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.

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.

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!

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.

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.