Movie Review: The Rocketeer

PLOT:

Straight from the pages of a pulp comic from a past era, The Rocketeer recreates 1930’s Hollywood, complete with gangsters, Nazi spies, and the growth of the Age of Aviation. Young pilot Cliff Secord stumbles on a top secret rocket-pack and with the help of his mechanic/mentor, Peevy, he attempts to save his girl and stop the Nazis as The Rocketeer

REVIEW:

What did I like?

Meet the Rocketeer. We all know the Marvel and DC Heroes. Those that didn’t grow up with comics are sure to have become familiar with the character through the movies, I would imagine, but there other superheroes out there that don’t come from the major comics publishers. Of course there are those that are bit more in the spotlight, such as Hellboy and Spawn, but what about those that come from the pulp serials of the 30s and 40s. Heroes like The Shadow, The Spirit, The Phantom, and of course, The Rocketeer! Everyone I’ve mention so far has had a film, with varying degrees of success and critical acclaim. The Rocketeer is perhaps the one that received the best re-introduction (out of the pulp heroes, at least). The film does a great job of introducing us to his alter ego and slowly (as time allows) developing him into the titular character. We see him fumble and fail as he learns and that endears him to us as an audience, as opposed to if he just strapped on that rocket pack and automatically knew how to use it and fight the bad guys. Now that I think about it, when I finish typing this up, I may go track down some Rocketeer comics.

Old Hollywood. I am a fan of Old Hollywood. The glitz, glamour, talent, filmmaking, and even the scandals. As this is set in the 1938 Hollywood and the antagonist is an actor, they had to get the look and feel down. The magic of old Hollywood is none more apparent than when we see Jennifer Connelly’s character in that white dinner dress! She takes us back in time to a point where stars were stars, not political advocates. As this is Jazz Appreciation Month, I must also mention the soundtrack. Lots of big band jazz, which was the norm for this era. However, many films ignore that and use other genres where the artists’ grandparents weren’t even born, yet.

Lighten up. This film was released in 1991. Back then, people were allowed to have fun. Movies and TV shows didn’t make you want to slit your wrist because they were so dark and depressing. The light tone of this film probably wouldn’t fly today, pardon the pun, but that doesn’t make this a bad film. As I always say, dark works for Batman because that is who the character is, but try making Spider-Man or the Flash dark and you ruin everything about them, as they are fun loving characters, at least in comparison to Batman, Daredevil, Moon Knight, the Punisher, etc. Granted, I do know much about the comic origins of the Rocketeer, but from what I hear, the film got the tone down pat.

What didn’t I like?

Again with the Nazis? Yes, I realize this film takes place as the Nazis were rising to power, but that doesn’t mean we have to have them as the antagonistic threat. Sure, they could have been revealed as a mysterious power behind everything, much as the film does, but it just seems like everytime a villainous threat is needed for anything set in the 30s and 40s, its Nazis…or gangsters. Here we have both, but the gangsters are reduced to lackeys until they have a moment of clarity and patriotism. Who should have been the antagonist? Maybe a rival aviation company? A bigger role for the gangsters? Just someone who isn’t a Nazi.

Wardrobe change. The Rocketeer’s “costume” consists of a brown leather jacket and pants that pilots wore during this era. My problem with this is that Cliff runs around wearing the same thing. The film moves a little fast for the characters to pick up on it, but it is quite obvious. Not like Batman disguising his voice or Superman putting on glasses and changing his posture and attitude. Cliff is only missing the helmet. At the very least, he could have changed jackets!

Sinclair. Neville Sinclair. As far as villains go, I don’t have much of an issue with Timothy Dalton’s Neville Sinclair, other than the aforementioned reliance on using Nazis. So, what’s the big deal? Well, Sinclair is obviously based on Errol Flynn. Dalton captures the image that most people have of Flynn, a suave playboy, talented swashbuckling actor, Nazi spy. The latter was a rumor until the late 80s, if I recall, when it was proven false. For me, though, I have to wonder. There is a scene where they are filming a movie and an accident happens. When the dust is cleared, Clark Gable has been stabbed. It is implied that Sinclair may have done it, but nothing comes from it. I wonder if this was a bigger part of the original story, or if it was just a throwaway scene just so they could say that they had someone who was supposed to be Clark Gable (thought it is never said that is who he is).

Final verdict:

What did I think of The Rocketeer? This is a film that I fondly remember from my youth. Being an Air Force brat, I am drawn towards films about planes and aviation, add in the superhero factor and the Old Hollywood setting and this is still a pleasant watch for me. However, this is not a film without its problems. Most of which involve the limit of technology at the time and the lack of faith in comic book properties at the time. That said, this film has gone on to create a bit of a legacy. I understand there is a Disney show based on it now and there is a rumor about plans for a ride at one of the Disney parks. All that aside, this a fun popcorn movie filled with action, comedy, thrills, and even a love story thrown in for good measure. I highly recommend you give it a shot and have some fun. It is a much needed shot of joy in a world where superheroes seem to have forgotten what that is.

4  3/4 out of 5 stars