261: Short Circuit (819 8005)

In This Episode: Everybody Dies

In this Episode:

In this episode, our heroes discuss the 1986 film "Short Circuit," examining its portrayal of robotics, artificial intelligence, and stereotypes.

The charm of the movie, the problematic aspects of Fisher Stevens' portrayal of an Indian character, and the memorable one-liners are explored. Despite the offensive elements, Stevens' effort and the nerdy, idiotic nature of the characters are acknowledged.

We also touch on the film's cultural context and its relevance to current advancements in AI. The character of Stephanie, her unusual snack truck business, the impressive special effects and design of the robot Johnny Five, and the comedic and slapstick elements are highlighted. The filming location in Astoria, Oregon, and the nostalgic charm of the movie are also mentioned.

Other random topics include the weapons of mass destruction in the movie, Chinese car rip-offs, the actors, and the serving robots.

"Short Circuit" is a charming and sweet 80s movie worth watching despite some dated elements. The film follows Johnny Five, a military robot who gains sentience and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Known for its iconic quotes, such as "Hey, laser lips, your mama was a snow blower," and its repetitive yet nostalgic soundtrack, "Short Circuit" is a cult classic that showcases the talent of director John Badham and the charm of the 80s.

Takeaways:

• "Short Circuit" is a charming film with problematic elements.
• Fisher Stevens put effort into his performance despite the offensive portrayal.
• The movie's one-liners were hit or miss.
• The cultural context and relevance to AI advancements are interesting.
• The special effects and design of Johnny Five were impressive for the time.
• Filming in Astoria, Oregon, adds nostalgic appeal.
• The soundtrack enhances the nostalgic feel.
• A cult classic showcasing John Badham's talent and 80s charm.

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Items discussed (links to more info):

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