"Top Gun" was one of the most impactful movies to come out of the 1980's - a film that not only blended style, action, romance, and adrenaline into a story about naval aviators learning of aerial combat, but also introducing the world to an up and coming Tom Cruise alongside a star-studded cast that includes Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, and Meg Ryan. While this Tony Scott directed movie received generally mixed reviews from critics upon its release on May 16, 1986, it was a commercial success and remains one of the most popular action drama films of all time. This reverence coupled with interest on a follow-up got Tom Cruise, producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and Paramount Pictures to work on a sequel, and the aptly titled "Top Gun: Maverick" finally soars into theaters worldwide starting this week!
After 36 long years since the release of the original and people listening to the adrenaline rush filled soundtrack that includes Kenny Loggins "Danger Zone" and Harry Faltermeyer's epic Top Gun Anthem theme, Tom Cruise and team deliver a product that is leaps and bounds the definition of a perfect sequel and then some. The audience was captivated by the aerial dogfights, the nostalgia of seeing an older Maverick passing on his teachings to a new generation of Top Gun pilots, and an actual story that fans new and old can relate to and feel good about from start to finish.
So without further ado and putting the SPOILER WARNING up, here's my review for Top Gun: Maverick - one of the BEST action movies and Tom Cruise films I've ever seen!
Directed by Joseph Kosinski and seeing Tom Cruise reprise his role as Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, Top Gun: Maverick tells the story of the aging naval aviator and ace who is now a test pilot - who is called back into action to train a new generation of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission under the orders of his former rival turned friend Admiral Tom "Iceman" Kazansky (once again played by the legendary Val Kilmer). Among Maverick's students is Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw - the son of his late RIO and best friend Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (played by Miles Teller), and the relationship between the two has been tense over the years due to Goose's death in the first film and Maverick preventing Rooster from advancing in his career over the years.
Along with rekindling an old romance in Penny Benjamin (Jennifer Connelly) and having his own squabbles with superior officers who have questioned his career, Maverick must build trust and camaraderie with his Top Gun students like Hangman, Phoenix, Warlock, Bob, and most importantly Rooster. His efforts have proven difficult with fierce competition and rivalries building between the pilots for the selection process, but it's his inner demons from the past that prove to be his greatest challenge yet as he learns how to gets his team together to complete the mission and show why they're the best fighters in the business.
In a very extreme and rare feat, Top Gun: Maverick manages to literally top all expectations - easily becoming one of the biggest spectacles and blockbusters that absolutely have to be experienced on the big screen. 36 years later Tom Cruise manages to take every life experience he has earned as an action star, and apply it to his return as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell with Mighty Wings and train a new generation of fighter pilots who excel and are at the top of their game. Words aren't enough to describe the emotions and feelings I got from seeing this movie in the big screen and alongside a capacity crowd. Tom Cruise was right to say this was made for fans and audiences and must be seen in theaters - and the aerial dogfights, sound of turbo booster jets flying, and seeing the G-forces taking a toll on the pilots will get all the energy and excitement pumping as the film leaves you in the edge of your seats!
After more than two years in the pandemic, this is the perfect movie to reawaken the power of cinema and nostalgia. 10/10 simply because it’s ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL and then some!
Top Gun: Maverick flies its way into theaters starting May 25 courtesy of UIP Movies PH and Paramount Pictures PH!
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