warehouse to mass-produce the toys. Unbeknownst to them, jewel thieves are tunneling underneath the building, planning a heist at the neighboring bank. This sets the stage for conflict and unexpected alliances.

Johnny Five Arrives in New York

Newton and Stephanie send Johnny Five from Montana to help Ben with his toy production. Johnny Five, eager for “input,” is overwhelmed by the sensory overload of New York City. His naiveté and childlike wonder lead him into various comical situations and encounters with the city’s less-than-savory characters.

The Jewel Heist and Johnny Five’s Betrayal

The jewel thieves, led by Oscar Baldwin, exploit Johnny Five’s trusting nature, tricking him into assisting their heist. When Johnny Five realizes he’s been used, he becomes determined to stop them, leading to a dramatic confrontation. This section highlights the theme of innocence being corrupted and the robot’s journey towards understanding human nature.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Johnny 5 (Tim Blaney): The sentient robot who journeys to New York City seeking ‘input’ and inadvertently gets involved with criminals.
• Ben Jahveri (Fisher Stevens): An entrepreneurial inventor trying to make a living selling toy robots in New York City.
• Fred Ritter (Michael McKean): A fast-talking con artist who becomes Ben’s business partner, initially motivated by greed but eventually showing genuine care.
• Sandy Banatoni (Cynthia Gibb): A kind-hearted toy buyer who gives Ben a chance, later becoming his love interest.
• Oscar Baldwin (Jack Weston): A greedy bank executive and jewel thief who manipulates Johnny 5 for his criminal scheme.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Johnny Five: “Los locos kick your ass. Los locos kick your face. Los locos kick your balls INTO OUTER SPACE!” – Said after scanning a book about street gangs, showcasing his rapid information absorption and sometimes inappropriate application of knowledge.
• Ben Jahveri: “Number Johnny Five!” – Ben exclaims this in frustration when Johnny Five’s antics cause problems, highlighting their contrasting personalities.
• Ben Jahveri: “Come on! I will clean you up. If you had a mouth, I would wash it out with soap!” – Ben scolds Johnny Five like a child after he makes a mess, showing their unusual but close relationship.
• Johnny Five: “Need more input!” – Johnny Five’s constant refrain, demonstrating his insatiable thirst for knowledge and experience.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $21,630,088
• Worldwide Gross: $21,630,088

💥 Short Circuit 2 Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Short Circuit 2′ as a kid and just being captivated by Johnny Five. Seeing him navigate the big city and getting into all sorts of trouble was hilarious and a little heartbreaking. I felt so bad when those guys hurt him! But the ending, with him becoming a citizen? That was awesome. It’s definitely a feel-good movie that brings back a lot of nostalgic memories. Fisher Stevens’ accent is… something, but Michael McKean is fantastic. It’s not high art, but it’s pure, unadulterated fun. Whenever I watch it, it brings me back to a much simpler time, and it always makes me smile.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of the original Short Circuit movie”
  • “Families looking for a light-hearted sci-fi comedy”
  • “Those interested in films exploring themes of artificial intelligence and humanity”
  • “Viewers who enjoy 80s nostalgia”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril and comedic violence.”
  • “Brief scenes involving theft.”
  • “Some dated cultural stereotypes (particularly concerning Fisher Stevens’s character).”
  • “A scene of physical damage to a robot that some viewers may find disturbing.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While not as fresh as the original, ‘Short Circuit 2′ delivers enough robot-fueled charm and slapstick to entertain. Fisher Stevens’ performance is still…a choice, but McKean adds much-needed comedic energy. Ultimately, a harmless, if somewhat forgettable, family film.
• Roger Ebert: “Roger Ebert stated: “Short Circuit 2’s a delight. It’s more comedic than its predecessor due to the addition of Michael McKean, there’s heart and character-driven motivation. This sequel has all the right ingredients to succeed.”
• Common Sense Media: “Common Sense Media states: “Sequel has some violence; good messages about kindness.” This indicates that while the film has some concerning elements, it also provides positive messages. They focus on kindness, which contrasts with the violence.

Audience Reactions

Johnny Five’s innocence and humor still resonate with viewers of all ages.: Many praise the film for its heartwarming story and Johnny Five’s endearing personality.

Michael McKean’s performance as Fred Ritter is a standout, adding comedic flair.: Viewers appreciate the dynamic between Johnny Five and the human characters.

Overall Consensus: ‘Short Circuit 2’ is a charming, if flawed, sequel that offers lighthearted entertainment and nostalgic appeal, particularly for those who grew up with the original.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Producers wanted Steve Guttenberg to reprise his role from the first film, but he declined without seeing a script. He later expressed regret over this decision.”
• “Although the movie is set in New York City, much of the filming took place in Toronto, Canada. Hamilton, Ontario, Canada was also used for the airport sequence.”
• “Ally Sheedy, who played Stephanie Speck in the first movie, only provided a voice cameo in Short Circuit 2.”

🖥️ How to Watch Short Circuit 2?

Short Circuit 2 is available for rent or purchase on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability and pricing. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also available from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Short Circuit 2, you might like these similar films:

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Shares the theme of an innocent, non-human being befriending humans and learning about the world, with a focus on empathy and understanding.
• RoboCop (1987): Features a robot character adapting to human society, but with a darker, more action-oriented approach. Relevant due to the 80s setting and robot theme.
• Wall-E (2008): A heartwarming animated film about a robot developing a personality and experiencing emotions, echoing Johnny Five’s journey.
• Flight of the Navigator (1986): A boy travels to the future and befriends an intelligent alien robot. Shares the theme of friendship, adventure, and the wonder of technology.

🛒 Short Circuit 2 Related Products

• Short Circuit & Short Circuit 2 [Blu-ray]: Get both classic movies in high definition. A perfect gift for fans of Johnny Five. The quality is top-notch and worth every cent.
• Johnny 5 T-Shirt: A stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic Johnny 5 robot. Made with high-quality material and a unique design, this shirt is perfect for fans of the ‘Short Circuit’ movies.
• Johnny Five Collectible Figurine: A meticulously crafted figurine of Johnny Five, perfect for collectors and fans. Features detailed design and high-quality materials. A must-have for any fan of the series.
• DIY Robot Kit – Johnny 5 Inspired: Build your own Johnny 5 inspired robot. This kit includes all the necessary components and instructions to create a miniature version of the beloved robot. A fun and educational project for all ages.

🎧 Soundtrack

Short Circuit 2 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Holding Out For A Hero” – performed by Bonnie Tyler
• “Come On Eileen” – performed by Dexys Midnight Runners

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 brought Johnny 5 to life? Adam Savage gets up close with an original prop from Short Circuit, and it’s seriously cool to see the details!

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

Remember the controversy around Fisher Stevens’ role? Aziz Ansari tackles it head-on in this hilarious Conan clip. It’s a great way to lighten the mood and revisit a tricky part of the movie.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Short Circuit 2

Think you know everything about Short Circuit 2? This video drops some awesome behind-the-scenes facts that’ll surprise you. I definitely learned a few new things!

✨ Rate