Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Funny, bullet-proof robot might charm older kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Short Circuit
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 18 parent reviews
Based on 10 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a humorous and entertaining robot comedy from the 80s, although it features frequent swearing and some violence that may not be suitable for younger children. While praised for its comedic moments and lovable robot character, some reviews feel it lacks originality and depth compared to similar films.
- humorous
- suitable for tweens
- frequent swearing
- lacks originality
- entertaining family film
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Five robots have been developed to be used in wartime. They're powerful fighting machines. During a storm, lightning strikes one of the robots. "Number 5" malfunctions and escapes from the compound. Hiding out with Stephanie (Ally Sheedy), the robot surprisingly begins to take on the characteristics of a human being. While the security team from the company sets out to find and destroy Number 5 before it blows anything up, Newton (Steve Guttenberg) and Ben (Fisher Stevens), the scientists who created the robot, try to find him first and save him.
Is It Any Good?
It doesn't get much more simplistic than this. The good guys are good; the bad guys are bad; nobody changes much. But the ride has its message and its moments. The message: it's wrong to kill. The moments come when Number 5 meets '80s culture, particularly TV, movies, and commercialism.
The highlight is when the robot mimics what he takes in around him, imitating John Wayne, The Three Stooges, George Raft, and John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. This movie is fun and harmless if viewers can get past the skin-deep characters (and performances), unnecessarily fiery battle sequences, and the lighter-than-air, obligatory romance.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the fighting in Short Circuit looks less than real. Why does no one get hurt in all the gunfire?
What makes Number 5 think he's alive? What human feelings does he begin to have?
How does the movie show that Stephanie is a caring person? Why is Ben funny? Do people from India really sound like Ben?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 9, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : March 23, 2004
- Cast : Ally Sheedy , Fisher Stevens , Steve Guttenberg
- Director : John Badham
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , STEM ( AI ) , Arts , Friendship , Robots
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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