12) The Rocketeer
Directed by Captain America: The First Avenger helmer Joe Johnson, The Rocketeer is part superhero film, part Indiana Jones adventure. Based on the comic created by Dave Stevens, it stars Billy Campbell (Crime Story, The Killing) as stunt pilot Cliff Secord, who discovers a jet pack in 1938 that enables him to fly but also captures the attention of Howard Hughes (LOST‘s Terry O’Quinn), the FBI, and a group of Nazis led by Neville Sinclair (former 007 Timothy Dalton).
The visual effects of the film feel quite dated by today’s standards, but that somehow only adds to The Rocketeer‘s charm, and helps solidify it as one of the pulpy serials that it was paying homage to. The film is a lot of fun, and contains much of the heart and lightheartedness that many feel is lacking in today’s superhero fare.
It may not be for everyone, but we definitely recommend checking this one out.