Short Circuit 2
Short Circuit 2 Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Short Circuit 2
| Movie | Short Circuit 2 |
| Release Year | 1988 |
| Director | Kenneth Johnson |
| Genre | Comedy / Family / Science Fiction / Drama |
| Runtime | 110 minutes (1h 50m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Short Circuit 2 (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Short Circuit 2 are led by Tim Blaney . The supporting cast, including Fisher Stevens and Michael McKean , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Short Circuit 2 does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Short Circuit 2 has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Short Circuit 2
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1988, Short Circuit 2 is a Comedy, Family, Science Fiction, Drama film directed by Kenneth Johnson, written by S.S. Wilson. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. As part of the Short Circuit Collection, it provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tim Blaney as Johnny Five (voice).
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 production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: Short Circuit 2's opening establishes the comedic tone through Tim Blaney as Johnny Five (voice)'s interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Kenneth Johnson layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tim Blaney's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Tim Blaney's storyline wrapping up predictably but entertainingly.
Ending Explained: Short Circuit 2
Short Circuit 2 Ending Explained: Directed by Kenneth Johnson, Short Circuit 2 wraps up the main storyline while leaving some interpretation to viewers. The ending highlights the core comedy themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Tim Blaney. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the comedy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Short Circuit 2 reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Short Circuit 2?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tim Blaney or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: Short Circuit 2
| 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.
Where to Watch Short Circuit 2 Online?
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Apple TV StoreShort Circuit 2 Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Short Circuit 2 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Short Circuit 2 (1988) is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Directed by Kenneth Johnson, the film runs for 110 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, Short Circuit 2 is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1988 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Short Circuit 2 worth watching?
Short Circuit 2 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Short Circuit 2 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Short Circuit 2 identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Short Circuit 2 (1988)?
The runtime of Short Circuit 2 (1988) is 110 minutes (approximately 1h 50m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
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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Part of the Short Circuit Collection
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