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Short Circuit 2
Short Circuit 2
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Short Circuit 2
Theatrical release poster
Directed byKenneth Johnson
Written byS. S. Wilson
Brent Maddock
Produced byDavid Foster
Lawrence Turman
Gary Foster
Starring
CinematographyJohn McPherson
Edited byConrad Buff IV
Music byCharles Fox
Production
company
The Turman-Foster Company
Distributed byTri-Star Pictures
Release date
  • July 6, 1988 (1988-07-06)
Running time
110 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$15 million[1]
Box office$21.6 million (domestic)[2]

Short Circuit 2 is a 1988 American science fiction comedy film, the sequel to the 1986 film Short Circuit. It was directed by Kenneth Johnson (in his directorial debut) and starred Fisher Stevens as Ben Jahrvi, Michael McKean as Fred Ritter, Cynthia Gibb as Sandy Banatoni, and Tim Blaney as the voice of Johnny 5 (the main character – a friendly, naive, self-aware robot). The film received mixed reviews from critics and was not as financially successful as its predecessor, grossing only $21 million on a $15 million budget.

Plot

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After resigning from Nova Robotics after the events of the first movie, Benjamin Jahrvi (né Jabituya) starts up his own business, "Titanic Toy Corporation", which specializes in making sophisticated toy robots that he builds by hand from the back of his truck. For two days, Ben has been in an unspecified U.S. metropolis peddling his toy robots on the street corners. One robot wanders away from his stand and ends up in the office of Sandy Banatoni, an assistant buyer for Simpsons' toy department. Sandy tracks Ben down and orders 1,000 of his toys. Overhearing this offer is con artist Fred Ritter, who smooth-talks his way into brokering the transaction between Ben and Sandy, becoming Ben's business partner in the deal, and later acquires the funding Ben needs from a loan shark.

Ben and Fred hire some workers and move into a derelict warehouse which, unknown to them, is the base of operations for thieves who are tunneling into a bank vault across the street to steal a set of jewels known as the Vanderveer Collection. The thieves (Saunders and Jones) assault Ben and Fred and destroy their equipment, causing the new workers to flee and preventing them from completing Sandy's order. However, Ben's friends Stephanie Speck and Newton Crosby have sent Johnny 5, a robot who became sentient after being struck by lightning whom Ben helped to create. When Saunders and Jones return, Johnny fends them off, then sets up self-defense mechanisms should they try to break in again. Johnny sets to work mass-producing the toys to meet Sandy's deadline but later leaves to explore the city. He runs afoul of many people, who are rude and unfriendly to him. He befriends one man, Oscar Baldwin, who works at the bank across the street from Ben and Fred's warehouse.

Fred, having learned that Johnny is worth $11 million, tries to sell him. Discovering this, Johnny escapes into the city, is taken into police custody, and is placed in the stolen goods warehouse, where he is claimed by Ben. Johnny uses his robotic abilities to help Ben court Sandy.

It is revealed that Oscar is the mastermind of the heist with Saunders and Jones under his employ. With time running out before the Vanderveer Collection is moved from the bank, Oscar has Saunders and Jones lock Ben and Fred in the freezer of a Chinese restaurant, while he tricks Johnny into finishing the tunnel leading to the vault. Ben and Fred get Sandy to save them, using touch tone-esque renditions of songs that Ben learned on his date with her as clues to their location. Discovering the Vanderveer Collection and Oscar's true intentions, Johnny is severely damaged by Saunders and Jones per Oscar’s orders. As Ben, Fred and Sandy return to the warehouse, the police arrest Ben and Sandy as suspects in the bank vault break-in. Fred eludes capture and later finds the disheveled Johnny in an alley and informs him of Ben's arrest.

