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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!

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.

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

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.

"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.