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Short Circuit (1986)

 -  Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi  -  9 May 1986 (USA)
6.4
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Ratings: 6.4/10 from 29,002 users  
Reviews: 75 user | 32 critic

Number 5 of a group of experimental robots in a lab is electrocuted, suddenly becomes intelligent, and escapes.

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Title: Short Circuit (1986)

Short Circuit (1986) on IMDb 6.4/10

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
...
...
Tim Blaney ...
Number 5 (voice)
Marvin J. McIntyre ...
Duke
John Garber ...
Otis
Penny Santon ...
Mrs. Cepeda
Vernon Weddle ...
General Washburne
...
Senator Mills
Tom Lawrence ...
Howard Marner's Aide
Fred Slyter ...
Norman
Billy Ray Sharkey ...
Zack
Edit

Storyline

Number 5, one of a group of experimental military robots, undergoes a sudden transformation after being struck by lightning. He develops self-awareness, consciousness, and a fear of the reprogramming that awaits him back at the factory. With the help of a young woman, Number 5 tries to evade capture and convince his creator that he has truly become alive. Written by Jean-Marc Rocher <rocher@fiberbit.net>

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Something wonderful has happened... Number Five is alive! See more »

Genres:

Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 May 1986 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Cortocircuito  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Box Office

Gross:

$40,697,761 (USA)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Many of the little tricks done by Johnny 5 on-screen (like flipping through book pages in a blink of the eye and tossing a washer into the air in a mimic of a scene from an old gangster movie he saw) were done using relatively simple, yet ingenious sleight-of-hand prop effects. For instance, the pages were flipped using an air hose, while the washer was flipped using a piece of string at both ends sideways. Not only did this save money for the producers for the actual robot and the screenplay, but they proved remarkably effective in getting just the right look needed for the scenes. See more »

Goofs

After Number 5 lands on top of Stephanie's truck, when it arrives at her home he is still watching from the roof. But in the shot when Stephanie is talking with Mrs Cepeda, the truck is visible in the background but Number 5 is not there. Then in the following shot of the truck, he is visible again. See more »

Quotes

Number 5: Okay, to make these golden fluffy pancakes... add flour, milk and eggs... Mix thoroughly...
[uses his own motor to rotate the mixer - the bowl contents splatter all over the room]
Number 5: Ooooo... Still lumpy!
See more »

Crazy Credits

The credits are played out over a montage of scenes from the movie, including a pair of scenes that failed to make the final cut. One involves an encounter between Number 5 and a toy robot, the other involves a scene in a scrap yard where a scrapped car that Number 5 is currently sitting in is crushed. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Community: Contemporary American Poultry (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"Come And Follow Me"
(Number 5's Theme from "Short Circuit")
Written by David Shire, Will Jennings and Max Carl
Performed by Max Carl and Marcella Detroit (as Marcy Levy)
Courtesy of MCA Records, Inc.
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
I still love this one today
25 May 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I practically grew up watching this one. And this film is two years older than I am. Number Five has long been a movie personality I grew to adore, as well as his human co-actors. There has never been a time where I have watched and not smiled at it's quirky verbal humor. I have recommended it to many acquaintances looking for a good, old 80's comedy. The sequel is not quite as up there, but I also keep it mixed in with my favorite DVDs. For any science fiction fan, it can be seen as a classic and prelude to movies such as "I, Robot".

10 out of 10 is my rating because this movie has played a great part in my movie-watching life. I first saw it at the age of 9 (edited Disney broadcast version, with the adult language cut out) and have looked to it ever since if I just want to get a little laugh. And, for me, a little laugh in my otherwise stressful life is a great thing.

10/10


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Remake - apparently heidavey
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