Fred attempts to repair Johnny by breaking into a Radio Shack and following Johnny's guidance, but with limited success. Ben and Sandy are cleared of any charges for the break-in and persuade the police to help locate Johnny. An enraged Johnny vows revenge for Oscar’s betrayal, and with Fred’s help, tracks down Oscar and his accomplices. Saunders and Jones are caught by Fred and Johnny and later arrested. However, Oscar attacks Fred and attempts to flee on a boat. Johnny gives chase and, as his backup battery dwindles, uses a crane to swing Tarzan-style to capture Oscar, who is then apprehended by police. Ben, Fred, and Sandy arrive and tend to an exhausted Johnny while the last of his power supply depletes, and he seemingly "dies". Ben revives Johnny with a defibrillator.

Johnny is fully repaired and becomes a celebrity, while Ben, Fred, and Sandy start a new company called "Input Inc." with Johnny as its mascot. Johnny and Ben later take the Oath of Allegiance to become United States citizens. After the ceremony, when questioned by reporters about his thoughts on becoming the country's first robotic citizen, a gold-plated Johnny leaps into the air and exclaims "I feel alive!"

Cast

[edit]
  • Tim Blaney as the voice of Johnny 5, the self-aware robot
  • Fisher Stevens as Benjamin Jahrvi, one of Johnny 5's original engineers, the peddler, later toy robot builder
  • Michael McKean as Fred Ritter, the con artist
  • Cynthia Gibb as Sandy Banatoni, Assistant Buyer, Simpson's Toy Department
  • Jack Weston as Oscar Baldwin, the First Federal Trust Bank Worker, later Heist Mastermind
  • David Hemblen as Jones, the older bank robber
  • Dee McCafferty as Saunders, the young bank robber
  • Don Lake as Manic Mike, the Radio Shack owner
  • Ally Sheedy as Stephanie Speck (voice only, uncredited)
  • Gerry Parkes as Priest

Production

[edit]

Short Circuit 2 had initially been developed with original film's director John Badham, but Badham dropped out in order to do Stakeout,[3] and was replaced by Kenneth Johnson, best known as the creator/producer of the 1970s TV series' The Bionic Woman, The Incredible Hulk as well as the science fiction franchise V.

Principal photography of the film took place between September 13 and December 1987 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.[1] Despite the film taking place in an American metropolis, much of the shots throughout the film featured prominent downtown Toronto landmarks.[4][5] Five robots were used for filming the "Johnny 5" character. Reported complications arose with their hydraulic and electrical systems due to rainy and cold weather during production.[1] The film's budget was reportedly $15 million.[1]

The movie was originally titled Short Circuit 2: More Input, as seen on much of the promotional material.[6]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

Short Circuit 2 received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has an approval rating of 43% based on reviews from 14 critics, with an average rating of 4.6/10.[7] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave it a grade A−.[8]

Vincent Canby, writing in The New York Times, gave Short Circuit 2 a negative review. He wrote: "For anyone over the age of 6, the film is as much fun as wearing wet sneakers".[9] Rita Kempley, for The Washington Post, gave it a mixed review (6/10) saying: "Short Circuit 2 is unabashedly mawkish and sophomoric, and the actors support the technology. But if you're a kid, or an adult with an Erector Set, you might just enjoy this summer-weight caper".[10] Most of the positive reviews were accepting of the film's flaws. Variety added: "Mild and meek, Short Circuit 2 has an uncomplicated sweetness as a successful follow-up to the original robot kiddie comedy".[11]

Siskel & Ebert, having disliked the first film, gave Short Circuit 2 "two thumbs up". Roger Ebert said the movie "will probably seem better the younger you are" but that it was "pleasant" and "entertaining". Gene Siskel called it "better than the original", said the dialogue made him "laugh out loud" and argued that "the movie works" because he "felt bad" when the robot was being attacked.[12] A review in the Los Angeles Times noted that "Wilson and Maddock have improved considerably here. They're just as derivative and glib, but more thoughtful. Their construction is more deft, their dialogue is better, and they make Number Five come more alive."[13]

Box office

[edit]

At the box office, Short Circuit 2 placed 7th on its first weekend making $3,843,067. It finished with $21,630,088, down almost half from what the first Short Circuit film made. It ranked 45th at the U.S. box office in 1988.[14]

Accolades

[edit]

The film was nominated at Saturn Awards in the categories Best Science Fiction Film and Best Special Effects (Eric Allard, Jeff Jarvis).

