Folks, I have to capture the essence of a valley girl when I say this, you don’t even know. I squealed with excitement at this particular discovery on IMDB like it was a life-changing event, like finding out your pregnant. Only this is better. (Clearly, I don’t have children.)

A remake of Short Circuit is only about a year away! Yes, Johnny Five, the sweet loveable robot with a heart of gold is alive, getting a tune-up and coming back to the big screen!

For those of you who haven’t been exposed to the family-friendly classic, before WALL-E, there was Johnny Five (J5). The story is about a robot that is electrocuted and gains consciousness and self-awareness, or as he declares, “alive!”

J5 escapes the military lab in which he was created and along the way, he finds Stephanie (good name), a caretaker who protects J5 from the military who is desperately trying to recoup him and reprogram his motherboard. Determined not to be “disassembled”, he outsmarts anyone trying to kill him. J5 adapts an adorable sense of humor throughout the movie and thrives off of input (books and TV) while leading the military on a wild goose chase.

While few details have been released about the remake, according to Variety, “Robot Chicken” writer Dan Milano has agreed to pen the script.  I’m interested to see how it will be rewritten, as Robot Chicken does tend to be a little crude at times. Hopefully Milano will keep it light with a few quick-draw adult references kids would never pick up on. S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock, who wrote the original, will also help re-write the movie.

The good news is David Foster, who produced the original, has said that J5’s physical design will not change completely; he’ll just get a little tune-up. Hopefully they’ll give him some fresh input as well.

Can you believe the original was released in 1986? Sigh, I feel old.  At the same time, knowing Short Circuit is coming back reassembled, energized, and snazzed up a bit with CGI or enhances in live action effects, I feel like a kid again. 

No exact release date yet, but I’ll let you know when I do! 

If you don’t “oooo” and “awww” at this mechanical hero by the time you are done watching the original, well, you have no soul.

To the Johnny Five lovers out there, you’ll appreciate this quote from the original:

“Hey laserlips. Your mama was a snowblower!”

 

The week ahead

New Theater Pick: The Taking of Pelham 123 in theaters Friday, June 12.

Rental Recommendation: Short Circuit 1 & 2 on DVD now.

Tune-in to:  “True Blood”, Sunday June 14, 8:00 PM, HB0. (2^nd Season Premiere.)