I thought this was a very touching movie. Johnny 5 is a very sympathetic character with real human-like qualities. I enjoyed the romantic angle and I could identify with all the characters. I bought this video for my Mother and she loved it. Overall, I think this is a very underrated movie and I think this is an instance where the sequel is better than the original. Remember, it's a fantasy - it's good escapism.
51 Reviews
One Of The Best!!!!!!
The__Watcher2 February 2001
This brings back memories from my childhood. I used to watch this movie when I was a little kid and I loved it. Johnny 5 is so kool and Ben is funny. This is a great movie for the family , especially for kids. Probably the best family movie out there and probably better than the first Short Circuit.
Johnny 5 alive?You'd better believe it!
slapmonkeyfilms5 March 2001
An entertaining film,equal in standard to the first offering involving the loveable robot Johnny 5.We see him travelling to the big city where he meets up with his creator Ben.Johnny turns into a more streetwise robot throughout the film culminating in a thrilling and tearjerking climax.Also the use of telephone dialing tones to reveal Johnny's location was a surprisingly clever touch.Fun for all the family.No dissasemble Jonny 5 never!
The first movie I ever taped from TV!
peanutismint9 October 2004
I have just finished re-watching this pillar of my youth, and was reminded of what a family classic this really is! The sequel to Short Circuit is an improvement on the first film, if only for the inclusion of the then beautiful Cynthia Gibb as Sandy Banatoni (whom I had a HUGE crush on when I first saw the film at the age of around 8). But there are hundreds more memorable moments from the film which came flooding back to me as I watched, much to the annoyance of my housemates.
Great film, maybe not in a 'Pulp Fiction/Donnie Darko' sort of way, but great in a 'Bill & Ted/Flight of the Navigator' way, that it's a testament of my youth and will be shown to my kids when I eventually have some!
p.s. anyone notice a small similarity between Cynthia Gibb in this film and young Potter star Emma Watson? Weird...
Great film, maybe not in a 'Pulp Fiction/Donnie Darko' sort of way, but great in a 'Bill & Ted/Flight of the Navigator' way, that it's a testament of my youth and will be shown to my kids when I eventually have some!
p.s. anyone notice a small similarity between Cynthia Gibb in this film and young Potter star Emma Watson? Weird...
One of the campiest movies ever
Knapster1 December 1999
This movie takes the robot Johnny 5 on a magical whirlwind tour of New York. He meets up with his friend and creator Ben Jahrvi they have fun, and Ben falls for an uptown girl. Johnny 5 comes to the aide of his friend and rescues the bank from a heist that he helped! Sounds like a lot to pack into the film but Steve does a great job of getting everything it needs to be into the small amount of time that this film takes up in our small meaningless lives. If you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you rent it. Forget the blockbuster's and just rent this down to home comical romp through the lives or Ben and Johnny 5, I guarantee you will not regret it.
Scaled back sequel
SnoopyStyle4 January 2015
Ben (Fisher Stevens) has been reduced to selling toy copies of Johnny Five on the street corners. Sandy Banatoni (Cynthia Gibb) is a associate from Simpson toy department who runs across one of the tiny Johnny Fives. She orders for more toys which Ben is incapable of making by himself. Hustler Fred Ritter (Michael McKean) insinuates himself into the deal. He borrows from a loan shark to rent out a rundown place across from a giant bank. Little do they know that diamond thieves are trying to break into the bank through their rundown place. The thieves try to run them out. Then Johnny Five arrives from Newton and Stephanie's Montana ranch to help Ben build his toys.
It's a scaled-back sequel to the cute original. That explains the loss of the lead actors and relocate shooting to Toronto. Ally Sheedy only has a voice message. On the other hand, Fisher Stevens returns with the racially insensitive character. The movie is not only lower quality. It is more mean-spirited without the cute Newton and Stephanie romance. It's stupider. Johnny Five still has a bit of charm but the franchise is no longer fun.
It's a scaled-back sequel to the cute original. That explains the loss of the lead actors and relocate shooting to Toronto. Ally Sheedy only has a voice message. On the other hand, Fisher Stevens returns with the racially insensitive character. The movie is not only lower quality. It is more mean-spirited without the cute Newton and Stephanie romance. It's stupider. Johnny Five still has a bit of charm but the franchise is no longer fun.
