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The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming Movie Review

The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming is a 1966 comedy film directed by Norman Jewison and starring Carl Reiner and Alan Arkin. It is a very charming comedy flick.

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“Emehrgancy! Everybody to get from street!“

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Without hostile intent, a Soviet submarine runs aground off New England. Men are sent for a boat, but panic quickly ensues among the villagers. This movie was released at the height of the Cold War when tensions were running high between the two countries. The fact that the Academy nominated a comedy for Best Picture just goes to show how important this subject was and it also pinpoints how comedies were better and were treated more respectfully back then.

This is very much a comedy of its era, meaning that it is somewhat broad and very goofy, but in those elements it was undeniably endearing and so much fun. Some slapstick elements were also very entertaining, but the highlight is the farcical nature of the plot and the many goofy personalities in the cast.

Carl Reiner is pretty good in what may be considered to be the main role. He was terrific and so was Eva Marie Saint as his wife. The beginning of the flick is so much fun and the friendship that develops between some Russians and this family was very charming. The movie promotes understanding and mutual respect between the two nations and that was achieved by showcasing that they are both just people. It’s a very human approach that worked effortlessly, though it may ring as unrealistic and hopelessly naïve to some audiences today.

Of the villagers, we get a couple of crazy ladies bringing panic wherever they go, a very relatable and lazy sheriff character and an older man who would stop at nothing to fight again during his lifetime. The latter was the funniest of the bunch. But the standout is Alan Arkin himself in what is the most likable role of the bunch. His leather look is crazy, but he is so endlessly charming, funny and also very well written and is the best thing about this movie. The fact that he was nominated for this comedic role speaks volumes for his performance.

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The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming is too broad at times and also way too long. The movie being two hours meant that many scenes are either repetitious or drawn out. It would have been much more efficient had it been one and a half hours long. The directing from Norman Jewison is pretty good and the movie is solidly shot while the score is pleasingly traditional and playful. The dialogue can be on-the-nose at times, but also quite witty in other more effective moments. And it’s just an immensely charming, sweet movie that is difficult not to enjoy.