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The Rocketeer first appeared in 1982, as a backup feature in the Starslayer series from Pacific Comics. In the relatively short time since its creation (30+ years), it has jumped around through multiple publishers, ultimately settling on IDW Publishing. Like its comic counterpart, the film adaptation had a rocky road as multiple studios turned down the project because, as creator Dave Stevens once said "in those days, no studio was interested at all in an expensive comic book movie." Despite the troubles to make it through, the comic continues and the film, although not the blockbuster they expected, has achieved a very healthy cult following.
Set in 1938, The Rocketeer follows Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell), a stunt pilot that stumbles upon a prototype jet pack that was stolen from Howard Hughes (Terry O'Quinn). In search for it are the FBI, a local crime gang, and a group of Nazi sympathizers. With the help of his mechanic friend (Alan Arkin), Secord assumes the identity of the Rocketeer to protect the jet pack. Meanwhile, he also struggles to keep his relationship with aspiring actress Jenny (Jennifer Connelly) afloat, as she is wooed by movie star Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton).
The first time I saw The Rocketeer was probably 20 or so years ago, but I've always held it close to my heart. What it lacks in star-power and budget, it makes up for in fun and charm. The film doesn't feel as pretentious or overtly serious as some recent comic films, but instead, is enjoyable, adventurous, and breezy. Campbell manages to strike a perfect balance between heroic will and charming naivete, while Dalton is perfect as the hammy Sinclair. Finally, Connelly makes the most of a somewhat underwritten role, while Arkin is solid as Secord's friend.
If I were to hold anything against the film, it would be that the last act has its fair share of contrivances. Fortunately, the script never takes itself too seriously and director Joe Johnston moves things along at a nice pace. The film doesn't intend to be too deep, and it is never that groundbreaking, but what it does, it does extremely well. I heard that there have been attempts of a remake. Let's hope that if it does come out, it's as entertaining as this one.
Grade:
THE ROCKETEER
(1991, Johnston)
(1991, Johnston)
Cliff: "Jenny, prepare yourself for a shock: I'm the Rocketeer."
Jenny: "The Rocke-who?"
Jenny: "The Rocke-who?"
The Rocketeer first appeared in 1982, as a backup feature in the Starslayer series from Pacific Comics. In the relatively short time since its creation (30+ years), it has jumped around through multiple publishers, ultimately settling on IDW Publishing. Like its comic counterpart, the film adaptation had a rocky road as multiple studios turned down the project because, as creator Dave Stevens once said "in those days, no studio was interested at all in an expensive comic book movie." Despite the troubles to make it through, the comic continues and the film, although not the blockbuster they expected, has achieved a very healthy cult following.
Set in 1938, The Rocketeer follows Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell), a stunt pilot that stumbles upon a prototype jet pack that was stolen from Howard Hughes (Terry O'Quinn). In search for it are the FBI, a local crime gang, and a group of Nazi sympathizers. With the help of his mechanic friend (Alan Arkin), Secord assumes the identity of the Rocketeer to protect the jet pack. Meanwhile, he also struggles to keep his relationship with aspiring actress Jenny (Jennifer Connelly) afloat, as she is wooed by movie star Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton).
The first time I saw The Rocketeer was probably 20 or so years ago, but I've always held it close to my heart. What it lacks in star-power and budget, it makes up for in fun and charm. The film doesn't feel as pretentious or overtly serious as some recent comic films, but instead, is enjoyable, adventurous, and breezy. Campbell manages to strike a perfect balance between heroic will and charming naivete, while Dalton is perfect as the hammy Sinclair. Finally, Connelly makes the most of a somewhat underwritten role, while Arkin is solid as Secord's friend.
If I were to hold anything against the film, it would be that the last act has its fair share of contrivances. Fortunately, the script never takes itself too seriously and director Joe Johnston moves things along at a nice pace. The film doesn't intend to be too deep, and it is never that groundbreaking, but what it does, it does extremely well. I heard that there have been attempts of a remake. Let's hope that if it does come out, it's as entertaining as this one.
Grade: