Russkies

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.

"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.

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

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.