Short Circuit (1986)

The VHS Strikes Back

Dave's pick this week is the family comedy sci-fi adventure, Short Circuit from 1986.

Short Circuit was a collaborative effort that blended innovative special effects with a light-hearted, family-friendly narrative. Directed by John Badham, the film tells the story of a military robot, Number 5, who gains sentience after being struck by lightning. The production was notable for its advanced use of robotics and puppetry to bring the character of Number 5 to life. Special effects supervisor Syd Mead, who had previously worked on films like "Blade Runner" and "Tron," was instrumental in designing the robot, creating a character that was both mechanically believable and endearing. The use of practical effects and on-set puppetry, operated by a team of puppeteers, gave Number 5 a lifelike presence that CGI could not have achieved at the time.

Filming took place in various locations around Oregon, including Astoria and the Columbia River Gorge, which provided picturesque and diverse backdrops for the movie's action and comedic sequences. The cast, featuring Ally Sheedy as Stephanie Speck and Steve Guttenberg as Newton Crosby, brought warmth and humor to the story, further enhanced by the chemistry between the human characters and the robotic protagonist. The production faced challenges, such as ensuring the robot’s functionality and coordinating complex scenes involving the animatronics, but the crew's dedication paid off. "Short Circuit" was well-received upon its release, praised for its charming story, groundbreaking special effects, and the memorable character of Number 5, which quickly became a cultural icon of the 1980s.

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Plot Summary:

Number 5 is a military robot who gains sentience after being struck by lightning during a demonstration. Escaping from the military facility, Number 5 finds refuge with Stephanie Speck (Ally Sheedy), an animal-loving young woman who initially mistakes him for an alien. As Stephanie helps Number 5 understand the world and the concept of life, they form a bond, while the robot's creators, including Newton Crosby (Steve Guttenberg), and the military, led by the determined Captain Skroeder, are on a relentless quest to retrieve him.

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