Hello, and welcome back to My Journey into Science-Fiction Part 2. In my last review, I looked into the world of Commando Cody and the Radar Men from the Moon. The Rocketeer, 1991 was inspired by Commando Cody, and other black and white serials from that era. Internationally, the movie was released as The Adventures of the Rocketeer, and I like that more. The movie was directed by Joe Johnston, screenplay by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo and was based on the comic book, The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens.
When I think of Disney, I feel like they have lost their identity somehow. The Rocketeer reminds me of better days. I always enjoyed renting the Disney movies from the video rental store. They were unique, family friendly and always fun. They had their place, and they owned it. Unfortunately, I just don’t recognise the brand anymore. I think the Disney experience was a right of passage through childhood, and it is a little sad that no one will go through that anymore.
Within seconds of the film starting, I am already reminded of Commando Cody. Cliff Secord Billy Campbell is making preparations to take a trial flight with a plane that he and his buddies have helped build. Once he is in the sky, the nostalgia kicks in, with a good old-fashioned car chase and shootout. In the process, Cliff’s plane is damaged by accident, leaving the pilot ready to crash-land. The feds are chasing down these criminals, because they are looking for a top-secret item which gets left behind in the airport. Later, Cliff finds the mysterious item, the jet pack.
The plot is easy to follow, and it is enjoyable. However, before I start baking cookies and attending church, the story takes a dark turn, with a grizzly murder. Jennifer Connelly as Jenny Blake is very easy to like in this film, and she also stars in Labyrinth, so gets a pass. Timothy Dalton as the villain, Neville Sinclair, reminds me of how great an actor he truly is. The film finishes in spectacular fashion, which includes more feds, gangsters and finally the Germans make an appearance. The Rocketeer’s helmet is a thing of beauty. Call me old fashioned, but this prop beats anything from the Marvel Universe. A charming script, a wonderful film and no complaints from me. The Rocketeer is a fine film, and one that I decided to revisit.
So, where will this lead me in My Journey into Science-Fiction Part 3? Next up, Blade Runner, 1982 directed by Ridley Scott. This is because of the Ennis House in California, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. As I was watching The Rocketeer, I noticed some of the tiles inside this famous house and it reminded me of Deckard’s home in Blade Runner. It turns out the house has been used in numerous films over the years. The building is beautiful, and the history is intriguing.
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So, what will I be looking at next that has a link to the Rocketeer? Well, there was the Soundtrack what I thought was amazing composed by James Horner so I could have chosen something from him. Also, Billy Campbell starred in an episode of The Next Generation called The Outrageous Okona. The actual winner is Blade Runner and why? Because of Ennis House in California designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. When I was watching this film I looked at some of the tiles on the walls of the house and it reminded me of Deckard’s house in the Blade Runner film and after doing a bit of researching (Google) I noticed it was the same house and it has been used in numerous films over the years as well, the building is beautiful and the history is intriguing. If it’s tickled your interest a bit then I would definitely go read about it because it is very interesting and could be a blog all on its own. Well it’s been emotional people and I am in the mood for a good shootout but will probably just end up ironing the curtains or something, so till next time.
Do you have any great memories of The Rocketeer or anything discussed in my blog today? Then please leave me a comment below, thanks.
Perhaps One Did Not Want To Be Loved So Much As To Be Understood. 