Short Circuit 1986

Following his departure from Nova Robotics after the events of the first film, Benjamin Jahveri (formerly known as Jabituya) dives into a fresh venture: the Titanic Toy Corporation. This new company specializes in the intricate, handcrafted assembly of toy robots from the back of his truck. Over the span of two bustling days, Ben traverses the streets of an unnamed American city, showcasing his creations to unsuspecting passersby. One of his robots strays from its intended display and finds its way into the office of Sandy Banatoni, an assistant buyer for Simpsons’ toy division. Captivated by Ben’s craftsmanship, Sandy places a significant order for 1,000 units. However, unbeknownst to Ben, the slick con artist Fred Ritter intercepts her proposal, effortlessly facilitating the agreement between Ben and Sandy while securing funds through less-than-legal channels.

As Ben and Fred set up their operations within a decrepit warehouse, they inadvertently uncover the hideout of crooks Saunders and Jones, who have sinister plans to tunnel into a nearby bank vault and steal the priceless Vanderveer Collection. A fierce confrontation with the thieves ensues, resulting in the destruction of Ben and Fred’s equipment and causing their workers to scatter in fear, ultimately jeopardizing Sandy’s order. Luckily, Ben’s friends Stephanie Speck and Newton Crosby intervene by deploying Johnny 5, a sentient robot that Ben had previously helped create. This remarkable robot, which gained artificial intelligence after a fateful lightning strike, becomes an exceptional guardian. When Sanchez and Jones return, Johnny wards them off and cleverly sets up intricate defense mechanisms to thwart any future attempts at intrusion.

As the countdown to Sandy’s order deadline ticks away, Johnny 5 takes on the crucial task of mass-producing the toys. It soon ventures into the bustling city, facing several individuals who react with hostility towards its robotic nature. However, Oscar Baldwin, a bank employee from across the street, shows compassion towards the mechanical marvel. Meanwhile, Fred realizes Johnny 5’s immense worth, estimated at a staggering $11 million, and schemes to sell it to the highest bidder. Infuriated by this betrayal, Johnny escapes into the chaos of the city but is soon captured by the police and transported to a facility filled with stolen goods. Eventually, Ben rescues Johnny, who utilizes its impressive abilities to aid him in pursuing Sandy’s affections.

As the deadline approaches for relocating the Vanderveer Collection from its bank vault, Saunders and Jones resort to extreme measures to secure their ill-gotten gains. They lock Ben and Fred inside a walk-in freezer at a nearby Chinese restaurant, effectively isolating them in a soundproof chamber. Meanwhile, Oscar manipulates events from behind the scenes, cunningly directing Johnny to complete the tunnel that will lead them to the coveted treasure.

Ben and Fred’s situation worsens when Sandy, the object of Ben’s affection, unwittingly finds herself caught in their predicament. Utilizing the melodies Ben had learned on their date as covert clues, Sandy embarks on a mission to rescue her trapped friends from the cold, dark confines. Upon locating them, a shocking twist unfolds: Johnny has become a pawn in Saunders and Jones’ treachery at Oscar’s direction.

Together, Ben, Fred, and Sandy return to their warehouse hideout, only to face the authorities, who suspect them of being linked to the bank heist. Fred manages a narrow escape but soon discovers a disheveled Johnny in an alleyway, delivering the unsettling news of Ben’s arrest. Fortunately, their luck changes when they are cleared of any wrongdoing, but relief is short-lived.

Driven by vengeance, Johnny seeks retribution against Oscar’s betrayal. Fred unites with Johnny, and together they track down the mastermind and his accomplices. In a climactic showdown, Saunders and Jones ultimately meet their match, thanks to Fred and the determined robot. Yet, Oscar remains elusive, attempting to escape by boat.

Undeterred, Johnny gives chase, using a crane to swing Tarzan-style and intercept the fleeing Oscar. Just as his power levels begin to dwindle, Ben, Fred, and Sandy arrive, tending to an exhausted Johnny as his energy reserve depletes. A miraculous defibrillator brings the robot back to life, restoring it to full functionality.

Following a series of public appearances that skyrocket Johnny’s celebrity status, Ben, Fred, and Sandy establish a new enterprise, Input Inc., with Johnny proudly serving as their mascot. In a momentous occasion, the trio takes the Oath of Allegiance, officially becoming United States citizens. As Johnny stands before captivated reporters, reveling in his newfound identity, he leaps triumphantly into the air, exclaiming, > “I feel alive!”