Even better than the original, a magical film
RachelLone7 April 2000
Number Five is back! This time he goes to New York City to help his co-creator Ben Jahrvi (Fisher Stevens) making toys-tiny robots that look just like Five. And he has named himself "Johnny Five"! Can you imagine what will happen when Johnny realizes that he's in a big city (No one has told that to him...he was put in a box to be transferred from Montana to where Ben is located...because they know how curious and crazy for input he is) and then goes out exploring just about everywhere?
Johnny talks a lot more like a human than he used to, but people still treat him like a ridiculous-looking machine, they don't know he is alive, and they are not willing to believe it. As Johnny Five helps Ben and his partner Fred Ritter (Michael McKean), we can see Johnny is very intelligent, cheerful, full of life and loves to help. And then, Oscar Baldwin (Jack Weston), a man who's about to steal some really valuable jewelry, notices Johnny's being naive, enthusiastic about helping people and his abilities. He and two other thieves proceed to cheat and use Johnny Five. But Johnny will go chasing them soon after he's aware of what has happened. The movie is dramatic, breath-taking, dynamic and heart-warming.
Interestingly, the endings of the original and of the sequel are quite opposite in some way, but they are both happy ones. Tim Blaney, as the voice of Johnny Five, successfully brought the character to life. Michael McKean as Fred, a smart, a little bit greedy salesman, who basically is not a bad guy. He played so beautifully that he made Fred become a very charming guy!
I want to thank the creators, the entire cast and the crew for this extraordinary work. Also, the soundtrack is great. Johnny Five is so charismatic, When you watch this film you will fall in love with this remarkable life form immediately!
Johnny talks a lot more like a human than he used to, but people still treat him like a ridiculous-looking machine, they don't know he is alive, and they are not willing to believe it. As Johnny Five helps Ben and his partner Fred Ritter (Michael McKean), we can see Johnny is very intelligent, cheerful, full of life and loves to help. And then, Oscar Baldwin (Jack Weston), a man who's about to steal some really valuable jewelry, notices Johnny's being naive, enthusiastic about helping people and his abilities. He and two other thieves proceed to cheat and use Johnny Five. But Johnny will go chasing them soon after he's aware of what has happened. The movie is dramatic, breath-taking, dynamic and heart-warming.
Interestingly, the endings of the original and of the sequel are quite opposite in some way, but they are both happy ones. Tim Blaney, as the voice of Johnny Five, successfully brought the character to life. Michael McKean as Fred, a smart, a little bit greedy salesman, who basically is not a bad guy. He played so beautifully that he made Fred become a very charming guy!
I want to thank the creators, the entire cast and the crew for this extraordinary work. Also, the soundtrack is great. Johnny Five is so charismatic, When you watch this film you will fall in love with this remarkable life form immediately!
A basic film that is good for kids even if some parts show a richer vein of material to be plumbed
bob the moo7 November 2006
Since Number 5 vanished into hiding with Newton and Stephanie in Montana, Ben Jahrvi has gone to New York to continue his career in robotic engineering. His options however, are limited and his new job sees him building toy Number 5's in the back of his van (which is also his home and office) and selling them on the street. A chance encounter with toy buyer Sandy Banatoni nets him an order for 1000 in only a month or two. Street hustler Fred helps him get premises for a factory (albeit a condemned one) in Midtown Manhattan. However unbeknownst to any of them the factory is already populated by bank thieves looking to tunnel into the bank across the road and steal a stock of diamonds. Their plans are greatly helped by the real Number 5 arriving on the scene but how will he react when he learns that outside the factory doors is a city full of input.
Following on from the guilty pleasure of the original film, Short Circuit 2 brings Johnny 5 to a city that looks like New York in the same way as a goldfish looks like a shark. The narrative itself is a mixed bag as it runs together plots about toy manufacture, jewel heists, a romance and 5's ongoing struggle to fit in and be accepted as a living being rather than a machine. The majority of it is very basic stuff and just produces noisy stuff that kids will enjoy but will do little for many others. The romance aspect is forced and unconvincing and is the one part of the film that should have been totally dropped. The strength of the film is 5's attempts to fit in and his internal struggle with the desire to be accepted by others. The few scenes that have this theme at its heart are the stronger parts of the film and it is a shame that they are few and far between.
