Tom Cruise's Top Gun sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, passes the test of time.
Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell (Tom Cruise), a legendary fighter pilot for nearly 30 years, is called back to Top Gun (an exclusive Navy training school) as an instructor to teach its top pilots, including Lt.
Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), dubbed Rooster, the son of Maverick's late buddy Goose. Maverick's new job requires him to confront his history and a crippling sense of shame that has plagued him for decades.
Review: Throughout his lengthy career, Tom Cruise has always been a quintessential alpha-male. In the 1986 original, the blockbuster that launched Cruise to superstardom, a 24-year-old Cruise in his signature patch-emblazoned jacket and Aviators offered us some classic cinematic moments. Whether he's riding his superbike against fighter planes, playing seductive shirtless beach volleyball, or using his legendary charm, confidence, and reckless (flying) talent to make a very stubborn girl fall for him... Top Gun, directed by Tom Cruise, was a heady combination of brash heroics, heartfelt camaraderie, sizzling romance, and competitiveness.
Tom Cruise, 59, dares to bring old school heroics back in a great sequel that's high on redemption and excitement 35 years later, when superhero pictures are ruling the big screens. While retaining the original's pzazz, the series matures beautifully as knowledge and the aftereffects of death confront the unfettered fearlessness of youth.
Despite the fact that an investigation clears Maverick of blame for his comrade Goose's murder, he still bears the burden of guilt, and teaching Rooster provides Maverick a chance at atonement. It's fascinating to witness a 60-year-old hero confronting the demons of his past, professional stagnation, and the realities of choosing to be a loner as he ages.
The film, directed by Joseph Kosinski, maintains the original's flamboyant, unapologetic bravado while ramping up the emotional stakes and stunning aerial feats. "I'm a fighter pilot," says the narrator. I'm interested in naval aviation. This isn't my style. "This is my identity." Despite being credited to Maverick, these statements ring true for Tom Cruise and his drive for speed. Over the years, he has lived vicariously via his movie personas, and Top Gun is his favourite endeavour. The effort put out to perfect every every element of the aerial manoeuvres is commendable, and the sound and images support that goal.
Val Kilmer (as Iceman) makes a cameo visit and transports you back in time. Jennifer Connelly is entertaining as Maverick's on-again, off-again love interest Penny, but Kelly McGillis and her push-pull chemistry with Cruise are sadly missed. Despite the fanfare, Lady Gaga's 'Hold My Hand' (from Top Gun: Maverick) falls short of the decade's most sensuous love hymn, Take My Breath Away. Cruise, as a one-man show, guarantees that all eyes are on him and him alone, which is understandable.
The film isn't perfect, and there are some unbelievable scenes, but it's everything you'd expect from a Top Gun sequel. It has exactly the proper amount of nostalgia, drama, and suspense to make it worth seeing in the theatre. Take a chance!
Top Gun: Maverick release date : May 27, 2022
Top Gun: Maverick 2022 IMDb RATING : 8.6/10 (158k)