Russkies

With the Cold War raging on, this film really was a change of pace, bringing out a more poignant look between two warring nations. While the reality of the story felt contrived, it proved to be one of those films which brought a warm feeling in the bottom of the soul. Despite the cheesy 80s music and styles, this is still a movie one has to see with a group of friends.

I'll admit I am very skeptical when it comes to old movies. Lots of times I won't even rent them because they are so poorly made compared to newer movies, in my opinion at least. But, this movie was surprisingly good. I thought the plot was really sweet and Joaquin did a really good job. I couldn't believe how young he was. The only other movie i had seen him in was Signs (which he was great in by the way). I thought the other actors did really well even though i don't know who any of them are seeing as it was an older movie and as i mentioned earlier i basically just watch new releases. In all i would probably give this movie an 8/10

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

Cold War silliness with a group of American boys befriending a Russian sailor that has washed ashore in Florida and learning "they" aren't that different from "us," after all. Cue the eye rolling. Most notable today for being the first starring role for Joaquin Phoenix (billed as Leaf Phoenix back then). He's kind of annoying in this, honestly, but a lot of that is the clichéd way the character is written as a gung-ho anti-commie cartoon. Peter Billingsley is another of the kids. A few years prior he would have been top-billed but, alas, the plight of the aging child star. Whip Hubley (who?) plays the Russian and he's pretty much awful. He does have a nice head of hair, though. I've noticed a lot of remarks here seem up-in-arms about the "homo" insult and other things along those lines that weren't forbidden back then. So if you're someone who is prone to getting the vapors every time you hear something that offends your delicate sensibilities, you might not want to watch this.

This is the story of a Russian submarine that runs aground off USA. When a Russian sailor named Mischa Pushkin(Whip Hubley)is accidentally lost, he's stranded in Key West and is desperately looking for help. Then three American kids(Leaf Phoenix,Billingsley , DeSalle) capture him and befriend . A memorable set of silly events follow to hide the seaman and scheme a journey towards island of Cuba. Meanwhile he falls in love with the kid's sister(Susan Walters).

In this film you'll find funny moments, simple humor, peace-loving, good feeling though some moment is a little boring. The enjoyable relationship between the three kids influenced by comic-books and young mariner helps build a mountain of laughters, plus the Russian's panic where the fun chiefly lies. The picture bears certain resemblance to ¨Russians are coming, Russians are coming¨- 1966, by Norman Jewison with Alan Arkin and Eva Maria Saint- though in lesser budget and lack lustre. Sympathetic main role for Joaquin Phoenix, before named Leaf, previously his recent successful acting from 2000s as ¨Signs, Gladiator,Buffalo Soldiers,Quills, The Yards¨, he was a child prodigy, such as he proved in ¨Parenthood, Spacecamp¨and of course ¨Russkies¨. Besides appear as supporting cast some relatively known secondaries actors as Leo Rossi, Patrick Kirkpatrick and Al White. Catching soundtrack and dated songs with synthesizer musical score by today prestigious James Newton Howard. This jolly and agreeable motion picture is professionally directed by Rick Rosenthal.