Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fewer explosions and more charm than the first.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Short Circuit 2
What's the Story?
This sequel to Short Circuit finds Ben Jahrvi (Fisher Stevens), one of the inventors of Robot Number 5 (now called Johnny 5), out of work and selling toy replicas of the robot on the streets of a big city. Johnny 5 is sent to help Ben and his fast-talking partner, Fred (Michael McKean), fill a huge order of the little robots. At the same time a band of thieves is trying to steal valuable jewels from a bank vault. Johnny, Ben, and Fred are in their way. The race is on as our heroes try to build the toys while the villains try to stop them and rob the bank. As the story unfolds, Johnny 5 has his first experience with city life and Ben falls in love.
Is It Any Good?
SHORT CIRCUIT 2 takes the most charming elements of the original movie and capitalizes upon them. Johnny 5 with his mimicry of all things hip, his thirst for knowledge, and his simple goodness, is the focus. The plot, while complex enough to hold the viewer's interest, takes a back seat to the characters, their feelings, their development, and the measure of their relationships with one another. Only the overzealous assault on Johnny 5 mars the otherwise good intentions.
The filmmakers have also toned down the first film's stereotypical East Indian character and his malapropisms. It's an inventive, funny movie with fine performances.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to be an outsider in the world. How do people try to use the innocence and special talents of Johnny 5 and Ben for their own gain? Why does Fred change his attitude? What has he learned?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 6, 1988
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2001
- Cast : Fisher Stevens , Michael McKean , Tim Blaney
- Director : Kenneth Johnson
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , STEM ( AI ) , Friendship , Robots
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 5, 2025
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