Short Circuit... Still Got It After All These Years!

Okay, so I re-watched 'Short Circuit' the other day, and I gotta say, it still holds up surprisingly well! I’m Priya from priyawatches, by the way, and I usually dive into more international stuff, but sometimes you just need a dose of 80s nostalgia, right? I mean, sure, the special effects are a little dated, but Number 5's charm is timeless. Seriously, that robot is adorable. The whole concept of a military robot getting struck by lightning and suddenly developing a personality? Pure genius. I kept thinking about how this concept relates to other films where artificial intelligence becomes self-aware - there's a lot there! What really struck me this time (no pun intended!) was Ally Sheedy's character, Stephanie. She's so kind and patient with Number 5, even when he's being a total goofball and misunderstanding everything. And the scene where he's devouring all those books, desperately trying to learn? Heartwarming! Fisher Stevens' portrayal of Ben Jabituya… well, that's a little cringey by today's standards, I'll admit. It's one of those things you look back on and think, 'wow, that really wouldn't fly now'. But the rest of the movie is mostly harmless, fun. Newton Crosby, the creator, is so funny too, as he can’t quite undertsand what’s happening and is chasing his creation. There is also this whole theme about ‘being alive’ and Number 5’s journey to not be disassembled (killed) and his existential question of what this feeling of being alive is like. I’m getting quite existential, aren’t I? Anyway, if you're looking for a feel-good movie with a sci-fi twist, and you're willing to forgive some 80s cheese, 'Short Circuit' is still a winner. If you haven't seen it, or haven't seen it in ages, give it a whirl. And let me know what you think! Especially if you have thoughts on similar robots that make films like this and what makes each unique. I am curious what your thoughts are?