Russkies

This is one of those movies you see on a Sunday afternoon on TV. This was my first time renting it from the library, I am trying to watch all of Joachin's films. His acting was great an so was his reading ability..that is what makes a great actor. The little blond that was in Something Wicked This Way Comes was exceptional as well. The 80's look comes thru in this movie, and it still stands up to today's films. If you like Joachin Phoenix, this is one to admire and watch. The music is really 80's a lot of keyboard. And the only person I didn't like was Carol King. She can't act and she can barely sing. Otherwise it was enjoyable.

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

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.

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

Going into this movie you may be skeptical, but fear not. This movie is very entertaining, the characters are all pretty well played, and the whole message is worth seeing the movie. Leaf Phoenix and his brother River, where among the best juvenile actors of the 80's. Unfortunately, the movie is no longer available for purchase and is pretty hard to find.