Home media

[edit]

Short Circuit 2 was released on August 7, 2001, and re-released on DVD on April 24, 2007,[15] which included a "making-of featurette" on actor Fisher Stevens. In 2010, the film was released once again with alternative cover art. A Blu-ray disc of the film was released in April 2011, though no extras were included.

In 2021, a Blu-ray release of the movie was released in the United Kingdom, with several extras including commentary by Kenneth Johnson.[citation needed]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Short Circuit 2 is a American film directed by Kenneth Johnson and serving as the sequel to the 1986 film . The story centers on the sentient Johnny 5, voiced by , who relocates to with his friend Ben Jabituya () to assist in manufacturing and selling toy robots modeled after himself. While pursuing his quest for knowledge and input, Johnny 5 becomes entangled in a criminal scheme involving a stolen microchip, leading to themes of friendship, , and urban adventure. The film features a supporting cast including as the scheming lawyer Fred Ritter and as park ranger Sandy Banjo, who forms a romantic connection with Ben. Produced by with a budget of $15 million, it was released on July 6, 1988, and grossed $21.6 million at the North American box office. Critically, it received mixed reviews, earning a 43% approval rating on based on 14 reviews, with critics praising the film's humor and Johnny 5's charm but noting its uneven tone and departure from the original's ensemble dynamic. On , it holds a 5.8/10 rating from nearly 28,000 user votes, reflecting its status as a lighthearted 1980s family entertainer. gave it two thumbs up, calling it "even better than the original" for its inventive plot and engaging performances.

Plot and characters

Plot

One year after the events of the first film, the sentient robot Johnny 5 lives in with his friend and caretaker Ben Jabituya, who has changed his name to Ben Jahrvi and started a manufacturing and selling miniature toy replicas of Johnny 5. Ben struggles to sell the toys on the street, facing rejection from passersby and financial hardship, while Johnny 5 assists by demonstrating the toys' features and expressing his desire to become a U.S. citizen to gain legal recognition and freedom. Ben teams up with con artist Fred Ritter as a and meets Sandy Banatoni, a kind-hearted sales representative from a local , who places a large order for 1,000 toy robots after being charmed by Johnny 5's enthusiasm, giving Ben a chance to expand his business but requiring him to produce them quickly. Meanwhile, three criminals—bank employee Oscar Baldwin, Jones, and Saunders—plot a heist to steal the Vanderveer Collection, a shipment of diamonds worth $37,862,000, stored in a beneath the construction site for a new Statue of Liberty centennial exhibit at the . They rent space in Ben's warehouse to use as cover for tunneling into the vault. Johnny 5, eager to learn about American history, explores the city and visits the exhibit construction site, where he befriends the naive Oscar Baldwin and unwittingly helps survey the vault's layout by providing technical insights. During his visit, Johnny 5 discovers the hidden diamonds after accidentally accessing the vault, alerting Ben to the crime but drawing the attention of the criminals, who see the robot's abilities as perfect for their scheme. The criminals befriend Johnny 5, tricking him into aiding the heist by disguising it as a game, but the plan unravels when Johnny 5's moral programming leads him to refuse harming anyone and instead protect . In a confrontation, the criminals damage and partially disassemble Johnny 5 to eliminate the threat, forcing the robot to self-modify and rebuild himself using scavenged parts, including a and enhanced mobility in the style of the "Los Locos" street gang, to evade capture and pursue justice. This subplot with the Los Locos gang underscores the contrast between Johnny 5's innocent pursuit of freedom and the antagonists' selfish greed. Johnny 5's quest for symbolizes his search for identity and belonging in human society, highlighting themes of and amid human greed. Meanwhile, Fred Ritter betrays Ben by attempting to sell Johnny 5 to the criminals for a profit. As Ben and Sandy team up to rescue Johnny 5, a chaotic chase ensues through , involving high-speed pursuits, improvised gadgets, and Johnny 5's resourceful interventions that thwart the criminals at every turn. The climax unfolds at the citizenship hearing, where Johnny 5 testifies about his experiences, proving his and contributions to , while simultaneously exposing the heist and leading to the criminals' arrest. In the resolution, Johnny 5 is granted , solidifying his bond with Ben and Sandy, and the toy business succeeds, affirming themes of friendship triumphing over adversity.

