Title: The Rocketeer
Directed by: Joe Johnston
Starring: Bill Campbell, Alan Arkin, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Sorvino and Timothy Dalton
Running time: 109 minutes, Rated PG, Available on standard DVD
Disney has released their 1991 cult classic The Rocketeer on Blu-ray.
Based on writer/illustrator Dave Stevens’ comic book series is the story of Cliff Secord (Campbell), a test pilot who discovers a top-secret prototype jet-pack stashed away in one of his planes which will enable the wearer to fly. He comes up with an idea to become a masked/helmeted superhero, and soon he discovers a Nazi plot to utilize the jet pack to take over the world.
There are no special features on this disc. The picture quality was adequate, but the sound quality is just fantastic. The casting was fun, however Jennifer Connelly would not have been my top choice; although her classic beauty was the right fit. She has since honed her acting skills. Timothy Dalton as the villainous Neville Sinclair was perfect casting since he was also playing James Bond around the same time this film was released, and revealed his versatility of playing suave, evil, sexy as well as comedic. This is director Joe Johnston’s 2nd film, and compared to his more recent Captain America: The First Avenger, I feel he tried to play it a little safe. While he did a great job, he was probably trying avoid angering the Eisner dragon by not going with what he really wanted to do in the final product.
When I received this Blu-ray to review, I was surprised to see that it’s the 20th Anniversary, because I remember seeing it in the theatre with my dad when I graduated middle school; which didn’t seem that long ago. I also remember well how shocked as a kid I was to find out it was considered a box office bomb when I had enjoyed the film. The Rocketeer has since gained cult status because of like-minded viewers who see the retro for brilliance.
However now as an adult, I can appreciate what I saw in it as a kid, but some of it was kind of tedious. I’ve been spoiled by modern cinema, and it doesn’t hold the same magic as it did before. I can’t rave about it like I did as a kid, but I will still affectionately add it to my growing collection of family films.
Total Rating: B
