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.
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.