The danger zone, aviators and Tom Cruise are back with Top Gun: Maverick in this sequel to the action classic from the 1980s – and it’s one of the best films of the year.
This reboot of the adrenaline fueled, action drenched, cheesy drama and signpost of American exceptionalism makes the perfect spectacle of blockbuster filmmaking that has been missed in the past few years.
Now 35 years since the last film, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell returns to Top Gun on a new mission alongside his now deceased co-pilot Goose’s son, Rooster. Now called in to train the next generation of pilots, it’s almost within a second that the original thrills come back.
The original Top Gun is much loved amongst audiences, particular men, with many still talking about iconic moments and quotes. This one has less catchphrases, but the jets and action still plays second fiddle to Cruise who is as charismatic as ever. His ability to balance the humour, action and romance with Penny (Jennifer Connelly), his role as surrogate father to Goose and friend with Iceman (Val Kilmer) is why he continues to be the superstar he is today.
The narrative is silly, as what can be expected of this sort of film. The supporting actors look like models from an Abercrombie & Fitch ad and the bloodlust of the original film is absent here (though for good reason). The lack of a real named “enemy country” feel like a dumb decision but that doesn’t detract from the enjoyment of watching these people take to the skies.
For all of the ridiculousness of the film, it’s the perfect popcorn action movie for this time of the year. It’s a blast that will leave you beaming almost as fast as the planes speed through the air.
Eden Caceda 