The Rocketeer

directed by Joe Johnston
Category: "Action/Adventure"
Year of Release:1991
Date Added:02/03/2008
Date Watched:03/16/2006
Description:A young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying hero. There's just one problem — the Nazis want it too.
My Rating:8

Reviews for The Rocketeer

Review - Rocketeer, The

Why I saw it: I bought and read the comic books when they came out. I saw the movie when it was first released. I’ve probably seen it six or eight times, and I recently bought the DVD. It’s probably somewhere around 27 on my list of all-time favorite movies.

Brief Synopsis: Howard Hughes invents a rocket pack that enables a man to fly. The only prototype is stolen by Eddie Valentine’s gang, but they lose it during a shoot-out with the FBI. It is discovered by Cliff Secord, a racing pilot down on his luck, and he decides to use it to improve his luck. But the gangsters, the FBI and a Nazi spy all have other ideas. As if Cliff doesn’t have enough problems, he’s losing his girl to famous movie star Neville Sinclair.

What I liked about it: It’s got Nazis, gangsters, the FBI, W.C. Fields, the Bull Dog Café, Hollywood and all sorts of other late-1930s references. The story is exciting and Cliff and Peevy are interesting and likeable. It’s very much in the style of the old Saturday afternoon serials with larger-than-life characters and rampant patriotism.

What I didn’t like about it: Nothing, really — or I wouldn’t have watched it so many times. But somehow it doesn’t quite live up to its potential.

Quotes:
Cliff: I told you I should have tested it myself.
Peevy: Yeah, you’d be halfway to Kansas by now, chowder head!

Bottom line: I gave it an 8. I’ve given it an 8 every time I’ve seen it.

Other comments: There’s a smattering of unnecessary swearing.
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