Johnny 5 is perhaps a bit too wacky and comic to endear himself to adults but children (and people my age who were children back in the 80's) will love him. Blaney's voice work is a bit grating at times and is not helped by some of his dialogue but he is assured in the more touching moments while the robot itself has a surprising good use of body language to convey emotion considering it is just a big special effect. The irony of having white Stevens playing an Indian cliché in a film that has themes of acceptance and being yourself may have been lost on the writers but it did amuse me which is more than I can say for Stevens himself. He tries hard to make the material work for him but his performance seems more and more in bad taste as time goes on. McKean is amusing in a fairly obvious character while Gibb can do little with the side of the script she is handed.
Overall then a solid children's film that could have done more but too often settles for simple comic antics. Children of the 80's will probably enjoy it since it is part of cultural knowledge and experience but just don't expect it to be as good as your rose tinted reminiscing would have you remember it.
Following on from the guilty pleasure of the original film, Short Circuit 2 brings Johnny 5 to a city that looks like New York in the same way as a goldfish looks like a shark. The narrative itself is a mixed bag as it runs together plots about toy manufacture, jewel heists, a romance and 5's ongoing struggle to fit in and be accepted as a living being rather than a machine. The majority of it is very basic stuff and just produces noisy stuff that kids will enjoy but will do little for many others. The romance aspect is forced and unconvincing and is the one part of the film that should have been totally dropped. The strength of the film is 5's attempts to fit in and his internal struggle with the desire to be accepted by others. The few scenes that have this theme at its heart are the stronger parts of the film and it is a shame that they are few and far between.
Johnny 5 is perhaps a bit too wacky and comic to endear himself to adults but children (and people my age who were children back in the 80's) will love him. Blaney's voice work is a bit grating at times and is not helped by some of his dialogue but he is assured in the more touching moments while the robot itself has a surprising good use of body language to convey emotion considering it is just a big special effect. The irony of having white Stevens playing an Indian cliché in a film that has themes of acceptance and being yourself may have been lost on the writers but it did amuse me which is more than I can say for Stevens himself. He tries hard to make the material work for him but his performance seems more and more in bad taste as time goes on. McKean is amusing in a fairly obvious character while Gibb can do little with the side of the script she is handed.
Overall then a solid children's film that could have done more but too often settles for simple comic antics. Children of the 80's will probably enjoy it since it is part of cultural knowledge and experience but just don't expect it to be as good as your rose tinted reminiscing would have you remember it.
"That's all we need. A robot that's into equal rights."
Mr-Fusion21 March 2023
If you walk into "Short Circuit 2" expecting something completely different, you'll be alright. Because it totally is. I used to know this movie by heart as a kid, and I'm pleased that it still has the charm.
Michael McKean is a great addition, and he gives his lightweight character some substance. But really, it's all about the robot. When Johnny 5 shows up, it's that ol' familiar voice, and it's fair to say Tim Blaney's voice acting carries the movie. By itself, the movie's "fine", but more fun when he's around. I even had a lump in my throat during the disassembly scene; it's a heartbreaking turn for a kid's movie.
Like I said, it all comes down to Johnny 5. If you liked him in the '80s, you will again today.
Michael McKean is a great addition, and he gives his lightweight character some substance. But really, it's all about the robot. When Johnny 5 shows up, it's that ol' familiar voice, and it's fair to say Tim Blaney's voice acting carries the movie. By itself, the movie's "fine", but more fun when he's around. I even had a lump in my throat during the disassembly scene; it's a heartbreaking turn for a kid's movie.
Like I said, it all comes down to Johnny 5. If you liked him in the '80s, you will again today.
Great movie!
Abusimble117 June 2007
I watched this movie when I was around 11 years old (1991). It was great and I also saw Short Circuit 1. Short Circuit 2 was liked better by me back then and after watching them both again, I still like the 2nd one better. Johnny's voice is much better and he looks better too. The acting by the two leading men and the female department store worker is very good too. The plot in the movie is excellent and I recommend this movie to everyone. There's a lot of junk on T.V. these days and the quality has deteriorated very badly the last decade or so. This movie is the movie one needs to see if he wants to escape that junk and watch something that is enjoyable.