Cast

The principal cast of Short Circuit 2 (1988) features providing the voice for the titular robot Johnny 5, the self-aware and curious S-Number 5 model central to the story. portrays Ben Jahveri, Johnny 5's loyal friend and an engineer who works as a salesman peddling miniature robots on the streets. plays Fred Ritter, Ben's scheming business partner who becomes an antagonist in the plot. appears as Sandy Banatoni, a buyer who commissions replicas of Johnny 5 for commercial purposes. Supporting roles include as Oscar Baldwin, a employee and leader of the jewel thieves involved in the central conflict, and as Jones, an older associate in the heist scheme. Dee McCafferty plays Saunders, one of the jewel thieves in the heist scheme. Additional supporting performers feature in uncredited or brief capacities, such as background staff and street pedestrians, while Tim Blaney's voice work for Johnny 5 encompasses the robot's various expressive modes, including enthusiastic exclamations and analytical dialogue. No notable cameos from major celebrities are documented in the production.

Production

Development

Following the commercial success of the 1986 film , which grossed $40.7 million against a $15 million budget, producers and initiated development on a . The project was greenlit by , with an initial budget set at $15 million, reflecting the studio's confidence in expanding the franchise centered on the sentient robot Number 5, later known as Johnny 5. The screenplay was penned by and , the same writers behind the original, who shifted the tone toward broader comedy while emphasizing themes of Johnny 5's pursuit of U.S. and his integration into human society. This narrative evolution incorporated heist-like elements, positioning Johnny 5 as a more independent protagonist without relying on key characters from , such as those played by and , whom producers approached early but who ultimately declined to return—Guttenberg specifically citing the lack of a completed script. Original director did not return, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts with other projects, leading to the hiring of Kenneth Johnson, known for his work on television like V. Johnson's selection aligned with the film's aim to maintain a appeal, though early scripting included edgier concepts that were revised to suit a broader audience. For the robot's design, production utilized early and storyboards to refine Johnny 5's , building on the original's practical effects while adapting for urban comedic sequences. Casting decisions emphasized continuity with Fisher Stevens reprising his role as Ben Jabituya, the Indian-American inventor—a portrayal originating from the first film that later drew significant criticism for cultural insensitivity and reliance on ethnic stereotypes, with Stevens himself expressing regret over the brownface portrayal in subsequent interviews. The development phase thus balanced franchise expansion with creative risks, ultimately prioritizing accessible humor and robot-centric spectacle to appeal to younger viewers.

Filming

Principal photography for Short Circuit 2 commenced on September 13, 1987, and wrapped in December 1987, primarily in , , , which served as a stand-in for throughout the film. The production team selected for its urban architecture resembling , utilizing key locations such as the for interior shopping and public scenes, the on Edward Street for a pivotal sequence, and the Hamilton airport for exterior shots. Outdoor filming extended to 's waterfront areas, including sites near , to capture chase sequences amid the city's harbor setting. The film's central character, the robot Johnny 5, was realized through sophisticated animatronic , operated by a team of puppeteers including , who also provided the voice and handled much of the intricate manipulation to convey the robot's expressive movements and personality. Additional puppeteers, such as Rob, Gord, and Trish, contributed to the realism, allowing Johnny 5 to interact dynamically with actors in real time; director Kenneth Johnson noted that their skills made the robot so lifelike that set visitors often engaged directly with the puppet, overlooking the operators. Challenges arose with the animatronic's mobility, particularly during outdoor shoots, where mechanical malfunctions occasionally occurred—such as Johnny 5's base freezing mid-scene—prompting on-the-fly improvisations by the crew to incorporate the mishaps into the narrative, maintaining the character's in-character frustration. Set construction emphasized practical effects for the film's action elements, including a custom-built interior for the fictional exhibit used in the heist sequences, where the aids in retrieving a stolen microchip. Chase scenes and explosions relied on physical stunts and rather than extensive effects, aligning with the era's emphasis on tangible . The , Bill Brodie, oversaw these builds to ensure seamless integration with Toronto's real locations. Director Kenneth Johnson, drawing from his extensive television background on series like V and The Incredible Hulk, implemented an efficient shooting schedule that kept the production on track despite the complexities of animatronic work. Improvisations were common, particularly with actor Michael McKean's portrayal of the scheming Fred Ritter, allowing for spontaneous dialogue that enhanced comedic timing during interactions with Johnny 5. Cinematographer John McPherson captured the visuals using 35mm film, employing dynamic camera work to highlight the robot's movements and the urban environment. Johnson later reflected on the emotional impact of wrapping , describing a sense of loss akin to farewelling a collaborative "friend" in Johnny 5.

