A One Mann’s Movies review of “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022).
The damned Covid (third time!) has delayed my viewing of “Top Gun: Maverick”. But this was one that I just HAD to experience in the cinema.
Bob the Movie Man Rating(s):
Plot Summary:
Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell (Tom Cruise) remains a captain despite a long and distinguished career as a naval aviator. Protected from being decommisioned by his old friend Admiral Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky (Val Kilmer), his latest assignment as a test pilot has come to a fiery end. But he is reassigned as a teacher to the ‘Top Gun’ academy since an urgent mission requires his specialist skills.
Certification:
Talent:
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm.
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski.
Written by: Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer & Christopher McQuarrie. (From a story by Peter Craig & Justin Marks).
Twitter Handles: #TopGunMovie; #topgunmaverick.
Top Gun: Maverick Review:
Positives:
- It’s been a long time coming, but the movie has been worth the wait. Having just rewatched the original 1986 movie (review here) I wasn’t much impressed. The drama seemed forced and cheesy and I found the jet-action scenes largely un-thrilling. This is a seriously better movie in both departments:
- In terms of drama, the conflict between Maverick and Goose’s son (‘Rooster’ played by Miles Teller) is believable and at times very moving. Maverick reflects a much more responsible and thoughful character than the cocky headstrong youth: a man aware of his responsibilities; of the effect he has on other’s emotions; and carrying the baggage of past mistakes.
- In terms of the action, gone are the somewhat sluggish long-shots of turning jets. The in-cockpit F-18 scenes here are visceral and thrilling in the extreme. You feel the jets pulling the Gs and skimming snowy peaks and waterfalls. The actors, including Cruise, were denied access to actual F-18s. But the cast all went through intensive flying training, pulling serious G, to properly portray the characters. And it really shows.
- Cruise actually gets to ACT in some of his scenes, notably an emotional scene with Val Kilmer. (Kilmer’s character mimics Kilmer himself in suffering from throat-cancer.) It’s his best role in many years.
- The supporting cast also turn in strong performances. Miles Teller is the spitting image of a young Anthony Edwards and does a great job. Kelly McGillis was not asked to return as the love interest (she herself described herself as “I’m old and I’m fat and I look age-appropriate.”). Jennifer Connolly steps into that role, and is very good. Although 9 years younger than Cruise, the fact that Cruise looks about 10 years younger than his age (damn him!) makes the pair look entirely age-appropropriate.
- The story in the original “Top Gun” was really superficial. In contrast, Maverick adds the “mission behind enemy lines” that gives the movie more impetus and adds genuine adventure and excitement to the finale.
Negatives:
- Was anyone else thinking of “bullseyeing womp rats” in relation to the mission? The story also bears a striking similarity with that film in the final shoot-out: an outcome that you can predict with crystal clear anticipation a mile off!
Summary Thoughts on “Top Gun: Maverick”:
A surprisingly solid movie blockbuster that delivers brilliantly on its promise. Tense, exciting and with star quality, this is a movie you definitely need to get out to a big screen to see. Recommended.
Trailer for “Top Gun: Maverick”
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSqVVswa420 .
I was waiting for someone to just say “Use the Force, Luke” or something similar.
I enjoyed it too. For the first week, it was shown without a dubbed version in the cinema so the theatre was the most full I’ve ever seen here, including before Covid.
Indeed. We went to an afternoon showing and even that was fairly well attended.
Off to see the new Jurassic World tonight and having to sit in row D it’s so packed!
Nice! Apparently, I have to wait until the end of July to see that one.
I wouldn’t rush! Review to follow, but I’m afraid I thought it was dreadful!