The Rocketeer

     Based on the graphic novel by Dave Stephens. Setting 1930's, pilot and air racer, Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell) has just accidentally stumbled upon an object of value to the federal government and the Nazi's. A rocket-pack, designed by Howard Hughes (Terry O'Quinn) and sought after as a game changer in the war. Cliff doesn't know exactly what has fallen into his hands until a Nazi spy disguised as a Hollywood actor (Timothy Dalton) kidnaps Cliff's girl Jenny (Jennifer Connolley). To save the day and the country, Cliff must learn to harness the use of the rocket with his mechanic friend Peevy (Alan Arkin) and become to many, a superhero... The Rocketeer.
     I have always loved this film, it has a great story and a really good production design. Director Joe Johnston and Cinematographer Hiro Narita, are able to capture the feel of a comic book movie while keeping the 1930's alive and bringing some aerial filming that was state of the art in 1991. Unfortunately, the nail in the coffin for this movie was another movie released the same weekend 'Terminator 2' which clobbered 'The Rocketeer' in the box office. Disney's plans for a sequel and theme park ride were now lost to a machine. For being almost two decades old it can still hold up today, and is great seeing many now A-list actors back in their beginnings.

A rocket pack and helmet can be found at Disney's Hollywood Studios at Peevy's Polar Pipeline

Movie Count: 6