Release

Premiere

Short Circuit 2 had its world premiere in and New York on July 6, 1988. The film received a wide theatrical release in the United States on July 8, 1988, distributed by . It was assigned an MPAA rating of PG, citing mild language and action sequences as the basis for the classification. The international rollout began in late 1988, with releases in markets including on September 29, Italy on October 28, and the on November 9 and 22. Distribution was somewhat limited outside , and in certain regions, edits were made to tone down action violence—such as a fight scene and instances of mild —to secure lower age ratings for family viewing. These adjustments ensured broader accessibility while maintaining the film's comedic core. Marketing targeted a family audience, with trailers emphasizing Johnny 5's humorous antics and lighthearted adventures in the city, including brief nods to themes like robot citizenship. Promotional posters showcased the robot character in iconic urban settings, such as near the , tying into the story's New York elements. TV advertisements and tie-ins with toy manufacturers promoted replicas of Johnny 5, capitalizing on the character's appeal to children and leveraging the film's plot involving production.

Box office

Short Circuit 2 grossed $21,630,088 in the United States and , with negligible international earnings reported, for a worldwide total of $21,630,088. The film was produced on a of $15 million, allowing it to achieve a modest profit after for distribution and costs. It opened in 1,346 theaters on July 8, 1988, earning $3,843,067 over its first weekend, placing seventh at the North American box office behind holdovers like and new releases such as Arthur 2: On the Rocks. The picture demonstrated solid legs, multiplying its debut by a factor of 5.43 over its domestic run. Compared to the original Short Circuit, which earned $40,697,761 domestically in 1986, the sequel underperformed by nearly half, ranking 45th among 1988's top-grossing films. This shortfall was influenced by a crowded summer season featuring strong family-oriented competitors like Big and , which drew similar demographics of parents and children to theaters. Despite these challenges, the film's appeal to family audiences contributed to steady attendance, reflecting broader 1988 trends where comedies accounted for three of the year's top six earners.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Short Circuit 2 received mixed reviews from critics, with praise centered on the film's lighthearted tone and the enduring appeal of its robotic protagonist, tempered by criticisms of its narrative shortcomings. On , the film holds a 43% approval rating based on 14 reviews, with an average score of 4.6/10. does not have a compiled score for the film. User ratings on average 5.8 out of 10, based on nearly 28,000 votes. Contemporary critics highlighted both the film's charms and its formulaic elements. , in a television review with , gave the film a thumbs up, praising its humor and calling it an improvement over the original while noting the plot's predictability and reliance on sequel conventions. Variety described it as a "mild and meek" follow-up with "uncomplicated sweetness," lauding the delightful scenes featuring the robot Johnny 5 but critiquing the derivative storyline and uneven pacing. was more dismissive, calling the film "singularly charmless" for audiences beyond young children and faulting the unappealing adult characters, including stereotypical portrayals. Reviewers commonly praised Johnny 5's charismatic presence and the voice work by , which infused the robot with witty, inquisitive personality that drove much of the 's appeal as lighthearted family entertainment. The were also noted as an advancement over the first , contributing to more dynamic and expressive robot movements. Criticisms frequently targeted the weaker script, which suffered from the absence of key original cast members like and , leading to less compelling human dynamics. Stereotypical characters, particularly ' portrayal of Ben as an accent-heavy, scheming sidekick, drew ire for reinforcing ethnic clichés. The shift to a heist subplot was often seen as forced and mismatched with the original's sci-fi innocence. In retrospective analyses during the 2020s, some outlets have defended the film for its cult appeal, emphasizing its earnest messages about friendship and knowledge-seeking amid nostalgia. However, modern critiques have amplified concerns over cultural insensitivity, particularly the outdated in supporting roles that clash with contemporary sensibilities.

