Russkies (1987)

Waste of time

Pretty Good

As Good As It Gets

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

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!

I thought that Russkies was a brilliant film. It is one of those films which brings a lump to the back of your throat. It is very sweet and relaxing. The three teenage boys are confused, they don't know whether to trust Misha (the Russian)or go along with their parents and the American government. I really love this film especially Danny because he is so cute!!! I like the message of the film. People don't trust each other like they used to. It is a fantastic film and if you are having trouble finding it then try to research Russkies on e-bay. That is where I managed to find mine. This film cannot go unmissed. Misha and the teenagers find a way through it all and their friendship will last forever. DO NOT MISS THIS FILM!!!

POSS A BIT OF A SPOILER!! I first saw this film in 1988 and i LOVED it. As i remember it, it is about 3 young kids who find a russian sailor washed up on a usa beach, and they decide to hide him, but he wants to discover more of where he is and leaves where he has been staying. This is a very true 80's movie and one that reminds me a lot of my own childhood as when me and my brother and friends were younger we used to hide and go on mad adventures. I would say if you like 80's movies like the Goonies and Adventures in baby sitting you will love this ace of a movie. I would argree srtongly with the other person who has commented on this film, it is a VERY difficult film to find anywhere, most of my current friends dont beleive me that it even exists i have not been able to source it from anywhere!! Anyway if you do get to see it ENJOY!!