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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 29,043 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)

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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:

Life is not a malfunction. 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

As per the original movie's attempt to portray a living robot in the "real world", every part of Johnny and his brethren was built to have a specific, logical purpose behind them; this was originally a source of contention between the director and the prop designer, the latter of whom insisted on giving Johnny "eyes" to give the character a method of visually expressing emotion. As a result, Johnny's iconic "eyelids" were created, with the explanation that they were sun guards/camera coverings. See more »

Goofs

When Crosby manipulates the robot arm to play the keyboard, the keys the robot fingers are pressing do not correspond to the notes that we hear. See more »

Quotes

Number 5: Benjamin Jabituya, delete.
Benjamin Jabituya: No, wait! Rethink yourself!
Number 5: Exit. Depart. Leave.
Benjamin Jabituya: Feel my dust, Newton Crosby. Let us break wind.
[leaves]
Number 5: Newton Crosby, no run, no talk, drive.
[Crosby stalls]
Number 5: Today, Crosby! Today!
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 Muppet Babies: ...At the Movies (1990) 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

 
A sweet and genuine comedy
17 September 2000 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

I think anyone any age can appreciate this film, and some might even find it funny. Not terribly funny, but just good. The plot involves a robot (#5) who after getting electricuted, becomes malfunctioned, in a good way (the robot thinks it's alive). And some light hearted comedy (and some messages about life) ensues. Nice to watch on a weekend day. A-


17 of 18 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Favourite Johnny 5 quote overwatch17
Johnny 5...or Wall-E!!?? sampurdon
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500 things learned from watching short circuit. Nickrj
Who cried at the ending of this movie?? c_rese19
Remake - apparently heidavey
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