But before long, a sinister spy (Timothy Dalton) plots to steal the jetpack, thrusting Cliff into a dangerous mission that ultimately transforms him into an extraordinary hero.
The dream of personalised flight is still vivid in the minds of many inventors, some developing cycle-powered craft, others pouring money into jetpacks.
This technology is still fairly new, and without major advances in fuel efficiency and engine technology, don't expect to have a jetpack of your own any time soon.
Designs could only carry enough fuel for 30 seconds of flight, and when airborne, the powerful thrust in a single direction made jetpacks difficult and dangerous to control.