Revenge of the 80's: The useless obligatory sequel.
Captain_Couth8 July 2004
Short Circuit 2 (1988) is a bad movie. No if ands or buts about it. Why was this movie made in the first place? I didn't realize that Short Circuit was such a "huge" success. I mean it was an okay film but there was no need for a sequel, especially one that smells like a bad of old bait. Dude this movie reeks. It's a one note movie featuring the "East Indian" Fisher Stevens and the now annoying Johnny-5. Well this was the 80's and I guess it was written in the contract that the producers made up during the production of part one, if Short Circuit makes a slight profit we'll shoot the "sequel". What may have looked good on paper looks bad on the screen.
Not worth your time unless you REALLY like Johnny-5.
Bad stuff, best to avoid!
Not worth your time unless you REALLY like Johnny-5.
Bad stuff, best to avoid!
Everything the first movie didn't give you...
Xmaveric28 July 2000
It's got humor, crooks, gangs, and graffiti...what more could you ask from a robot movie? This movie really is delightful to watch. It is less dark than the first movie, focusing more on the humor than on the fear of being "disassembled."
I'm not sure why they changed Ben's last name from the first movie. Fisher Stevens is still a humor genius with his little quips here and there. I can't believe that he's the same actor from Hackers.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time (I like it even more than the first one.) I've watched it over 1000 times!!
I'm not sure why they changed Ben's last name from the first movie. Fisher Stevens is still a humor genius with his little quips here and there. I can't believe that he's the same actor from Hackers.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time (I like it even more than the first one.) I've watched it over 1000 times!!
Best Movie Ever Made?
P_O_R_Y_G_O_N19 December 2001
Short circuit 2 not only has 2 of my favourite actors, Fisher Stevens (whom you may remember from the unconventional yet brilliant "Super Mario Bros.") and Michael McKean (The man who needs a mere two-word introduction: Quality Footware). As a team they are tremendous, and combined with the directorial power that Kenneth Johnson wields, together with the charismatic Johnny 5, Tim Blaney, this movie is unstoppable. On a technical level this movie is definitive and as simple as the plot idea may be it is charming and powerful. This is a modern-day masterpiece, and a unique twist on the classic Frankenstein theme. If I could I would give this movie more than ten. FIVE more than ten!
Funny, action-comedy, not quite as good as the original
rebeljenn26 April 2006
The sequel to 'Short Circuit' sees the return of Johnny Five (after coming to terms that he is alive) who tries to make it in the city, but in his innocence, he is tricked into being used by criminals. This film has some humour, but there is more of a story/drama in this film as opposed to the first. This film is weaker than the first one, and the characters seem to act differently from the original film. It is not quite as good, but it does have its moments and some pretty good action sequences. The ending of the film is virtually a rat race, and this will keep the pacing up while other scenes seem dull. If you enjoyed the first one, then watch this one; don't bother otherwise.
Junk
mrdonleone13 July 2019
Not as good as the first part, the sequel lacks style, story and acting qualities to even be capable to be considered to be seen as the slightest bit of good. Rather it's a total of uninterested mess. Sad, really: they could have done so much more with this idea than to let it rot as the junk it became.
A great sequel to a good movie
breakdownthatfilm-blogspot-com19 July 2012
For the most part, family friendly films are enjoyed by its audiences, no matter how many critics dislike it. The funny thing is that even sequels to these kinds of films, are welcomed with open arms by their previous viewers. Turned out I had the exact opposite feeling for this originally. Like most moviegoers, we like to see sequels with the same characters. Short Circuit 2 only provided two original characters from the first: No. 5 and Ben. Before seeing the rest I didn't know what to expect and I wasn't sure if I would have liked it.
Without reading any reviews, I noticed the approval rating for this film had decreased from that of its original. However, I also noticed that Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert thought it was better the first so it had to be given a shot. Surprisingly, I was satisfied more with this installment that I was with the first. The sequel to the first not only improves itself but also involves its characters more within the plot.
