Top Gun: Maverick Review
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Glen Powell, Val Kilmer, Charles Parnell, Lewis Pullman
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Producers: Jerry Bruckheimer, Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie, David Ellison
Music Directors: Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe
Cinematography: Claudio Miranda
Editor: Eddie Hamilton
The highly anticipated sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, starring Tom Cruise, has finally arrived, continuing the story of the 1986 classic, Top Gun. Here’s a look at what makes this film a worthy successor.
Storyline
Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is a seasoned Navy aviator with over three decades of service under his belt. Though he could have advanced in rank, Maverick prefers to remain where he feels most at home—flying. His old friend and former rival, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer), now commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, calls on him for a critical mission: to train a group of elite “Top Gun” graduates. Among these recruits is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late friend and former co-pilot. Maverick’s task is to prepare them to destroy a uranium facility, a mission as dangerous as it is vital. The story explores whether Maverick can guide his team to success, especially given his turbulent relationship with Rooster, and whether they can all safely return home.
Highlights
The storyline of Top Gun: Maverick is straightforward yet highly engaging, driven by a compelling screenplay and outstanding performances, especially from Cruise. He embodies Maverick with intensity and charisma, standing out particularly in his scenes with Rooster and his love interest, Penny (Jennifer Connelly).
One of the movie’s strongest elements is how Maverick brings together the young aviators, forging them into a team that must work in unison to survive. The climactic sequences are intense, and the dogfight scenes deliver an exhilarating experience. The supporting cast also shines, each contributing meaningfully to the story’s tension and momentum.
Drawbacks
For some fans, Top Gun: Maverick may feel a bit too simple, lacking the complex plot twists of Cruise’s action-packed Mission Impossible series. Additionally, further exploration of Maverick’s connection to his fallen friend, Lt. Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, might have added depth and resonance, enhancing scenes between Maverick and Rooster.
Technical Elements
Director Joseph Kosinski, known for films like Tron: Legacy, does an excellent job balancing the film’s action and emotional beats. The screenplay by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie maintains a brisk pace that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.
Claudio Miranda’s cinematography is a standout, capturing the intense aerial combat scenes with stunning clarity and giving viewers an immersive experience. The music, by a talented team that includes Harold Faltermeyer, Lady Gaga, Hans Zimmer, and Lorne Balfe, elevates the film’s emotional and action-packed moments, while Eddie Hamilton’s editing keeps the movie taut and well-paced.
Verdict
Overall, Top Gun: Maverick is a thrilling action drama that surpasses its predecessor. Whether or not you’ve seen the original, this film offers a complete and enjoyable experience, featuring an outstanding performance from Tom Cruise and some unforgettable action sequences. Fans of action dramas will find it well worth the watch.