Short Circuit 2
Performance & Direction: Short Circuit 2 Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
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 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?
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. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tim Blaney.
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: 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. Tim Blaney's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Short Circuit 2
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Kenneth Johnson, 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 involving Tim Blaney, 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 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.
Top Cast: Short Circuit 2
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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 is 110 minutes (1h 50m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
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 total runtime of Short Circuit 2?
The total duration of Short Circuit 2 is 110 minutes, which is approximately 1h 50m long.
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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.
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