Customer Reviews

Little Nikita [VHS]

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Don't listen to that screwed-up review above. This movie has plenty of suspense, tense moments, and fine performances, especially by River Phoenix and Sidney Portier. You'll love it.

Good story of a San Diego FBI agent in pursuit of a Soviet agent who is killing off Soviet "sleeper cells". There's good interaction between Agent Roy Parmenter and high schooler Jeff Grant whose parents are "sleepers". Great suspense as Roy and Jeff and parents play a cat and mouse game with the Soviet assassin. This is one of the last "true era" cold war movies to be made.

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.

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.

I saw this movie because it stars River Phoenix, my favorite actor. I would have to say that this movie basically wastes his talent [but not as much as A Night In the Life of Jimmy Reardon does]. The plot in this movie is kind of far fechted and hard to follow or get into. I'd avoid this movie unless you're a River fan.

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

Sure I am a big fan of Sidney Poitier and River Phoenix, but this movie is an excellent spy thriller. When a long time sleeper cell wakes up they the cold war is pretty much over and they don't want to activate to spy or carry out covert operations against the U.S. any longer. The wife and husband have a teenage son who has only known the ways of being an American. The problem is they are being hunted by their own and only with the help of the FBI, and an agent played by Poitier, are they likely to have any chance at survival. Good quality DVD with plenty of replayability. If you enjoyed this catch The Jackal - DTS, Shoot to Kill, and Sneakers (Collector's Edition).

CA Luster

I personally love any movie with the late and great, River Phoenix, but "Little Nikita" was pretty good. It really wasn't his best movie, but every actor has his/or her not-so-best movie. I would only suggest this movie if you're really into spy action movies from the 80s or if you're like me, watch it for River Phoenix being totally hot and talent.

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.

December 28 1989 I first saw this film and became an instant fan of RIVER PHOENIX. Teamed with great Sidney Poitier it is a cold-war thriller and at times - a good one. But in the end it goes over the top and it quickly lost its importance when the cold war vanished... soon after the films completion...
However, it is a treat for the fans of these stars and the supporting cast are great especially Caroline Kava.