Trailer:
"What do we call this guy?...Rocketman? No, too derivative. How About the Rocketeer."
Disney had already tried its hand (sort of) with the early release of Condorman, a cult classic of the Disney Channel that blended Superhero and spy elements together. The studios second attempt at a superhero film was also a blending of genres but stuck closer to the central tends of the sub-genre. This time around they attempted to mix in elements of WWII dramas and Indiana Jones inspired visual romanticizing of that time.
With that idea set firmly in mind, they next recruited Joe Johnson as director, most well know for his contribution to the Indiana Jones series. His success with this film would later lead him on to work on a Marvel big gun, Captain America. You can really feel Johnson’s hands behind the wheel on this one, as almost everything screams similarities to Raiders of the Lost Ark, but not at all in a bad way.
Though it is an adaption of an 80’s comic book character but it never achieved or enjoyed the same level of popularity as the DC and Marvel properties such as Spider-Man and Batman. According to the creator Dave Stevenson, the film very much retains the lighthearted spirit of the comics, that tone alone might have been the deciding factor in why Disney chose to pick this property up out of all the more well know superheroes, and for the most part it fits the direction of the studio.
The film opens to two parallel scenes. One shows a young Cliff Secord, a pilot who is test driving his recently completed planes. Meanwhile the feds are working to chase down a group of thugs that have stolen a secrete device from Howard Hughes. The Two scene collide in the worst way possible. Cliff‘s plane is taken down from stray bullets and the criminals attempt to hide the mysterious package in their hanger as they escape.
With his plane in shambles and his hopes of winning an aviation competition gone, Cliff returns to his hanger and disappointed girlfriend. Later while rummaging around with an older plane he stumbles on the mysterious stolen item to find a rocket powered jet pack. He thinks all his problems are over and he can use the rocket to make money and buy a new plane.
But things are not so simple, even his mechanic buddy Peevy knows this. The federal agents are still searching for the rocket and worst yet the Nazis cannot wait to get their hands on it and turn it into the ultimate air weapon. Cliff’s first appearance as the media labeled “Rocketeer” instantly triggers a manhunt for him, bringing everyone he knows and loves in danger.
One of the greatest strengths of the film is just the fact that it is a period piece. Setting it in WWII not only makes it more interesting, but it also makes the sillier parts more forgivable. The entire feel of the film is very upbeat (in classic Disney style) but still manages to retain a since of dramatic depth, making it more than likely the best family friendly superhero film out there. Besides Pixar’s Incredibles that is. Maybe best family friendly live action superhero film is a more accurate description (even if it is a mouthful).
The protagonists are all likable and well acted. Maybe Cliff’s sweetheart Jenny can come off a little stale and wooden, but it still does what it needs to. Cliff is an interesting character with his drive to be a great pilot, the undeserving destruction of his plane, and his need to set things right. He is a great central hero that is easy to root for. The best part of him through is his chemistry with his elderly side kick/mechanic Peevy, who reluctantly helps him on his exploits.
The main villain is also entertaining, even if he is not completely believable as a “real world” menace. Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton [James Bond himself!]) is a box office gold actor who appears in many plays and films. For unknown reasons he is the real man behind the attacks on Cliff and the theft of the rocket. Even the man he hires asks “what does an actor want with a rocket anyways?”. It’s a question asked multiple times throughout the film as Sinclair attempts to use every means to capture Cliff and obtain the jet pack.
The Rocketeer is a great example of a nostalgic period piece done right. It’s got fun characters, a romantic, but action driven plotline, and energetic story. The special effects all hold up pretty well and the flying green screen scenes blow Superman’s out of the water. There are a few clumsy ones here and there but they are no worse than what you might find in older Spielberg flicks. One of the most notable additions is the music score that is right up there with Superman and Batman as a kickass theme. In the end the Rocketeer is a great family film that can easy appeal outside parents and kiddies.
FINAL RATING: 8/10- (80%)
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