Before Joe Johnston became a household name in blockbuster filmmaking with Jurassic Park III and Captain America: The First Avenger, he quietly crafted one of the most delightful adventure movies of the 1990s. The Rocketeer, a retro-styled actioner set in 1930s Hollywood, may have stumbled at the box office upon its 1991 release, but it has since earned a devoted following. Now streaming on Disney+, this film remains a testament to old-school filmmaking and pure, unadulterated fun.
The movie stars Billy Campbell as Cliff Secord, a good-hearted pilot who stumbles upon a stolen prototype rocket pack designed by Howard Hughes. With the help of his mechanic Peevy (Alan Arkin), Cliff uses the device to become a flying sensation—but he soon finds himself hunted by both the mob and Nazi spies. The villain of the piece is Neville Sinclair, played with suave menace by Timothy Dalton, who brings his James Bond charisma to the role of a Hollywood heartthrob secretly working for the Third Reich. Dalton's performance is a masterclass in charm and villainy, making him one of the most memorable antagonists of the era.
A Love Letter to Classic Serials
What sets The Rocketeer apart is Johnston's evident affection for the adventure serials of the 1930s and 1940s. The film channels the spirit of Raiders of the Lost Ark—a clear inspiration—with its blend of daring heroics, romantic subplots, and anti-fascist fervor. The heroes are earnest and relatable, the villains are unapologetically evil, and the action sequences are grounded in practical effects that still hold up today. The aerial stunts, the towering Nazi airship, and the climactic showdown are all executed with a clarity that modern CGI-heavy blockbusters often lack.
Why It Still Soars
Beyond the action, The Rocketeer boasts a stellar supporting cast. Jennifer Connelly shines as Jenny, Cliff's aspiring-actress girlfriend, blending classic Hollywood glamour with a modern sense of agency. Alan Arkin provides comic relief and heart as Peevy, while Paul Sorvino brings a delightful gruffness to the mob boss who reluctantly teams up with the heroes. The chemistry among the cast elevates every scene, making the film a joy to revisit.
For those who appreciate the golden age of adventure cinema, The Rocketeer is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your watchlist. It's a reminder of a time when Hollywood trusted audiences to embrace earnest storytelling and practical spectacle. If you're in the mood for a thrilling ride that blends the best of Bond and Indy, look no further than this Disney+ treasure. And if you're curious about other underrated gems, check out our take on a haunting supernatural thriller or explore Disney+'s new fantasy hit.
While The Rocketeer didn't spawn the franchise Disney hoped for, its legacy endures. It's a film that captures the imagination and reminds us why we love movies. So, whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, give it a spin—you won't be disappointed.
