Well, ladies and gentlemen, today is going to be a really great day of reviewing. One of the main reasons for this is because we will be reviewing a sequel to a film that was released back in the mid to late 1980s, 1986 to be exact. Not to mention that this film, known as the popular Top Gun, helped push Tom Cruise’s career to new heights (or so the story goes). And now, we shall review Top Gun’s sequel, which was said to be in the works for over a decade, maybe more, the one, and only Top Gun: Maverick.
Plot: When circumstances occur that make Pete Mitchell (aka Maverick, and played by Tom Cruise) go back to being a flight instructor at Top Gun in the North Island area of California, he faces resilience from some of his new crew, most notably Bradley Bradshaw (aka Rooster, and played by Miles Teller), the son of Pete’s late best friend, Goose. As he goes through training with the newer recruits, will Mitchell eventually win their respect, and will Mitchell (aka Maverick) and Bradshaw (aka Rooster) be able to reconcile with each other?
Okay, let’s start things off by appreciating the fact that in the midst of movies, and TV shows having things like LGBTQ characters, and movie makers putting immoral things in movies that shouldn’t be in them in the first place, the makers of Top Gun: Maverick didn’t follow suit for the most part. I mean yeah, there was an implied sex scene just like in the original 1986 film. But you know what, since this film was rated PG-13, at least kids are less likely to see this film, and, therefore, a scene such as that, at least it’s not so worrisome, unless parents surprisingly have taken even their young kids to see this film. Of course, given that young kids saw even Marvel films like Captain America, and Iron Man, and films like those are given PG-13 ratings, that wouldn’t be too surprising at that point. Well, putting all that aside, did this film live up to it’s predecessor? Well, let’s just say that even if the first Top Gun movie is the better film of the two, Top Gun: Maverick does a splendid job of recapturing most of the same spirit of the 1986 film. I mean for those of us who either grew up with Top Gun 1, or even just saw it recently for the first time in preparation for this sequel, how could we especially not appreciate things like the theme music from the first film being brought back, or hearing the song, “Danger Zone” again, or things like that, you know? Also, having at least Tom Cruise, and Val Kilmer return for this sequel is definitely a real delight. Okay yes, it is sad that the latter actor can’t speak nowadays due to developing lung cancer, but at least dialogue could still be provided for him. Oh yeah, that was another cool thing! Despite basically not being able to speak at all, it was great that technology was used to make it look like Val Kilmer’s character, “Ice,” was speaking, even if he was just moving his lips, and someone else provided dialogue for him. Additionally, it’s awesome to know that real aircraft, and vehicles overall were used instead of CGI material for say flying planes, or whatever else, you know? In addition to all of this, much like recent sequels such as 2018’s Mary Poppins Returns, Top Gun: Maverick has an incredible amount of heart going for it. For one, both the new characters, and old ones stand out really well. This movie also does well with the relationship aspect, especially when it comes to any of the relationships that Pete “Maverick” Mitchell establishes with any of the people that he meets, be it Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, and Penny (who’s played by Jennifer Connelly). Not only that, but the does great with handling situations in the right way, be it tragic ones, conflicting situations, and of course the good ones. Additionally, how can we not mention the music, and score by Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer, Lady Gaga, and Lorne Balfe? If the score doesn’t get an Oscar for Best Original Score, then that’ll be too bad, because this score is phenomenal. Yeah, scores in other films might somehow be able to top the score that’s in this film later this year, but I personally hope that won’t be the case. Finally, the only thing that one might feel slightly iffy about, in addition to the first film being slightly superior, is that some people might have mixed feelings about the message of not thinking but just doing certain actions in any situations. Yes, maybe that could be more applicable to the military, but I’m not sure that would be as applicable outside of that, you know?
And that’s my review for Top Gun: Maverick. Even if there are one, or two things that the viewer might feel a little iffy about, Top Gun: Maverick is, without a doubt, one of the better sequels to be released. Was the sequel needed? Well, I suppose after all you all see it, you can decide that for yourselves. Regardless, Top Gun: Maverick has another great storyline, well-written characters, a great amount, and all the great ingredients that help even a sequel be as good as possible. Did part of me wish that this sequel had been released years ago? If I was honest with myself, yes. However, in the age of movies that we’re in, I’m sure that quite a few of us can agree that maybe a time like thirty-six years following it’s predecessor’s release, was maybe a better time for this particular sequel to be released. If you haven’t seen this sequel, and/or have at least seen the first film, I would highly recommend it. You’d be surprised by how excellent this movie is on the end. And yes, Top Gun: Maverick is one of those films that needs to be scene on the big screen in an actual movie theater. All that said, definitely go see Top Gun: Maverick whenever you can. It will more than likely be one of the best decisions of your life in the end.
Final Grade: A
Matthew’s Animated & Live-Action Movie Reviews 