“I may not make an honest buck, but I’m 100% American.” The summer of 1991 was dominated by Terminator 2: Judgement Day and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, but I still look back fondly on another would be blockbuster, the adaptation of Dave Stevens’ comic book, The Rocketeer. Where hot headed pilot Cliff Secord gets his hands on an experimental jetpack in 1940’s Hollywood and faces off with federal agents, mobsters, actors and Nazi’s in a rousing, earnest and inspirational adventure.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary, Disney’s historic El Capitan theater hosted a full house with an introduction from Director Joe Johnston, Production Designer Jim Bissell and Executive Producer Larry Franco. Johnston had come from Industrial Light and Magic and after working on the original Star Wars trilogy, was burnt out on special f/x so George Lucas paid for him to attend film school. Johnston’s first film, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, was a big hit and Disney asked what he had in mind for a follow up. Aware of The Rocketeer comics, Johnston pursued the property and found its production to be much more difficult than expected. But 25 years later he looks back fondly as the film found its audience and he’s worked with many of the same crew members since.
Watching it on the big screen showcased the technical artistry along with emotional beats from a terrific script and cast. Embracing Dave Stevens original work, Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo’s screenplay give us a postcard of Hollywood that didn’t quite exist. While providing a fast moving story and character arcs. Billy Campbell is pitch perfect as Cliff who has his dream taken away in the opening sequence and initially wants to use the rocket to make some money vs anything too heroic. Along the way he’s a bit of a jerk and realizes what’s important to him, mainly long time and long suffering squeeze, Jenny, played to cinematic perfection by Jennifer Connelly. Alan Arkin as crusty mechanic and aviation expert Peevy balances out Cliff’s initial ignoble tendencies. Timothy Dalton as a swashbuckling movie star with a double life, Paul Sorvino as his gangster hired muscle and Tiny Ron Taylor as monstrous henchman Lothar give Cliff plenty of obstacles.
The action isn’t quite as exotic as Indiana Jones in jungles, temples or deserts but Los Angeles makes a fine backdrop across air fields, movie sets, mansions, nightclubs and Hollywood Boulevard. James Horner’s sweeping score gives everything a majestic lift, intensifying the heart, humor, action and patriotism. By the end, Cliff gets his dream back and we’re left to ponder what a sequel would have entailed. Campbell sent a note from his farm in Norway, thanking Johnston for taking a chance on him, his fond memories of working with Alan Arkin and how much the film means to him all these years later.
