The 1990s was an era of technological advancement and innovation. The rise of CGI and special effects paved the way for a new generation of action movies, featuring futuristic gadgets and weaponry that were once only found in the pages of comic books. One of the most iconic and memorable inventions of this decade was the jet pack.
The Birth of the Jet Pack
The first appearance of the jet pack in a movie was in the 1991 Disney film, The Rocketeer. The movie was set in the 1930s and followed the adventures of a pilot who discovers a rocket-powered jet pack that allows him to fly through the air. The Rocketeer was a critical and commercial success, and the jet pack quickly became a popular cultural icon.
The Jet Pack Goes Mainstream
After the success of The Rocketeer, the jet pack began to make appearances in other popular movies. James Bond famously used a jet pack in the 1965 film Thunderball, but it wasn’t until the 1990s that the device became a staple of the franchise. In the 1995 film, GoldenEye, Bond uses a jet pack to make a dramatic escape from a collapsing building.
The Jet Pack in Science Fiction
The jet pack wasn’t just limited to action movies. It also made appearances in science fiction movies, such as the 1990 film Total Recall and the 1993 film Demolition Man. The jet pack even inspired other futuristic inventions, like the hoverboard in the 1989 film, Back to the Future Part II.
The Decline of the Jet Pack
Despite its popularity in the 1990s, the jet pack quickly fell out of favor in the new millennium. As special effects technology continued to advance, filmmakers began to explore new and more advanced gadgets and weaponry. The jet pack was seen as outdated and impractical, and it was slowly phased out of movies.
The Jet Pack Today
Today, the jet pack is rarely seen in movies. However, it still holds a special place in the hearts of fans of 90s action movies. The device has even inspired real-life inventors and engineers, who are working to develop working jet packs for personal use. The jet pack may no longer be a staple of Hollywood blockbusters, but its legacy lives on.
Conclusion
The 90s action movie jet pack was a product of its time, a symbol of the technological advancements and futuristic ideals of the era. Although it may be seen as outdated today, it remains a beloved icon of 90s pop culture. The jet pack may no longer be a mainstay of action movies, but its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of fans around the world.