Besides No.5, who now calls himself Johnny 5, being the main character, Newton Crosby's co-worker, Ben (Fisher Stevens) moves to the "The Big City" to try and make a living selling No.5 knock-off toys. Also trying to make a living is cheapskate speed talker, Fred Ritter (Michael McKean), who cops a deal with Ben to sell out his inventory so he can gain part of his profit. Fortunately, Johnny 5 is sent to them, from Crosby in Montana to help them get the job done.
Stevens still plays a goofy Ben who still doesn't quite know how to speak correctly. McKean also has some comical moments due to his street smarts. I was amazed to find out he was the voice of Insaniac from Small Soldiers (1998). Johnny 5 is still the same; still speed-reads, still loves dancing, and is still constantly looking for input. Just like the first film, there is a love interest here. This time it is for Ben, her name is Sandy Banatoni played by Cynthia Gibb. I can't say Gibb gives anything for the movie character wise, but she is a nice addition to the cast. What impressed me even more was how the character of Ritter was given so much attention in character development. It was great to see him have a change of heart.
The effects still look good even though they are obviously dated. The music, scored by Charles Fox, made me feel more during important scenes than Shire's in the first film and this made me appreciate it more. The comedy seems to be ramped out a little too. I got more laughs from the exchanges between McKean and Stevens than I did from the first with Stevens and Guttenburg. I can't compare Johnny 5 because he's the top character no matter what.
However, what I really grabbed my attention here was how involved the characters became with being apart of something close to them. Johnny 5 wants to be accepted by everybody, Ben wants to be accepted by society and have a girlfriend, and Ritter wants to be successful (which I don't blame him for). And to see all these wants attained made me feel so warm inside that I was absolutely content to see such a well done sequel be released to the public.
The next chapter of Johnny 5 not only has more laughs but the characters have much more attraction to them. The music and special effects are just the chrome and spit-shine.
Without reading any reviews, I noticed the approval rating for this film had decreased from that of its original. However, I also noticed that Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert thought it was better the first so it had to be given a shot. Surprisingly, I was satisfied more with this installment that I was with the first. The sequel to the first not only improves itself but also involves its characters more within the plot.
Besides No.5, who now calls himself Johnny 5, being the main character, Newton Crosby's co-worker, Ben (Fisher Stevens) moves to the "The Big City" to try and make a living selling No.5 knock-off toys. Also trying to make a living is cheapskate speed talker, Fred Ritter (Michael McKean), who cops a deal with Ben to sell out his inventory so he can gain part of his profit. Fortunately, Johnny 5 is sent to them, from Crosby in Montana to help them get the job done.
Stevens still plays a goofy Ben who still doesn't quite know how to speak correctly. McKean also has some comical moments due to his street smarts. I was amazed to find out he was the voice of Insaniac from Small Soldiers (1998). Johnny 5 is still the same; still speed-reads, still loves dancing, and is still constantly looking for input. Just like the first film, there is a love interest here. This time it is for Ben, her name is Sandy Banatoni played by Cynthia Gibb. I can't say Gibb gives anything for the movie character wise, but she is a nice addition to the cast. What impressed me even more was how the character of Ritter was given so much attention in character development. It was great to see him have a change of heart.
The effects still look good even though they are obviously dated. The music, scored by Charles Fox, made me feel more during important scenes than Shire's in the first film and this made me appreciate it more. The comedy seems to be ramped out a little too. I got more laughs from the exchanges between McKean and Stevens than I did from the first with Stevens and Guttenburg. I can't compare Johnny 5 because he's the top character no matter what.
However, what I really grabbed my attention here was how involved the characters became with being apart of something close to them. Johnny 5 wants to be accepted by everybody, Ben wants to be accepted by society and have a girlfriend, and Ritter wants to be successful (which I don't blame him for). And to see all these wants attained made me feel so warm inside that I was absolutely content to see such a well done sequel be released to the public.
The next chapter of Johnny 5 not only has more laughs but the characters have much more attraction to them. The music and special effects are just the chrome and spit-shine.
