The Rocketeer (1991)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Lewis C

  
  "It wasn't lies, Jenny. It was acting." The Rocketeer, seen in 2012, is understandably a little cheesy and a little old-fashioned. But, in a good way. In 1991, something as simple as a small-town guy with a jet-pack still sounded like an idea exciting enough to make a… More
  "It wasn't lies, Jenny. It was acting." The Rocketeer, seen in 2012, is understandably a little cheesy and a little old-fashioned. But, in a good way. In 1991, something as simple as a small-town guy with a jet-pack still sounded like an idea exciting enough to make a movie about, and a pretty enjoyable one, at that. Billy Campbell (Cliff) is likable as a young pilot, desperate to make his mark on the world and show his girl (Jennifer Connelly, at the height of her amazing beauty), that he's a man who's going places. He stumbles onto a rocket-pack that's being pursued by all sorts unsavory characters, and the entire town and his girlfriend end up getting caught between the FBI, gangsters, shady actors, and even more unsavory characters as Cliff tries to save the day and get his girl back. The Rocketeer is basically a moderately fun action-adventure family movie that won't blow any minds or drop any jaws these days, but it's definitely good for a viewing. Especially for Jennifer Connelly fans, because wow, she's impossibly lovely in this one. It's nice to be reminded that once, all you needed to be a hero was a jet-pack, a solid right punch, a girl you loved, and a desire to do the right thing.

• Chris W

  
  Our story takes place in Hollywood in 1938 and concerns a test pilot named Cliff who stumbles upon a rocket powered jetpack designed by Howard Hughes that is desperately wanted by the Nazis. Along the way, there's plenty of intrigue with G Men, gangsters, and a rather shady… More
  Our story takes place in Hollywood in 1938 and concerns a test pilot named Cliff who stumbles upon a rocket powered jetpack designed by Howard Hughes that is desperately wanted by the Nazis. Along the way, there's plenty of intrigue with G Men, gangsters, and a rather shady Hollywood film icon. This movie has classic old Hollywood nostalgia and fantasy all over it. As a kid I watched this film many times and dug it wuite a lot. Over time I slowly forgot about it, but then I happened to see that it was on tv this morning, so I gave it a watch for old time's sake. I'm happy to say that it's still a good movie. It hasn't aged great, and my nostalgia has a fair bearing on it, but the movie is just supposed to be good old fashioned fun that taps into youthful fantasy and adventure. It's very much in love with the past, and the tone has a "golly gee" and "shucks" type of innocence that you just don't really get too often anymore. Joe Johnston did a decent job here as director, the score by James Horner is very fitting, and the performances, though nothing excellent are a lot of fun. Something I was able to appreciate now that I didn't before were the art direction and set design. The art deco inspiration for the helmet is just cool. I've seen other films do a better job of bringing the late 30s to life, but they do okay here. All in all, this isn't something to be taken too seriously, but it's a harmless piece of well meaning fun, so go on and give it a chance.

• Mike S

  
  High-flying fun! I knew nothing of this film prior to seeing it, so I had no idea what to expect. Not many minutes went by though, before I got completely immersed into its wonderful story. As one of the first pioneers within the comic book genre, this film blazed a great trail for… More
  High-flying fun! I knew nothing of this film prior to seeing it, so I had no idea what to expect. Not many minutes went by though, before I got completely immersed into its wonderful story. As one of the first pioneers within the comic book genre, this film blazed a great trail for future franchises. The special effects are far from breath-taking, but for a pre-CGI production, they're pretty good considering. Quite the qualitative cast as well, which among many include a career-best Timothy Dalton, a stunning Jennifer Connelly and a brilliant Terry O'Quinn as the famous aviator Howard Hughes. All topped off by a magnificent soundtrack, composed by musical genius James Horner. A truly underrated adventure, with the same old-fashioned matinee feel of the classic Indiana Jones films. So for those wondering how Joe Johnston - the man behind such blandness as <i>Hidalgo</i> and <i>The Wolfman</i> - were given the honor to make the new <i>Captain America</i>, watch this and you'll wonder no more. Two thumbs up from Siskel and Ebert, and that's exactly what it gets from me now as well.

