Review of Rocketeer

Introduction

The 1930s are a rich cinematic vein and that`s not just because of the Indiana Jones movies, although they play a big part in bringing to life that particular period. The world was at a turning point in more ways than one. With the Far East finally waking up to the twentieth century, the world was linked as never before. Mass production was bringing previously unattainable goods to the general public. It was truly a heyday for telecommunications, transport, entertainment and so much more. People were well off and that reflected in the fashions of the period. Design in the thirties was elegant and chic, whether it was clothes or architecture or even cars. Not only must a thing be functional, but also it must be aesthetically pleasing. Yet despite this apparent prosperity, the world also saw some terrible times, whether it was the Great Depression, Prohibition or most ominous of all, the rise of Fascism and Nazi Germany. I`m sure I`ve only scratched the surface, but it`s a combination of such glamour and drama that make films like the Indiana Jones trilogy so attractive and many other films have explored that rich field of storytelling, to varying degrees of success. Rocketeer is one of them. Air travel was an industry in its birth throes in the thirties. Planes of all shapes and sizes took to the air as fledgling airlines explored this new frontier. Individuals could excel in this arena in a way that would be impossible today. Howard Hughes was one of these pioneers of aviation, building the largest ever airplane, the Spruce Goose. Made completely of wood, it was designed to carry over 700 passengers. Rocketeer credits Hughes with the fictional creation of a rocket pack, one that the Nazis would covet in their desire for world domination. On paper, Rocketeer has it all, fiendish spies, dashing heroes, beautiful damsels, henchmen mobsters and the FBI. Throw in some stirring action and some death defying stunts and you should have a fun movie for all the family.

When Howard Hughes` prototype rocket pack is stolen by a group of mobsters, the FBI roars off in pursuit. The frenetic chase leads them to an airfield with bullets flying. Unfortunately, one of these bullets holes the racing plane of Cliff Secord, who subsequently crashes and barely escapes the burning wreck. The mobsters about to be apprehended by the feds, switches the rocket pack and hides it in a decrepit biplane. Cliff having seen his livelihood go up in flames finds himself in dire financial straits has to resurrect a flying clown act for the airfield owner to pay for the damages caused by the crash. It`s when he and his mechanic, Peevy go to check the old biplane for airworthiness that they discover the hidden rocket pack. While Peevy works on the pack, Cliff goes to tell his girlfriend Jenny the good news. When he strays on to the film set where she has a bit part, his bumbling causes the set to collapse and results in an irate film star, Neville Sinclair to fire her. But when he overhears them discussing the rocket pack, he realises that it is the same device that he is after. Yes, Neville Sinclair is a spy, a fiendish one at that who had hired Eddie Valentine`s mobsters to steal the pack. He quickly gets Jenny her job back in order to seduce her and use her to get the pack. When Cliff returns late to the airfield, he sees that an old pilot friend in order to help Cliff has gotten into the clown make up and is attempting to fly, badly. As he drifts into the path of oncoming racers, Cliff sees no way to save the day, but to don the rocket pack and launch himself into the air. The Rocketeer is born.

Video

Rocketeer is presented with a 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer. The picture is unimpressive with the resolution quite soft. There were a few artefacts on occasion with the darker scenes particularly troubled. It`s a shame really as the print itself is almost pristine, with hardly any damage to it. The design of the film is particularly attractive, with the 1930s sets wonderfully evocative. The South Seas Club had a magnificent splendour, while the other sets evoked a nostalgia that gave the film its style. The detail that went into the little things, like telephones and radios show the care that went into this production. The effects are pre CGI, so they don`t really stand up to modern scrutiny, but if you believed a man could fly in Superman, then you better believe the Rocketeer can do it too. The aerial sequences are quite impressive and the action rarely relents long enough for you to see the joins or the wires. The Zeppelin seems to have flown in from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Joe Johnston`s direction is sturdy and workmanlike. He doesn`t establish any style or individuality, but does what is necessary to get the story across.

Audio

You get a choice of DD 5.1 English or DD 2.0 French and Italian. Well I say 5.1 but on my player, the LFE flag was absent so it could be 5.0. That aside, the surround is quite good, carrying the action well. A little music, a little effects and a little atmosphere, what more could you want? James Horner provides the music and it is a stirring soundtrack, perfectly suited to the derring-do and aerial shenanigans of the film. It really helps with the pace and keeps you glued to the film.

Features

Huh?

Conclusion

On paper, this film seems to have it all. But on screen it comes up a little lacking. Despite the sumptuous thirties setting, the inclusion of exciting action and an exciting story reminiscent of Saturday matinees, there is one problem with Rocketeer, and that is the Rocketeer Cliff Secord himself. He`s played here by Bill Campbell and unfortunately, while he is the archetypal lantern jawed hero, as an actor he lacks an individual charisma that marks him as a leading man. He attacks the role with the necessary enthusiasm and wholeheartedly enters into the spirit of the thing, but again the chemistry between him and Jennifer Connelly as Jenny is minimal. Jennifer Connelly is gorgeous on screen and fits the part of a smouldering thirties screen siren. Alan Arkin is good as the nerdish mechanic Peevy, but Timothy Dalton as the duplicitous Neville Sinclair steals the show. He attacks the role of the film star cum spy with a tongue-in-cheek relish and hams up the bad guy persona to the best of his ability. Paul Sorvino also has a nice role as the gangster Eddie Valentine and plays a stereotypical movie mobster. Terry O`Quinn certainly looks like Howard Hughes but is certainly more charismatic than the real recluse probably was.

I certainly enjoy Rocketeer. It`s an action movie for all the family in the best tradition of Indiana Jones and as such I can easily recommend it. For me it has it all, the brilliant thirties setting, the wonderful old time airplanes, good old-fashioned heroes and villains, a world shattering invention that is stolen and the evil Nazis who`ll stop at nothing to use it to take over the world. This is the best stuff of comic book action and as such you will definitely be entertained. However, with a forgettable hero in the shape of Bill Campbell, this film will never be a memorable one. As such it`s not likely to get a better presentation than this average DVD. It`s a shame really, as the subject matter would have been ripe for sequels. Nevertheless, this film has a zeppelin in, and a real bona fide henchman in the looming shape of Lothar. Yes, this disc is fun for all the family.