For the book this month I decided to review a comic based on a movie that I absolutely love. (The movie might be reviewed next week for Obscure Movie Day.)
Title: The Rocketeer
Author: Dave Stevens
Originally published in 1982 as a serial comic, this has easily become one of my top favorites.
Set in the 1930's, this follows Cliff Secord, a pilot working in an airshow; his best friend/mechanic, Peevy; and his bombshell girl, Betty.
When a couple of strangers leave a covered pack in his plane, Cliff discovers a rocket-pack. With the help of Peevy, and a helmet to prevent head damage - he takes off as the Rocketeer.
With this rocket pack he helps save a fellow pilot, thrusting his new persona into the limelight.
Although with news of the Rocketeer spreading fast, there comes many dangers knocking: G-men out to get the pack back, Gangsters who want it for crime, and Nazi spies out to get the to create soldiers!
With old friends coming to the aid, and new friends just around the corner, Cliff seems to have his work cut out for him.
I highly recommend checking this out in your near future!
What are you reading this month?
Leave a comment below.
The Rocketeer - one of the films brought to you by the Wonderful World of Disney - Sunday evening movies.
Way back in the '90's ABC had this little thing called "The Wonderful World of Disney". Every Sunday evening, around 7 or 8, they would air a new film. It was usually introduced by Michael Eisner and Mickey Mouse, often giving a little taste of the movie by a quick sketch-up.
If you were a true '90's kid (or at least a true Disney-fan), you never missed these shows. The Wonderful World of Disney is the latest name of the ongoing airing of Disney movies and shows.
The name changes were thus: Walt Disney's Disneyland (1954-58) Walt Disney Presents (1958-61) Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color (1961-69) Disney's Wonderful World (1979-81) Walt Disney (1981-83) The Disney Sunday Movie (1986-88) The Magical World of Disney (1988-90) The Wonderful World of Disney (1969-79, 1983-86, 1991-present)
Many movies were introduced into the hearts of avid Disney fans, and parents who finally found clean films to watch.
On June 21, 1991 a film premiered that drew in the wonderment of many. At only 1 hour and 48 minutes, it was a quick watch, full of action, adventure, suspense, and steampunk themes.
Today I will discuss a little of one of my favorite films:
Film: The Rocketeer
Premier Date: June 21, 1991
Director: Joe Johnston
Based on: "The Rocketeer" by Dave Stevens
Starring:
Bill Campbell - Cliff Secord/The Rocketeer
Alan Arkin - A. "Peevy" Peabody
Jennifer Connelly - Jenny Blake
Paul Sorvino - Eddie Valentine
Timothy Dalton - Neville Sinclair
Music: James Horner
Set in Los Angeles 1938, this story follows pilot, Cliff Secord. When things go awry with a shoot-out between the mob and the FBI, leaving his plane in ruins, he finds a rocket pack hidden in another place in the hanger.
With help from his mechanic, Peevy, the make a closed helmet for use of the rocket. They are forced into it when a pilot goes into the air, drunk. Saving him using the Rocket, the crowds and masses label him "The Rocketeer".
His girlfriend, Jenny, is an actress working with the famous swashbuckler Neville Sinclair, who is not all that he appears to be.
With the Mob, the FBI, and the Nazis after him for the rocket pack, what's to become of Cliff Secord and his girl Jenny?
I love the style of this film: 30's noir type, mob chases, acting, intrigue, spies, adventure, and a man who can fly!
I highly recommend watching this movie. You can rent it via YouTube if you don't want to buy it outright (though you may want to after watching it).
As for myself, I will be checking out the book it was based off of in the coming week.
Any film you think I should watch? Leave a comment below (especially if you've seen this one, or went to watch it somewhere).
