A Diamond in the Rough
Added 1/10/2010
Before River Phoenix's untimely drug overdose death in 1993, he had made several great films including Stand By Me and My Private Idaho. While this film is not considered one of his best, I think it's a great '80s film that showcases his talents very well. In this story Jeff (Little Nikita) must come to grips with the fact that his parents are Russian spies, who have been laying low all these years waiting for their call to duty. When it finally comes, his parents have no interest anymore in the spy business and refuse to be activated. Jeff is kidnapped by a Russian spy and the chase is on by his parents and the FBI to get him back safe. Sidney Poitier plays a convincing FBI agent. This movie would no doubt be enjoyed more by older people who grew up during the cold war.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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Thought provoking Cold War Classic
Added 8/8/2009
This is one of my personal favorite movies. I gave it 4 stars just because I recognize that there are certainly more full-bodied movies, but this is a good movie. I was particularly intrigued by the thought of "sleepers" living amongst us, and being called up to do their "duty" decades after they'd left their Motherland. It has quite a bit of suspense and a good story line. However, if you are looking for the two main actors, River Phoenix and Sidney Poitier, to exhibit their own finest abilities, this movie is not going to provide you with that experience. Still, it is worth watching!
Joyce
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A real turkey
Added 6/11/2009
Fortunately, I borrowed this DVD from my local library. I like Sidney Poitier and saw River Phoenix in "The Mosquito Coast" years ago, so I thought the teaming of the two actors would be wonderful. I like stories of espionage and intrigue as well. This film, however, was a huge disappointment. I wasn't for one moment convinced that Jeff's parents were Russian spies, that Sidney Poitier was an FBI agent or that the older Russian guy was a real threat. In addition, River Phoenix's character isn't very likable and it's so obvious that River Phoenix is acting. The plot is choppy and there are very few suspenseful scenes or thrills (I don't consider a car chase scene a thrill). Not recommended at all.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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"Red" Knows No Borders.
Added 3/1/2009
The Grant family is a typical "American as apple pie" family complete with all the trappings of the "American Dream" in a plush San Diego neighborhood, let alone the willingness to show their "patriotism" in a local 4th of July parade-so much so that they urge their high school son to participate in it when he's late in getting dressed for it........or so it seems.
Follow the cute, studded River Phoenix in a suspenseful underworld of intrigue, shifting alliances, and a game of cat and mouse, with glaring surprises that practically hit the boy in the face.......and guaranteed to hit yours!
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Cold War Classic
Added 4/8/2008
This was indeed one of the last cold-war films that I can recall. The premise, that Soviet sleepers of many years could be called up for espionage, is played out with Mr. Poitier as the FBI agent working to foil the Soviets. I have only seen River Phoenix in this movie, yet he is masterful; it's such a shame his personal life was so tragic. I hadn't seen this movie in more than 10 years when I purchased the DVD. I found myself transfixed as I had in the movie theater originally. The two actors playing the sleepers were terrific, though I can never remember their names. Recommended.
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
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A Diamond in the Rough
Added 1/10/2010
Before River Phoenix's untimely drug overdose death in 1993, he had made several great films including Stand By Me and My Private Idaho. While this film is not considered one of his best, I think it's a great '80s film that showcases his talents very well. In this story Jeff (Little Nikita) must come to grips with the fact that his parents are Russian spies, who have been laying low all these years waiting for their call to duty. When it finally comes, his parents have no interest anymore in the spy business and refuse to be activated. Jeff is kidnapped by a Russian spy and the chase is on by his parents and the FBI to get him back safe. Sidney Poitier plays a convincing FBI agent. This movie would no doubt be enjoyed more by older people who grew up during the cold war.
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
|
Thought provoking Cold War Classic
Added 8/8/2009
This is one of my personal favorite movies. I gave it 4 stars just because I recognize that there are certainly more full-bodied movies, but this is a good movie. I was particularly intrigued by the thought of "sleepers" living amongst us, and being called up to do their "duty" decades after they'd left their Motherland. It has quite a bit of suspense and a good story line. However, if you are looking for the two main actors, River Phoenix and Sidney Poitier, to exhibit their own finest abilities, this movie is not going to provide you with that experience. Still, it is worth watching!
Joyce
0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
|
A real turkey
Added 6/11/2009
Fortunately, I borrowed this DVD from my local library. I like Sidney Poitier and saw River Phoenix in "The Mosquito Coast" years ago, so I thought the teaming of the two actors would be wonderful. I like stories of espionage and intrigue as well. This film, however, was a huge disappointment. I wasn't for one moment convinced that Jeff's parents were Russian spies, that Sidney Poitier was an FBI agent or that the older Russian guy was a real threat. In addition, River Phoenix's character isn't very likable and it's so obvious that River Phoenix is acting. The plot is choppy and there are very few suspenseful scenes or thrills (I don't consider a car chase scene a thrill). Not recommended at all.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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