Love it
jessie-montgomery13 October 2005
Hey I love this movie and the other one too! they are my favourite and Johnny5 (Number5) or J5 is my hero, he is always kind, funny play full, childish and cute. he is just like the friend I have always wanted, PERFECT! If he was with me and my mates all the time I would die! and so would they. he has been my friend for ages! and If there is one thing I learnt whilst watching Short Circuit of Short Circuit 2 is that I will always love Johnny 5 and no matter what I will never stop loving him of forget him like I done. (I saw it when I was little and after a couple of years I saw it a gen and thank god!) So all I can say is if you love Johnny 5 as much as I do then buy this movie and the first and vote it as a 10 star. it will make J5 so happy I know because I E-mail his creator!
Not as great as the last
Quinoa198417 September 2000
There are some funny lines here and a somewhat credible plot, but it is mainly pointed at kids, unlike the first one where there was a family film feel. This time, Stevens (playing Ben Jarvhi who in part one was Ben Jabituya) and Johnny Five wind up with sleazy salesman (Michael McKean can always generate a laugh) and villains who want diamonds under there warehouse. Not great, but it isn't a complete waste either (Five still has charm). B+
Johnny Five is back and better than ever!
starmaster1155 September 2001
I remember heading to the video store with my parents as a child and managed to convince them to rent Short Circut 2 for more. I loveed it so much my parents would make me promise to not beg them to rent it (for the 5th time) before they would let me in the store. Life went on and I forgot about the movie until I was helping a friend filter through his closet for stuff and found an older TV recording of the movie. I borrowed it and watch, and then logged on IMBD, only to discover it was released on DVD just a week earlier and immediatly ordered it. I can't remember the last time I was so happy.
This movie will always be one of my favorites. Johnny Five is just so charming and likeable. The soundtrack gets is great and fits the mode just right, choosing to forgo most of the pop music for mood music. Even the opening scene music still isn't that far off from from todays standards (I could imagine it in a film today unlike most of the other 80's soundtracks). Anyway, it actually jerked a tear when Johnny got all beat up :( I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys movies that deal with emotions, relationships, and the most charismatic robot ever. When I become rich, I want a full replica of him. For anyone who dosen't like this movie, well, I suppose you are entitled to your own opinion.. even if it is wrong.
This movie will always be one of my favorites. Johnny Five is just so charming and likeable. The soundtrack gets is great and fits the mode just right, choosing to forgo most of the pop music for mood music. Even the opening scene music still isn't that far off from from todays standards (I could imagine it in a film today unlike most of the other 80's soundtracks). Anyway, it actually jerked a tear when Johnny got all beat up :( I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys movies that deal with emotions, relationships, and the most charismatic robot ever. When I become rich, I want a full replica of him. For anyone who dosen't like this movie, well, I suppose you are entitled to your own opinion.. even if it is wrong.
Kind of gems not made anymore
ANGEL-S15 December 2009
Only 4.8 / 10!? Wow, I simply have to stress this as it is such an underrated title here at IMDb. Sometimes you can be seriously misled by vote numbers.
Short Circuit 2 was, at least for me, better then original in terms of script writing. Rare thing about sequels, but there it is. Story was more developed, complex, interesting and characters were more explored then in original movie. I liked SC1, but SC2 was more fun to watch. It has past 2 decades since it was released and yesterday I watched it for the first time in my life. It seems to me as it was not 20 years, but more like 100 years difference. Modern movies and TV shows are way colder, stripped down of any human emotions, love and poetic/romantic views on life, that makes you really wonder... have we progressed in a right direction for the past 2 decades? As cheesy as it seems, this title at least had a decent vocabulary (rarity this days) and addressed many complex things about life like love and understanding of human relationships.
Animatronics, with all it's 'simplicity' and flaws in comparison to modern CGI, at least had something real (dare to say 'human touch'), that also adds to a whole effect it had left on me. Yes, today we have Transformers movies that look perfect, but one look at Johnny 5 and you can see what ingredient is missing... One thing is for sure, this kind of films are not made any more these days.
8 out of 10
Short Circuit 2 was, at least for me, better then original in terms of script writing. Rare thing about sequels, but there it is. Story was more developed, complex, interesting and characters were more explored then in original movie. I liked SC1, but SC2 was more fun to watch. It has past 2 decades since it was released and yesterday I watched it for the first time in my life. It seems to me as it was not 20 years, but more like 100 years difference. Modern movies and TV shows are way colder, stripped down of any human emotions, love and poetic/romantic views on life, that makes you really wonder... have we progressed in a right direction for the past 2 decades? As cheesy as it seems, this title at least had a decent vocabulary (rarity this days) and addressed many complex things about life like love and understanding of human relationships.
