"The Rocketeer" (Directed by Joe Johnston, 1991)

It goes up and won't quit!
In the pre-WWII era, American Scientist Howard Hughes develops a top secret jet pack prototype that is stolen by Nazi agents. During an intense pursuit, the agents lose the million dollar weapon where it falls into the hands of aspiring pilot Cliff Secord on an unassuming airstrip. After a few test runs, Cliff uses the pack to save a pilot from a burning plane. The story in the papers brings the Nazi's hot on his trail. This is a movie about love, adventure, and the joy of fantasy. The Rocketeer is a blast-off blockbuster packed with two hours of wholesome adventure for the kids; however, the mechanical character and plot archetypes don't offer up much for audiences looking to take this film for more than face value.
This film hit theaters in 1991 which means lead actor Bill Cambell (Cliff Secord) was pitted against Arnold in "Terminator" and Kevin Costner in "Robin Hood". The Rocketeer won't take off from the runway like those instant classics, but it will resonate with Superhero hopefuls and genre junkies of the sort. The story seems generic and recycled but a spruce and taut cast of actors is enough to ensnare the audience. Jennifer Connelly creates a strong advocacy for the generation of additional testicles scheduled to be descended immediately. "And the Oscar for most bonerific performance goes to:....?" Seriously, the temptress is able to enchant her male audience with an eloquence that will leave you engorged for a running time of 109 minutes; no rocket fuel is necessary. Pocahontas plays a less pornographic Disney damsel. Timothy Dalton is a more believable villainous Nazi spy than Cliff is the hero, but their sexual tug of war over cinder-hot Jennifer Connelly keeps the audience under arrest and standing at attention until the closing curtain. The dialogue is plagued with more silly catch phases than every Indiana Jones and Batman movie ever made combined. Still, worth the price of admission for even the most stubborn "nickle nursers" (movie phrase). There are also numerous instances of the film failing in sub-par attempts at witt and humor.
This movie is a fan favorite for zealots of the 1980's comic. The movie is set in the years preceding World War II; Director Joe Johnston ("Honey, I shrunk the kids") should be credited for the construction of a believable snapshot of the 1930's. The look and feel of the airplanes, the cars, the clothes, and the fistfight aboard the Zeppelin all ooze with authenticity. This film sports a sexual prowess not present in Disney films. Seriously, Connelly has about three sex scenes missing from this movie. Also, undertones of sinister Nazi activity and an ominous Nazi propaganda film insert within the movie are a bit distracting. Despite its quirks, this movie is a worthwhile adventure. Arms and legs inside the vehicle; your imagination is ready for launch. Three out of five stars.