Not Quite Human
Official release poster
GenreComedy
Family
Science Fiction
Based onNot Quite Human
by Seth McEvoy
Written byAlan Ormsby
Directed bySteven Hilliard Stern
StarringJay Underwood
Alan Thicke
Robyn Lively
Music byTom Scott
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producerSteven Hilliard Stern
ProducerNoel Resnick
Production locationsPhoenix, Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona
Coronado High School - 2501 N. 74th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona
CinematographyKen Lamkin
EditorRon Wisman
Running time97 minutes
Production companiesSharmhill Productions
Walt Disney Television
Original release
NetworkABC
ReleaseJune 19, 1987 (1987-06-19)

Not Quite Human is a 1987 American comedy television film directed by Steven Hilliard Stern and starring Jay Underwood, Alan Thicke, and Robyn Lively. The story is based on the Not Quite Human book series by Seth McEvoy. It is the first[1] of three films in a series; its sequels are Not Quite Human II (1989) and Still Not Quite Human (1992).

Plot

Dr. Jonas Carson (Alan Thicke) creates[2] an android that looks just like a human teenage boy, and he "adopts" him as his son and as an older brother to Becky (Robyn Lively), who names him Chip. After the Carsons move to a new town, Chip (Jay Underwood) is enrolled in high school alongside Becky. Dr. Carson also goes to the high school, having filled a vacancy as a science teacher, which allows him close range to see how Chip interacts with others.

Chip's ways seem to have an awkward or amusing effect on students and teachers, depending on how it is viewed. Chip runs afoul of Coach Duckworth and strict teachers, but his literalist actions surprisingly make him some friends, as other teenagers see it as a way that he is bucking the system. Chip also gains the attention of Erin (Kristy Swanson), a fellow student.

However, Dr. Carson and Chip are being stalked by Gordon Vogel (Joseph Bologna), a former employer who is a defense contractor. A former colleague of Carson's, J.J. Derks, is enlisted to seek out Carson. When asked about Carson's son, Derks says Carson only has a daughter until he remembers that Carson in his younger years had confided in some friends about his idea to make a realistic android, which Derks and the others originally dismissed. Vogel tells Derks they will capture Chip, as Carson had failed to oblige an earlier contract. Since Chip was built with Vogel's resources and while Carson was supposed to honor the contract, Vogel claims he is entitled to ownership of Chip. When Derks questions what Vogel wants with Chip, Vogel replies he intends to reprogram Chip for military purposes. Chip must shake his pursuers while trying to present a "normal" life like a human.

Cast

Production

The filming locations were in Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona.

Reception

The film received two out of 5 stars by Creature Feature, which called it "undistinguished fodder".[3] Entertainment Weekly gave the Not Quite Human film series a "C", calling them "shticky" and "mild". Referring to the three films collectively, they said, "These may not be Disney comedy classics on the level of The Absent-Minded Professor, but they sure beat most summer reruns."[4]

References

  1. ↑ Sherman, Fraser A. (3 September 2015). Cyborgs, Santa Claus and Satan: Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films ... p. 138. ISBN 9781476611013.
  2. ↑ O’Neal, Sean (April 15, 2015). "Why was I programmed to love Screech?: 12 wastes of artificial intelligence". AV Club.
  3. ↑ Stanley, J (2000) Creature Feature: 3rd Edition
  4. ↑ "History for the kids | EW.com". Entertainment Weekly.
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