Little Nikita 1988

Walter Goodman, New York Times: Richard Benjamin's strategy in directing ''Little Nikita'' seems to have been to paper over the holes in the plot with routine moves from spy shows past, in hopes of making the improbable passable. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: It turns all of the characters into chess pieces, whose relationships depend on the plot, not on human chemistry. Since the plot is absurdly illogical, you're not left with much. Read more

Trevor Johnston, Time Out: This lacklustre espionage thriller is bogged down with the sort of cliches you'd expect from the height of the Cold War. Read more

Variety Staff, Variety: Never really materializes as a taut espionage thriller and winds up as an unsatisfying execution of a clever premise ... Read more

Hal Hinson, Washington Post: "Little Nikita" would be nothing without River Phoenix's hair. It's the most engaging, the most watchable thing in the film. Read more