Matcollis This Movie Can Only Be Described With One Word.

ChampDavSlim The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Sameer Callahan It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Brooklynn There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

wes-connors Russian radio operator Whip Hubley (as Mischa) washes up in Key West, Florida as the U.S. Fourth of July holiday approaches. After the Communist mishap, three young American lads evade their parents to go out in their JFK-influenced "PT 109" motorboat. The boys discover Mr. Hubley in their hideout and fear a Communist invasion. But, Hubley turns out to be a nice guy and makes friends with gun-ho Joaquin "Leaf" Phoenix (as Danny), Peter Billingsley (as Adam), and Stefan DeSalle (as Jason). His handsomeness attracts Adam's beautiful older sister Susan Walters (as Diane)...Soon, the kids' parents, US military, and "Russkies" are all looking for Hubley...This is a "feel-good" family movie obviously made to prepare Americans for the inevitable dissolution of the Soviet Union. Unlike several of the planet's legendary rivalries, the Americans and Russians never really hated each other as people, so the potential for friendship was easy to sell. The "Cold War" enemies were really political systems, fueled by technological advances in space exploration and military might. The film's "You homo!" quips, sissy limp-wrist gestures, and boys' fear of hugging a man suggest a sequel could have featured Olympian Greg Louganis washing up on their shore.***** Russkies (11/6/87) Rick Rosenthal ~ Whip Hubley, Joaquin Phoenix, Peter Billingsley, Stefan DeSalle

santegeezhe I was just telling someone about this movie last week, then lo and behold, it was on Drive-in Classics yesterday. Well, naturally I had to watch it. These are my observations.First off, this movie is interesting mainly from a political standpoint. It was made at a time when the Cold War was just starting to thaw thanks to Gorby's twin policies of Glasnost and Perestroika. Thus, the theme of this movie is "Russians are people too, and we can all learn to love each other despite our differing political viewpoints". Cheesy? You betcha.The plot concerns a Russian sailor who gets stranded in Florida and is discovered by three pubescent boys. Things get complicated as these are army brats - two of their fathers are right-wing, anti-commie reactionaries who fought in 'Nam, and one of the kids' fathers was a conscientious objector. Thus, there's a struggle as to whether they should turn the Commie in to the authorities or not. Eventually though, they come to love him, and teach him about all things American. Conviniently enough, he gets stranded right before July 4th - which somehow he's completely unaware of. "Revolution?", he says, when told about the American version. As if...In any event, this movie is 80s through and through, right down to the vile, wretched soundtrack. It's interesting mainly as an historical curiosity, a period piece.It's also interesting to note that the Soviet Union collapsed within five years after this movie was made. Perhaps it's time for a remake with either an Iranian or a North Korean in the lead role.

lacrescenta I remember seeing this movie when it first came out in the theaters--the L.A. Times gave it a favorable review and it sounded kind of fun. It was.It's dated now ('80s clothes, '80s politics), but it's an amusing, somewhat corny little movie that will entertain and amuse. I thought that the interaction between the three boys and "their" Russian sailor seemed genuine, and I liked the premise. The scenes where the boys have a "day out" with their new (Russian) buddy are especially fun to watch.Whip Hubley is cute and likable as the stranded Russian (but, oh, that big '80s hair cut he's got!). Leaf Phoenix (now known as Joaquin) is excellent as one of the boys. (I recall how the L.A. Times review took special note of Phoenix's performance, and predicted that he had a great future ahead of him. Boy, were they right!) Also take note of Benjamin Hendrickson (playing Phoenix's Hungarian father who has no love for Russians). Hendrickson is mostly known for soap opera work, but he has an effective supporting role in this film.This is a little movie with some laughs and a good heart. It's not a *great* film, but still enjoyable. James Newton Howard (still early in his career when this movie was made) does a good job with the score. I even bought the soundtrack (on LP at the time) and it is enjoyable to listen to on its own!

tripwires "Russkies" is basically a sweet movie. I'm not a sappy person, and it almost made me cry. (I had a huge lump in my throat.) There is just something about seeing people care for each other that really makes me happy. And "Russkies" gives me a warm feeling. The chemistry between the actors is incredible. What's even more amazing that three of them were young and quite inexperienced. Although its plot isn't very realistic, it's okay, because the meaning of it is not lost. And I think the whole point behind this little movie is that - this is gonna sound incredibly cheesy - friendship knows no boundary or age difference. That last scene between Danny (Joaquin/Leaf Phoenix) and Misha (Whip Hubley) had me in near tears. And one thing Misha said really hit home. I don't remember the exact words, but he said people don't trust each other. I think it's very true.I bought this tape mainly to see Joaquin as a little kid. I know he's an awesome actor but I didn't know he was already awesome as a child. Those eyes, even at such a young age, can speak volumes. Joaquin/Leaf gave a truly great performance as Danny, and so did the other two kids whose names have escaped my ailing memory. I know nothing about Whip Hubley, and when the tape ended I thought he really is a Russian. Good performances all around, even from Summer Phoenix who wasn't in it a lot and that actress who played the blond boy's sister whom I usually can't stand.All in all, "Russkies" is worth watching.