• Phil H

  
  Its a real shame this film bombed so much at the box office, I really can't understand why it did so badly as its one of the best comicbook adaptations around, it captures the all American spirit of the time and harnesses that glorious 30's feel with every frame, Johnston… More
  Its a real shame this film bombed so much at the box office, I really can't understand why it did so badly as its one of the best comicbook adaptations around, it captures the all American spirit of the time and harnesses that glorious 30's feel with every frame, Johnston really did superbly well with this film. Just from seeing the old movie poster for the cinemas shows you how much care and attention to detail went into this film, the poster has a fantastic art deco design simply of the heroic character, its simple and minimal but does the job a thousand times over, I love it, one of the best posters made. Although the character was created in 82 its an obvious homage to pulp comicbooks and matinee/serial hero characters of the 30's/40's, the idea is simple but works so so well. The whole film has that 'Indy' feel to it and completes a trilogy of classic pulp comicbook superheroes alongside 'The Shadow' and 'The Phantom'....in my opinion. The film is nothing but fun and doesn't pretend to be serious or shy away from the ham n cheese, Dalton is the dastardly caddish villain who clearly is suppose to be Errol Flynn, Connelly is the damsell in distress, Sorvino is the classic American gangster in Al Capone style, O'Quinn plays Howard Hughes amazingly well and Tiny Ron is a character straight out of 'Dick Tracy'. New boy Campbell also does really well as the lead character giving the role a fresh feel and no ego problems which tend to come with big names. The film looks great and has some terrific design work, the rocket pack looks cool and practical as does the helmet with its rudder fin on the top. Effects are decent enough with allot of bluescreen but of course nowadays look rather iffy but add to that some lovely stunt work and nice use of many old planes and cars. Plot is straight forward but does get abit beyond itself towards the finale, like how on earth a huge Nazi Zeppelin would be able to fly into the US undetected but I guess it is suppose to be the 30's so who knows. I must also mention the brilliant animated black n white short in the middle of the flick which shows the Nazi's intentions with the rocket pack, really nicely done and could almost be a separate film in itself. I really can't fault this film in any way, sure its silly but its well worked escapism and an affectionate tribute to the era which anyone would have fun watching, without taking anything away from the creators you could almost say its like an adventure out of a young Indiana Jones early life/career, a prequel maybe ;)

• Marc L

  
  You know, for all it's down right cheesiness, I actually really liked "The Rocketeer". Sure, Timothy Dalton was horrifically overacting as the villain, and it can get boring at times, but I really liked it and found it a great way to kick of Joe Johnston's career.… More
  You know, for all it's down right cheesiness, I actually really liked "The Rocketeer". Sure, Timothy Dalton was horrifically overacting as the villain, and it can get boring at times, but I really liked it and found it a great way to kick of Joe Johnston's career. There were two things I really didn't like about the movie. First of all, I thought that Timothy Dalton did a bad job as the villain. Also, I wish the movie could be more dark. Pretty much every good superhero movie I've seen has a bit of darkness, but this one not so much. The characters are the highlight. It has the perfect protaginist underdog, a struggling pilot who comes across a jet pack meant to be given to an evil Nazi actor. I also liked Alan Irkin's role as his sidekick. The special affects were pretty good too. This was a time when "Howard the Duck" could have been seen as a special affects extravaganza/ As far as the plot goes, it's above average for 1990's superhero films. I won't give it away. Joe Johnston did a fantastic job directing this movie, clearly practice for his 2010 masterpiece "The Wolfman". Over all, I really liked this movie. I really, REALLY liked it.

• Jeff "

  
  Joe Jonhston's The Rocketeer is a thrilling period piece full of action and a good cast. However, I felt that there was something missing in this film to truly make it exciting. The film was exciting, but there was always a feeling that the hero was never in real danger. Maybe… More
  Joe Jonhston's The Rocketeer is a thrilling period piece full of action and a good cast. However, I felt that there was something missing in this film to truly make it exciting. The film was exciting, but there was always a feeling that the hero was never in real danger. Maybe it's because that this was a Disney film and no one is supposed to get truly hurt in it's action sequences that I felt that. Johnston second directorial effort is an improvement over his first feature: Honey, I Shrunk The Kids. I thought that this film was better made, plotted and more fun. There are a few things that could have been changed. For what it is, The Rocketeer is action packed film that is a lot of fun, but like I said because of the fact that this film was produced by Disney, there's not a lot of violent content, and you'd expect a superhero to be life threatened on a few occasions, right? Not really the case in this film. The cast that Johnston has assembled here are a great bunch of varied talent. But for me the best on screen is Jennifer Connelly. I thought she was great in her part. For what it is, The Rocketeer is definitely an entertaining film to watch. The film is a lot of fun, with great acting. But it's clear that there are things that could have been done netter. A good film from Joe Johnston, but not his best.

