The Rocketeer by Walt Disney productions is based on the Dave Stevens 1982 comic of the same name. Set in 1938 Los Angeles, The Rocketeer is a retro character that is concoction of three parts of the adventurism of Commando Cody and one part chic of Bettie Page.

This historical sci-fi escapade is a fun feature for kids and adults alike. After a young pilot finds a mysterious jet pack stashed inside his plane, he is pulled into a triangle of political espionage, gangsters and Hollywood drama.

A relative unknown at the time of filming, Billy Campbell’s boyish charm and exuberance made him the perfect choice to play unsuspecting hero Cliff Secord a.k.a. The Rocketeer. Five years after her break out film, Labyrinth Jennifer Connelly captivated audiences once again as actress wannabe, Jenny Blake. Rounding off the trio of chief actors was Timothy Dalton as the dashing and yet wicked Neville Sinclair. Alan Arkin delivers a delightful performance as Peevy Peabody along with Paul Sorvino as gangster Eddie Valentine and Terry O’ Quinn as Howard Hughes.

Fans of serials and films such as Indiana Jones will appreciate the attention to detail in the costumes, set designs and even the period slang used in the dialogue. The script was well paced with enough excitement and comedy for kids to be well entertained. The cute love story between Jenny and Cliff may fly under the radar of younger children but is appropriate for young adults.

One of the appealing aspects of a character like The Rocketeer is that he is a simple man drawn into extraordinary circumstances. Everyone loves the common man who overcomes adversity to become the hero of the day and The Rocketeer delivers that experience in spades.