Rocket Gibraltar (1988)

So much average

If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Highly Overrated But Still Good

Good concept, poorly executed.

this heart felt film is well worth watching. the simple script is full of characters any family will recognize, it is lifted by the talents of a huge ensemble of incredibly talented actors. while the film is carried by the soon-to-be lauded adult actors, the children add completely uncommented truth. the combination of the two drives the film into your heart. watch it if only for the glimpse of Kevin Spacey, Patricia Clarkson, Frances Conroy, Burt Lacaster, Bill Pullman, even a fresh faced Macaulay Culkin. a must see, especially for those big east coast families of beach summer traditions. watch it with the whole family, but be warned the heart wrenching ending may catch you by surprise

Rocket Gibraltar was definitely a film in a class of it's own. It is the story of an aging patriarch brilliantly played by Burt Lancaster, a formerly blacklisted poet, and widower , his children, and grandchildren who gather to pay homage to him for a birthday. The interesting thing is how eccentric they all were. What I found most interesting was the way the characters were portrayed. This is one of the few films in which almost every character is portrayed in detail. Among them is the Suzi Amis character. She is portrayed as a bit of a libertine, a part that she plays with style and flair. The grandchildren however steal the film. The way those kids were able to dominate the film was a true work of genius on the part of the director/s. The ending to the film which I will not describe is truly a grand finale. The film is quite entertaining, leaning a bit towards a black comedy.

Daniel Petrie's "Rocketship Gibraltar" was shown recently on cable. It is an elegiac tribute, in many ways, to the great Burt Lancaster, whose last movie this was. The film's message seems to be telling us how impressionable children are as they interpret facts told by a grandfatherly figure.When we first meet Levi Rockwell, he appears not to be well. His upcoming birthday is the occasion for a family reunion. We watch as the clan descends to the patriarch's home in Long Island. The adults are all self-absorbed in their own little dramas. The eight grandchildren take the occasion for reacquainting themselves with Levi. In turn, the grandfather tells them his views on dying and how he would love to be buried at sea, which he loves more than anything in the world. The film last sequence is amazing, as we see the children take charge of the situation.Burt Lancaster is fine. It seems he must have known his own end was near as we watch him looking mistily toward a family that love him, but are somehow distant. The children, especially a sweet Macauley Culkin, are delightful to watch because being so young, they still know of malice, and other evils they will learn later on.The film is sad and uplifting at the same time. We, in turn feel grateful Levi, the great writer has been given his last wishes.

A family of many come together on one special day to celebrate Levi Rockwells (Burt Lancaster) 77th birthday. That's the main basis for the story, but the idea is so much more. I found the film to me very light hearted and touching at times. The cast did a wonderful job of portraying a family that were all very different from one an other, but still loved each other all the same. The storyline was very entertaining...not surprising... but entertaining none the less. The reason why I say that it wasn't surprising is because you can tell throughout what was going to happen. I don't really want to give any spoilers here, but you know (or I did anyway) what is going to happen once the movie is set. Overall, the movie was a wonderful family movie that is uplifting. I found the acting to be good... but some of the script to be to contrived. You'll know what I mean when you see it. Macully Culkin being psychic? Anyway... I suggest a family watch this movie.