Trailers
Description
After a lightning bolt zaps a robot named Number 5, the lovable machine starts to think he's human and escapes the lab. Hot on his trail is his designer, Newton, who hopes to get to Number 5 before the military does. In the meantime, a spunky animal lover mistakes the robot for an alien and takes him in, teaching her new guest about life on Earth.
Starring
Awards
Key opinion
Short Circuit is widely regarded as a nostalgic, heartwarming science fiction classic that excels through its innovative practical robot effects and the charming personality of Johnny 5. While audiences largely praise its kind-hearted humor and family-friendly appeal, critics are divided on the screenplay's depth, with some finding it a delightful exploration of AI consciousness and others dismissing the narrative as inconsistent or underdeveloped.
| Production | The mechanical design of Johnny 5 remains a technical marvel, utilizing complex real-world robotics and practical effects that hold up better than many later CGI creations. | |
| Emotion | The emotional core of the film is anchored by the robot's journey toward self-awareness, which effectively challenges the audience to empathize with a non-human character. | |
| Acting | Steve Guttenberg and the supporting cast provide grounded, memorable performances that successfully balance the film's shift between lighthearted comedy and dramatic stakes. | |
| Pacing | The film functions as a light, accessible comedy for families, though some viewers feel it is weighed down by excessive or tonally inconsistent military subplots. | |
| Screenplay | Opinions on the screenplay are divided; supporters laud its optimistic, philosophical look at AI sentience, while detractors view the logic as naive and the character development as lacking. |