Forgotten Films: The Rocketeer (1991)
This is the 54th in my series of Forgotten Obscure or Neglected Films
With last week’s discussion of the 1996 THE PHANTOM film, I decided to go back to another comic based favorite, THE ROCKETEER. I was a fan of the comic from its beginnings as a backup in Pacific Comics’ STARSLAYER comic. It ran two issues there and then went over to PACIFIC PRESENTS before getting a full length treatment in a Rocketeer special issue from Eclipse Comics. Later there were magazine issues of ROCKETEER ADVENTURES from Comico Comics (2 issues) and Dark Horse (1 issue).
The Rocketeer was created by writer/artist Dave Stevens who died in 2008. In May 2011 IDW began publishing ROCKETEER ADVENTURES with new tales and art from a variety of artist.
THE ROCKETEER film is based on the old movie serials with a special nod to KING OF THE ROCKET MAN starring Commando Cody. In this film and the comics, pilot Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell) accidentally acquires a rocket jet pack that has been stolen from Howard Hughes (Terry O’Quinn). With his friend, Peavey (Alan Arkin) Secord learns how to control the jet pack and seeks to impress his girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Connolly). Jenny is trying to get a start in Hollywood and is working as an extra on a film starring heartthrob Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton). Sinclair is a Nazi spy (based on allegations of the same made about Erroll Flynn whom he closely resembles). Sinclair has thugs looking for the jet pack with no results until he overhears Cliff trying to apologize to Jenny for getting her fired from her current film (disaster follows in his wake). Sinclair immediately tries to insinuate himself into Jenny’s life to find Secord.
Jenny gets kidnapped, escapes but is caught again. There is an over the top nightclub fight scene, gangsters, spies, zeppelins, G-men, flying stunts, a Rondo Hatton look-a-like, romance and explosions. What is not to like?
I thoroughly enjoyed this film which was directed by Joe Johnston, who did some films I really like, such as OCTOBER SKY, JUMANJI, and CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER. This film never loses track of its source material or the sense of wonder. There is also a rousing musical score from James Horner which I really like.
When this was released I took my two young nephews to see it and we had a great time. I still feel great every time I watch this. But I was apparently one of the few. According to IMDB (that fabulous source for movie information), the film cost about $40 million to make and earned about $10 at the box office. Not exactly the type of return Disney Studios was looking for. That was a real shame because it is a fine film.
Series organizer Todd Mason hosts more Tuesday Forgotten Film reviews at his own blog and posts a complete list of participating blogs.
I’m a sucker for movies with guys in rocket suits. Loved the Rocketman serials, and loved this movie, too.
And I know Chuck Esola approved of the leading lady. If Gretchen Mol had been persuaded to do her dead-on Bettie Page a bit earlier, I might’ve liked it even better…
Yeah, it’s a real fun movie. And Alan Arkin is always a plus in any film. Maybe it’s failure at the box office was more to do with timing rather than a lack of interest by the movie going audience. I wonder what else was playing at the time?
Alberto Ramirez Jr.
One of the reasons The Rocketeer didn’t do as well as it could was because they when they acquired the rights, what they saw was merchandising – even Dave Stevens got sort of screwed on the deal because a large percentage of his returns were based on marchandise sales.
Kid-ifying the film some was a mistake IMO. They should have released it as a Touchstone film instead of a Disney.
But don’t get me wrong. The Rocketeer is one of my favorite films. As well as one of my favorite comics. I so wish this could have continued as a trilogy as originally planned. I think a reboot may be in order – heck if they can have 16 Punnisher films and reboot Spider-Man 24 hours after Spidey 3 (wink) I think after 20 years they can try this franchaise again.
[...] Missions Unknown (Scott A. Cupp) on Forgotten Film: The Rocketeer (1991). [...]
Love this movie! (And no, I’m not related to the director!)
The most romantic moment I’ve ever seen was when Cliff & Jenny are on top of the zeppelin, flames raging below, no more rocket pack, and Cliff starts to explain what will happen when the fire hits the gas envelope.
Without the slightest flinch, Jenny just says, “I love you, Cliff.” Gets me every time.
Another favorite bit was when the Mobster (Paul Sorvino) and the G-man (James Handy) are side-by-side, blasting at the Nazi commandos, and they turn to each other and smile at the irony of the situation. (Is ‘irony’ the right word? Curse you, Alanis Morrisette!)
The Dave Stevens comics were a lot of fun. His drawing style was perfect for the material and he clearly loved the book.