Accolades

Short Circuit 2 received two nominations at the 16th , presented by the Academy of , Fantasy & Horror Films in 1990. The film was nominated for Best , recognizing its contributions to the genre. Additionally, it earned a nomination in the Best category for the work of Eric Allard and , highlighting the film's animatronic and visual achievements with the character Number 5. Despite these recognitions, the film did not secure any wins at the or other major industry honors. The nominations underscored the technical merits of the production, particularly in effects, amid a modest overall reception.

Post-release

Home media

Following its theatrical release, Short Circuit 2 was first made available on in 1989 through Home Video (under ), with the edition including the original trailer and a . The version, also released in 1989 by Image Entertainment in the , offered similar supplemental content and was distributed internationally, including in and Korea. The film received its DVD release on August 7, 2001, from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment in format (1.85:1 ) with 2.0 audio; this edition featured a making-of focused on actor but no additional extras like commentary tracks. A subsequent re-release occurred in 2007, maintaining the same technical specifications without new content. In 2011, Image Entertainment issued the first Blu-ray edition, presented in 1080p with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0, though it lacked special features beyond the core film transfer. A more comprehensive 2023 Blu-ray from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, remastered in (1.85:1 ) with DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 English audio and optional 2.0 tracks in French and Spanish, included by director Kenneth Johnson, a making-of titled " Five," rehearsal footage with the cast and Johnny 5 puppet, a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, and the original trailer. As of November 2025, Short Circuit 2 is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms including Amazon Video, Apple TV (iTunes), and Fandango at Home, with occasional streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Internationally, PAL-formatted VHS and DVD editions were released in Europe, such as the UK version by Columbia TriStar Home Video in 1994; some regions, including the UK, featured censored cuts to violence (e.g., a nunchaku scene) and language for video distribution, though later uncut editions received a 12 rating from the BBFC in 2011.

Legacy

In the 2010s and , Short Circuit 2 has experienced a resurgence in popularity through , developing a dedicated among fans who appreciate its lighthearted antics and themes of . This retro appeal is evident in online discussions and retrospectives that defend the film's charm despite its initial mixed reception, positioning it as an underrated entry in 1980s sci-fi comedy. Fan-driven merchandise, such as custom Pop figures of Johnny 5, reflects ongoing enthusiasm, though official revivals remain limited. However, its legacy includes significant cultural critiques, particularly regarding ethnic stereotyping; actor ' portrayal of Ben Jabituya involved brownface makeup to depict an Indian engineer, a practice he has since expressed deep regret over in interviews, noting it "definitely haunts" him amid evolving discussions on representation in the . This controversy has prompted reflections on Hollywood's historical insensitivities toward South Asian characters. Attempts to reboot the franchise highlight its enduring appeal while addressing past shortcomings. In 2012, Dimension Films announced a remake directed by Tim Hill, with a script by Matt Lieberman intended to update Johnny 5's story around modern drone technology, but the project stalled without production. In 2020, acquired remake rights and hired writers Eduardo Cisneros and Jason Shuman to reimagine the film as a Latinx family story, aiming to rectify stereotypes from the originals by centering diverse leads; as of 2025, no further developments have been reported. Beyond film, the movie's reach extends to tie-in media and pop culture nods. The character appears in minor television references, such as a poster in the series , evoking its sci-fi comedy vibe. Iconic phrases like "Number 5 is alive" and "Input!" have permeated pop culture, often quoted in everyday contexts to convey surprise or a need for information.

References

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