Animatronics, with all it's 'simplicity' and flaws in comparison to modern CGI, at least had something real (dare to say 'human touch'), that also adds to a whole effect it had left on me. Yes, today we have Transformers movies that look perfect, but one look at Johnny 5 and you can see what ingredient is missing... One thing is for sure, this kind of films are not made any more these days.
8 out of 10
Not as good as the original, but quite up there.
TheTransfan27 November 1999
Jonny Five's back... is this a good thing? Actually, yes. The good news is that Fisher Stevens' character, Ben Jahrvi, is the star of this movie and has a lot more attention. In the first movie, he was overshadowed by Steve Guttenberg. Also, the music score is cool too. The bad news is that this movie could have been better. Jonny Five talks more like a human now but that is not necessarily a bad thing. If you've never seen Short Circuit or Short Circuit 2 then please watch you may like it. If you've seen Short Circuit and despised it, then don't watch this.
Number 5 Scores a 2.5 Again
tfrizzell4 November 2000
"Short Circuit 2" is no better than the first and really no worse for that matter. Once again it is a fair film about the likeable robot who gets into all sorts of strange situations. This time the naive Number 5 helps a group of jewel thieves in New York City. Fisher Stevens is on hand again, but it is Michael McKeon that steals every scene as a street-smart hustler who is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is. The direction is fair and the screenplay is suspect. Overall a fair film that never does dazzle the viewer. 2.5 out of 5 stars.
Definitely it didn't match the original!!
elo-equipamentos19 December 2017
Lately l'd revisited Short Circuit, a fine movie indeed, but this sequel didn't match the first one, the magic is missing, the good thing as it might seem is Michael McKean as trickster guy who intent to make money all the time with Johnny five, the plot is driven to teenage audiences, follow the steps of "Home Alone".not very funny and too contrived situations make it far away from the original!!
Resume:
First watch: 1991 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6
Resume:
First watch: 1991 / How many: 2 / Source: TV-DVD / Rating: 6
A great sequel
deatman911 December 2012
This is the sequel to the first classic starring Johnny Five. It returns a beloved character Ben as one of the main leads. Everyone does a great job and Johnny 5 is still as hilarious and adorable as ever. The plot is not quite as good or heartwarming but it is still very good and entertaining.
This movie is about Johnny 5 who goes to the big city to help his friend benjamin. He has to help him build tiny toy robots but in the mean time Johnny is manipulated by criminals to do their bidding.
This movie is good and in a lot of ways its better then the first because you see the robot much more and he is where the humor is.
This movie is about Johnny 5 who goes to the big city to help his friend benjamin. He has to help him build tiny toy robots but in the mean time Johnny is manipulated by criminals to do their bidding.
This movie is good and in a lot of ways its better then the first because you see the robot much more and he is where the humor is.
Hi (Johnny) Five! Welcome back
kosmasp31 May 2021
Got to admit, had been a while since I last saw this. And the first one seems a little bit better than this one. That doesn't mean this is a bad effort! Cliches aside and a bit of story hickups here and there, this is more than a decent movie! I need more input you say? Well you are not alone - and no pun intended.
The outtakes on the release I got are also a very nice addition! Sometimes it even feels like Number 5 is alive ... Kudos to everyone working on so many multiple incarnations of that robot! Sometimes even just an arm for inserts or shots you didn't need to see the while body. Anyway that movie magic aside, the humor is there and you'll probably be entertained enough ... just don't mind the predictability and the fact they use a non indian to play an indian! Yes this is not politically correct ... those were the times! But they did mean well.
The outtakes on the release I got are also a very nice addition! Sometimes it even feels like Number 5 is alive ... Kudos to everyone working on so many multiple incarnations of that robot! Sometimes even just an arm for inserts or shots you didn't need to see the while body. Anyway that movie magic aside, the humor is there and you'll probably be entertained enough ... just don't mind the predictability and the fact they use a non indian to play an indian! Yes this is not politically correct ... those were the times! But they did mean well.
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