The Rocketeer
Art Deco.
Fedoras.
The "Golden Age" of Hollywood.
All of these terms remind me of a time in the world when things were simple. It was a time when we knew who the bad guys were, we ate our Wheaties and Ovaltine, and we didn't get distracted by reality shows because they didn't exist.
The 1930s and 1940s are a romantic time in my mind. Show me a TV series or movie that is based in that era and I will most likely love it. The Rocketeer is no exception to that rule.
I have seen this film a number of times, but it is still a thrill for me each time I watch it. This last particular viewing I decided to watch it while I was watching my boys at home. The biggest challenge in viewing this film was getting past the Walt Disney Productions castle which can sometimes upset my oldest son. As luck would have it, The Rocketeer, though a Disney production, did not start with the traditional castle and shooting star.
I have not seen The Rocketeer in a number of years, but I was thrilled to watch it. The Rocketeer character reminded me somewhat of Captain America (the 1940s setting helped that). The German scientist was a near facsimile of Major Toht from Raiders of the Lost Ark. The portrayal of Howard Hughes reminded me of Howard Stark of the Marvel universe. These are all movies that I love to watch. The Rocketeer reminds me of the reasons why I love them.
So, what are those reason? Let me tell you:
1. This is a hero story, it's all about the good versus evil. It seems like nowadays the enemy is invisible and can sometimes come from our own ranks. While these films have an element of this deception, the bad guy is generally the universal evil: Nazis. No one argues in favor of the Nazis.
2. A classic beauty as the subplot. There are few men who would give up their superhero status for the love of a young Jennifer Connelly. (or an older Jennifer Connelly for that matter!) The hero has the classic weakness of compassion for his girl and this is something that I can relate to. I love it!
3. A classic look. High-waisted dress pants on the men, curvy cars on the street, and curvy haircuts on the women. I love the classy look. It is timeless!
My favorite part of my viewing experience was when the Rocketeer stared flying around. Both of my sons stopped playing with their cars and were thrilled to watch the movie. Making movie memories is what being a father is all about for me. I remember when my parents would take us to the local video rental store and we would rent 6 VHS tapes for 6 days and it cost $6. Those were good days that still resonate in my memory.
So now the big question comes: Is the movie really any good? I think it is. It is fun and visually appealing. Did it win any Oscars? No, but I love it, regardless.
4/5 Stanley Cups - I know others will grade it lower. Frankly, my dear, I don't... give a "you know what".
Format: DVD
Viewing Period: One shot with children playing around me.
Inspired me to: Watch similar movies. Examples: The Aviator, Captain America: The First Avenger, Agent Carter miniseries, the first 3 of the Indiana Jones films, Dick Tracy.
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