The Rocketeer (1991)
- Directed by
- Mark Dindal, Joe Johnston
- Genre
- comedy film, action film, adventure film, science fiction film, family film, superhero film
- Country
- United States
- Runtime
- 1h 48m
- Rated
- PG
- Rating
- 6.5 of 10 from 1,053 voters
- Elsewhere
- IMDb
The catalogue in 3D
The film shelves have a room of their own that you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real films from the same catalogue when you tell them what you feel like watching. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this film is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.
How it feels
In 1938 Los Angeles, a stunt pilot finds a rocket pack and uses it to fly. He attracts the attention of Howard Hughes, the FBI, and Nazi operatives who all want the device.
lightheartedadventurousnostalgicexcitingwhimsicalfeel-goodpulpycomedic
What happens
The Rocketeer (released internationally as The Adventures of the Rocketeer) is a 1991 American superhero film from Walt Disney Pictures and released as a Touchstone Pictures film internationally. It was produced by Charles Gordon, Lawrence Gordon, and Lloyd Levin, directed by Joe Johnston, and stars Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino, and Tiny Ron Taylor. It is based on the character of the same name created by comic book artist and writer Dave Stevens. Set in 1938 Los Angeles, California, The Rocketeer tells the story of stunt pilot Cliff Secord, who discovers a hidden rocket pack that he thereafter uses to fly without the need of an aircraft. His heroic deeds soon attract the attention of Howard Hughes and the FBI, who are hunting for the missing rocket pack, as well as the Nazi operatives who stole it from Hughes. Development for The Rocketeer started as far back as 1983, when Stevens sold the film rights to the character. Steve Miner and William Dear considered directing The Rocketeer before Johnston signed on. Screenwriters Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo had creative differences with Disney, causing the film to languish in development hell. The studio also intended to change the trademark helmet design; Disney CEO Michael Eisner wanted a straight NASA-type helmet, but Johnston convinced the studio otherwise. Johnston also had to convince Disney to let him cast actor Billy Campbell in the lead role. Filming for The Rocketeer lasted from September 19, 1990, to January 22, 1991. The special effects sequences were created and designed by Industrial Light and Magic and supervised by animation director Wes Takahashi. The film was released on June 21, 1991, and received positive reviews from critics. Plans for Rocketeer sequels were abandoned after the film underperformed at the box office, grossing only $46 million domestically on a $35 million budget. However, an animated television series based on the film, with Campbell reprising his role, premiered on Disney Junior in November 2019. In early 1991, Toy Biz had the rights to a massive Rocketeer toy line, including different versions of Cliff; this was akin to the Kenner Products Batman toy lines. Several prototypes were made, but the toy line was shut down; Disney pulled the license from Toy Biz leaving only Just Toys having the rights. (from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)
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If Looks Could Kill (1991)- More like this film, on a shelf you can walk up to.It's the lit case on the top shelf.