Short Circuit

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Review added by
David Simpson

YouTube added by
Chris Gould

Review added by
Jitendar Canth

Life is not a malfunction.
Certificate: PG
Running Time: 99 Mins
Retail Price: £17.99
Release Date: 19/11/2012
Content Type: Movie

Synopsis:
John Badham's family-orientated adventure comedy Short Circuit, though obviously hatched in the wake of E.T. and Star Wars, manages to create its own identity through a sweet tone and an affectionate sense of fun. Military robot Number 5, a well-armed killing machine, is zapped by lightning during a test and emerges with a wacky sense of humour and a new peace-loving philosophy. Ally Sheedy (who debuted in Badham's hit WarGames) is the animal-lover whose home is sanctuary for a zoo-full of strays and who adopts the adolescent robot. Steve Guttenberg is the goofy but reclusive robotics designer who goes off in search of his creation to save him from the gun-happy army.

The mix of gentle slapstick and innocent romance makes for a harmless family comedy. It veers toward the terminally cute, what with Number 5's hyperactive antics and E.T.-ish voice, and the mangled grammar of Guttenberg's East Indian sidekick (Fisher Stevens) threatens to become offensive, but Badham's breezy direction keeps the film on track. Sheedy and Guttenberg deliver spirited and engaging performances, but most importantly the robot emerges as a real person. Give credit to designer Syd Mead, an army of puppeteers and robotics operators, and the cartoony voice of Tim Blaney: Number 5 is alive.

Special Features:
Commentary by Director John Badham
and Writers S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock
Original Theatrical Trailer
'The Creation of Number 5’
Cast and Crew Interviews
Behind the Scenes Featurette

Related Websites:
http://www.secondsightfilms.co.uk/coming_soon.php?a=206