Is Short Circuit 2 Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Short Circuit 2 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Short Circuit 2 Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, Short Circuit 2 emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Robot Johnny 5 moves to the city to help his friend Ben Jahrvi with his toy manufacturing enterprise, only to be manipulated by criminals who want to use him for their own nefarious purposes. Unlike standard genre fare, Short Circuit 2 attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Short Circuit 2 features a noteworthy lineup led by Tim Blaney . Supported by the likes of Fisher Stevens and Michael McKean , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Short Circuit 2 (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.2/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Short Circuit 2 Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Short Circuit 2 is a Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Robot Johnny 5 moves to the city to help his friend Ben Jahrvi with his toy manufacturing enterprise, only to be manipulated by criminals who want to use him for their own nefarious purposes. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together running gags and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Short Circuit 2 Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Short Circuit 2 concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Short Circuit 2 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Short Circuit 2?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Short Circuit 2 Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $21.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Short Circuit 2 Budget
The estimated production budget for Short Circuit 2 is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of Short Circuit 2
- Tim Blaney – Johnny Five (voice)
- Fisher Stevens – Ben Jahrvi
- Michael McKean – Fred Ritter
- Cynthia Gibb – Sandy Banatoni
- Jack Weston – Oscar Baldwin
Top Highlights
Tim BlaneyJohnny Five (voice)
Fisher StevensBen Jahrvi
Michael McKeanFred Ritter
Cynthia GibbSandy Banatoni
Jack WestonOscar Baldwin
Dee McCaffertySaunders
David HemblenJones
Don LakeManic Mike
Damon D'OliveiraBones
Tito NúñezZorro
Where to Watch Short Circuit 2 Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
Amazon Video🏷️ Buy on
Apple TVParents Guide & Age Rating
Short Circuit 2 is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.2/10, and global collection metrics, Short Circuit 2 stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Circuit 2 movie hit or flop?
Short Circuit 2 has received mixed reviews with a 6.2/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Short Circuit 2 worth watching?
Short Circuit 2 is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Family, Science Fiction movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Short Circuit 2 online?
Short Circuit 2 may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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