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.
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.
Reviewed by Roger on 2008-08-06 14:31:22