• Dan S

  
  An average adventure film featuring ridiculous dialogue but a likable lead character and a fun little story. Timothy Dalton as the villain here is also a stroke of genius, since he's pretty much a blast in any role. A perfect little PG adventure for kids that adults can like as… More
  An average adventure film featuring ridiculous dialogue but a likable lead character and a fun little story. Timothy Dalton as the villain here is also a stroke of genius, since he's pretty much a blast in any role. A perfect little PG adventure for kids that adults can like as well.

• Lorenzo v

  
  <i>"Three years before the United States declares war, Cliff Secord leads America's first battle against the Nazis."</i> A young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying masked hero. <center><font size=+2… More
  <i>"Three years before the United States declares war, Cliff Secord leads America's first battle against the Nazis."</i> A young pilot stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying masked hero. <center><font size=+2 face="Century Schoolbook"><b><u>REVIEW</u></b></font></center> A delightful throwback to the cliffhanger serials of yesteryear, 'The Rocketeer' is an underrated adaptation of Dave Stevens's wonderful comic. Spirited and perfectly cast, it spins its tale of Nazis, damsels in distress, hulking thugs, Hollywood glamour, brave pilots and derring-do with a beguiling innocence. Joe Johnston directs with a wonderfully light touch, the production design and photography evoke the era like a nostalgic dream, and James Horner's rousing music is utterly magical, one of the best scores to come out of the '90s. The flying sequences are where the movie steps up a gear, sending the perfectly recreated Rocketeer into the wide open skies with a feeling of freedom and a strangely emotional tone; the air show rescue is a particularly fine set piece.

• Tim S

  
  A classic Disney live action adventure.

• Lenny M

  
  Good childhood movie with excellent set costumes with vintage looks. Some flaws here and there but exciting.

• Aaron N

  
  Cliff Secord: [donning the Rocketeer helmet] How do I look? Peevy: Like a hood ornament. A fun Disney superhero B-movie about a stunt pilot with a jetpack. No need to be taken seriously, just to have fun with. Lots of cool retro style from the late 30s in LA, complete with cool… More
  Cliff Secord: [donning the Rocketeer helmet] How do I look? Peevy: Like a hood ornament. A fun Disney superhero B-movie about a stunt pilot with a jetpack. No need to be taken seriously, just to have fun with. Lots of cool retro style from the late 30s in LA, complete with cool costumes and and old fashion score by James Horner. Bill Campbell stars as Cliff, a stunt pilot who accidentally stumbles upon a secret rocket that is hot in demand by many other parties as well. Along with his old buddy, played by Alan Arkin, the two fix it up a bit and Cliff soon learns how to fly with it. Meanwhile, a gang of Nazi spies led by Timothy Dalton, a gang boss played by Paul Sorvino, and the rockets original designer Howard Hughes played by Terry "John Locke" O'Quinn, all want to get it back. Cliff soon becomes a local hero of sorts, and the movie essentially follows the hero origin tale. Jennifer Connelly also stars as the very hot girlfriend. Its simple, fast, and fun. Cliff Secord: Jenny, prepare yourself for a shock: I'm the Rocketeer. Jenny: The Rocke-who? Cliff Secord: [frustrated] Oh for crying out loud, haven't you read the papers? Jenny: [beat] No, I've been working all day.

• Ken S

  
  A classic film from my youth with a classic Tache'd Dalton performance

• A B

  
  Rocket man story. Good family entertainment.

• xGary X

  
  Rip-roaring old school comic strip fun featuring the ever likeable Alan Arkin, the lovely Jennifer Connelly and the dashingly villainous Timothy Dalton. Great aerial sequences, funny touches and a spectacular climax involving mobsters shooting it out with Nazi commandos and an… More
  Rip-roaring old school comic strip fun featuring the ever likeable Alan Arkin, the lovely Jennifer Connelly and the dashingly villainous Timothy Dalton. Great aerial sequences, funny touches and a spectacular climax involving mobsters shooting it out with Nazi commandos and an exploding zeppelin.

