The Rocketeer (1991) – Review

In 1982 comic book writer/artist Dave Stevens created “The Rocketeer” a character that was a brilliant homage to the Saturday matinee serial heroes from the 1930s through the 1950s. It’s popularity among comic book fans led to Disney and director Joe Johnston doing their best to bring that comic book hero to the big screen, unfortunately, the superhero genre hadn’t quite taken off yet and this resulted in a box office disappointment, of course, this does not mean it wasn’t a great movie.

Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II America, the film follows the story of Cliff Secord (Billy Campbell), a stunt pilot who stumbles upon a mysterious rocket pack hidden in his airplane, which was developed by legendary engineer Howard Hughes (Terry O’Quinn), but when he dons the jet-propelled device he his loyal mechanic friend, Peevy (Alan Arkin) find themselves being targeted by Government Agents and Nazis spies, all who want the rocket pack. Complicating things is Cliff’s girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connelly), an aspiring actress who hopes to land a big part in the latest adventure film starring Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton), but not only is Jenny unaware that her boyfriend has taken on the mantle of “The Rocketeer” but matinee idol Sinclair turns out to be an undercover Nazi agent. Thrust into the public eye Cliff must decide what to do with the jet pack, turn it over to the Feds or make a few quick bucks first.

This is one damn cool outfit.

Then there is mob boss Eddie Valentine (Paul Sorvino) who had been hired by Sinclair to retrieve the rocket pack, it was one of his men who stole the rocket and hid inside Clifford’s plane, but when Valentine learns of Sinclair’s true masters his loyalties shift to the side of the red white and blue. He may be a career criminal but he’s an American! But if gangsters and a treacherous Nazi spy were not enough of a problem we’ve also got a monstrous henchman named Lothar (Tiny Ron), a thug strong enough to fold his victims in half, who is Sinclair’s backup plan to retrieve the rocket pack, and he is as brutal as he is terrifying. And while Cliff takes this treacherous path filled with gangsters, movie stars and secret agents we must ask one pertinent question “What the hell is he doing fooling around with rocket packs and Nazi spies when he’s dating someone as hot as Jennifer Connelly?” All I’m saying is that this guy really needs to get his priorities straight.

Who would dare let Connelly get captured by Nazis?

Stray Observations:

• In the original graphic novel, Cliff Secord’s girlfriend was called Betty Page, a character based on the real-life pin-up girl Bettie Page, unfortunately, she would not allow her name to be used in the film so now she’s Jenny Blake.
• The original inventor of the rocket pack was thirties pulp novel hero Doc Savage, the Man of Bronze but the studio didn’t bother securing the rights to that character, instead, they opted to change it to Howard Hughes.
• Cliff Secord’s rocket pack lights several fires throughout the film yet his pants and boots never seem to suffer any effects from the heat.
• Neville Sinclair being a Nazi spy is a nod to the rumours that Errol Flynn was a Nazi agent, though no conclusive evidence was ever brought to bear to prove if this was the case.
• The fictional German airship Luxembourg, which meets a fiery end, is meant to resemble the famous Hindenburg that exploded in flames in 1937, a year before this film takes place.

Not the speediest of escape vehicle in the world, even before bursting into flames.

Directed by Joe Johnston, The Rocketeer is a delightful throwback to the golden age of adventure films, one that takes us on a nostalgic journey to 1930s Los Angeles, and not only was this a great adaptation of Dave Stevens’ original comic book – Billy Campbell is a dead ringer for his comic book counterpart – but with its stylish costumes and vintage set design it also perfectly captures the serials of the 30s and 40s. Without a doubt the film’s greatest strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of that bygone era, from the dazzling Art Deco design of 1930s Los Angeles to the jazzy soundtrack, The Rocketeer successfully transports viewers to a time when heroism and villainy were more black and white.

Note: The villainous henchman Lothar was based on actor Rondo Hatton who starred in various horror films playing “The Creeper” in such films as House of Horrors, but without the need for makeup due to his unique facial features, which resulted from acromegaly.

At the heart of the film is Billy Campbell, who delivers a charismatic performance as Cliff Secord, a relatable and endearing protagonist who finds himself thrust into a world of espionage and adventure. While on the love interest side of things, Jennifer Connelly looks as if she was born to this period in film and her chemistry on screen with Campbell is palpable. Then there is Timothy Dalton who steals the show as the suave and sinister Neville Sinclair, an actor with a hidden agenda, and his sneering portrayal of villainy adds an extra level of fun to the story’s conflict. Of course, one of the film’s standout features is the rocket pack itself and while the innovative special effects of 1991 may appear somewhat dated by today’s standards they still hold up remarkably well and maintain a sense of wonder and excitement. Cliff’s exhilarating flights through the Los Angeles skies are breathtaking, and they remind us of the pure joy that can come from watching a superhero take flight.

Note: Director Joe Johnston may have failed to create a box office success with this comic book hero but later he’d hit gold with the MCU entry Captain America: The First Avenger.

In conclusion, The Rocketeer is a mostly forgotten gem from the early ’90s one that deserves to be rediscovered as it offers a refreshing departure from modern superhero films by harkening back to a simpler era of cinema. With its endearing characters, authentic period setting, and a hero who soars without the need for a cape, this film remains a delightful and nostalgic adventure worth experiencing. So strap in and let The Rocketeer take you on a thrilling flight back in time.