The Rocketeer is a 1991 American period superhero film directed by Joe Johnston. It is based on the character of the same name created by comic book artist and writer Dave Stevens. The movie is set in the late 1930s and follows the story of Cliff Secord, a young pilot working for a Hollywood aviatrix named Jenny Blake. During a test flight, Cliff discovers a mysterious rocket-pack hidden in his plane's cockpit. After trying it on, he realizes that the device enables him to fly at amazing speeds and heights.
Cliff soon becomes the target of several factions interested in the rocket-pack, including the FBI, the Mafia, and the Nazis. A ruthless German spy named Neville Sinclair, who is secretly a Hollywood actor, is also after the device as part of a plan to aid the Nazi regime. Cliff, along with his mechanic and mentor, Peevy, and Jenny, set out to stop Sinclair's nefarious plan and save the day.
As "The Rocketeer," Cliff uses his newfound abilities to fight against Sinclair's goons and the Nazi agents. Along the way, he also faces several challenges, including a famous air battle with a modified biplane and a tense showdown on top of the Griffith Observatory. Despite the odds, Cliff manages to outwit the villains and save the day.
The Rocketeer was a critical and commercial success, hailed for its nostalgic tone, visual effects, and exciting action sequences. While it did not spawn a significant franchise, it still retains a dedicated fanbase and is widely regarded as a classic of the superhero genre.