• Curtis L

  
  Fun fammy flick with alan arkin and nazis. How can you go wrong?

• Jason S

  
  One of the best adventure movies made.

• Dean M

  
  The flying sequences are incredibly jerky and unbelievable, as is the airship.

• Cameron J

  
  It's pretty weird that Joe Johnston recently made a remake of a remake that he did. Oh wait, this isn't the second adaptation of "Captain America". It's just the way the 1990 "Captain America" should have been done, or at least that's what I… More
  It's pretty weird that Joe Johnston recently made a remake of a remake that he did. Oh wait, this isn't the second adaptation of "Captain America". It's just the way the 1990 "Captain America" should have been done, or at least that's what I would say if this film wasn't a messy by its own right. Don't get me wrong, it's a good film, and it certainly succeeds in a lot of departments "Captain America" failed in, it failed to correct two big mistakes made by that mess: some lack of subtlety and development. The film is openly an homage to classic adventure serials, but even if that wasn't its selling point, it would be clear as day. There are a good couple of points where it's homage is just not subtle enough and the dialogue, character types and overall writing feels too silly. Of course, that's not the only mess in the story. As I said earlier, the film is rather underdeveloped. Of course, the development is only messy at the beginning, but then again, that's all you need for the film to lose your attention. Right off the bat, the film loses you and after that stumble you will find yourself fading in and out, because there are a variety of subplots that will continue to throw you off. See, I'm so out of the film, that I'm forcing this paragraph like crazy. But seriously though, you really have to dive into this film right away, or else you'll fall off the radar. Really, do make sure that you dive right in, because you're going to want to be very aware of what's going on this film, because man, it is a fun little number. True, there's not a whole lot of depth in the film, but if you're willing to accept that, you'll have a good time. Earlier, I stated that there is some lack of subtlety, but really, what subtlety there is is a major component in the film's entertainment value, for more often than not, the homage works and sharply captures the life and charm of the period. Of course, the charming homage to the '40s isn't the only lively contribution to the entertainment value. We also have to give credit to the very colorful score, fantastic production designs, as well as the wide cast of performancers, who aren't necessarily stellar, but each have their own aura of charm and chemistry to keep you attached to their characters, if you can work past the immediate lack of development. Of course, you know we can't get out of here without discussing the awesome action. This action really is ahead of its time, in filmming, choreography and effects, with everything fitting together so sharply. It's not like "Captain America", where the concept and choreography is sharp, but everything is so messily shot and edited. No, the action in here, while not terribly prominent, is well-concieved and just as well-executed, with everything fitting together into a dazzling, fun display of the turning point in action sequences. To conclude my messy review, "The Rocketeer" is something to dive into more deeply than you might think, as the storytelling does stumble in some major places, but once you're in, you can sit back, relax and enjoy this charming, dazzling and overall, very entertaining superhero experience.

• Danny R

  
  A thrilling, fun-filled and well-crafted period fantasy adventure film from Walt Disney Pictures, about a young test pilot from Los Angeles circa 1938, played by Bill Campbell in a terrific performance who happens upon a experimental rocket pack that was designed by Howard Hughes and… More
  A thrilling, fun-filled and well-crafted period fantasy adventure film from Walt Disney Pictures, about a young test pilot from Los Angeles circa 1938, played by Bill Campbell in a terrific performance who happens upon a experimental rocket pack that was designed by Howard Hughes and stolen from his factory, because of the obvious military applications the rocket pack is being sought by agents for Nazi Germany, led by a Hollywood screen star who is really a dastardly secret Nazi spy he is played by Timothy Dalton in brilliant scene- stealing performance, fine direction by Joe Johnson and outstanding supporting performances by Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connery, Paul Sorvino, Ed Lauter, John Handy and Terry O' Quinn. Fabulous pre-CGI visual effects, a beautiful soaring score by James Horner, gorgeous set design by Christopher Burian-Mohr and stunning cinematography by Hiro Narita. A high-flying adventure that truly captures the essence of the old-fashioned cliffhangers of the 1930s. Highly Recommended.

• Curt C

  
  He's got a jetpack? THAT'S his power?

Read all 20 featured audience ratings