Top Gun: Maverick

Re-enter the Danger Zone aviators. Top Gun Academy is back. Produced by Tom Cruise himself, this sequel picks up 30 years after the original and continues the story of Maverick (Tom Cruise) as he returns to the Academy for one last flight. After going on one too many rogue missions, Maverick is sent back to the academy to train the country’s most elite pilots on how to navigate a dangerous mission, or be dishonorably discharged from the military. This straightforward assignment is met with opposition when it is revealed that a young pilot named Rooster (Miles Teller) is on the team. Rooster just so happens to be the son of Goose, Mavericks old wingman who died in combat.

This sequel is full of nostalgia, but that is not its main selling point. A lot of reboots and sequels from pre 2000 films rely heavily on nostalgia and references to the originals at the sacrifice of the story. Maverick instead strikes a balance of enough nostalgia, while building a new and interesting story line. So you will see the iconic jacket, the Kawaski motorcycle rides, and a new eye candy scene, but you will also see an interesting story about heartbreak and relationships. As well as tons of fighter planes.

The 1986 Top Gun was a product of its time, and not necessarily in a good way. Many films of the era moved incredibly slow, and overall did not have much of a plot or deep, compelling characters. Rewatching older films, I find myself just wishing they would hurry up and get to the point. Maverick learned from that era in the best way possible. At just over two hours long, Maverick movs much faster, but you never feel like they are rushing. They take the time to flesh out the character, understand their motivations, and have the emotional investment of Maverick and Rooster’s relationship. Now, none of these characters are particularly deep other than Maverick and Rooster, but you still understand each one more than “they are pilots”.

One thing that makes this film different from other films and franchises, is its sense of actual danger. For most profitable films, you know in the end, the main characters are going to make it out, so that they can do another film. Not this one though. Within the first 30 minutes of the film, we are reminded that Goose died in combat, and now having his son in the film, you have this sense that the same thing could happen to Rooster. Maverick is also a much older pilot at this point, and should be retiring soon. Given that Tom Cruise himself would be too old, practically, to do another film, there is always a possibility Maverick could die at any point and go out in a blaze of glory. This keeps the audience actively engaged as for every death defying maneuver the actors do, the audience has no idea if they will make it out.

Top Gun: Maverick is both a tribute to the original, and also a fresh story for a new generation of audiences. This film strikes all the right tones, familiar characters, a new story, and just the right amount of patriotism to help rally around the characters. Top Gun defined a generation. While it will never be considered a high quality film, its courage, hope, and patriotism spoke to the audience in a time of the Cold War. Top Gun: Maverick hits those same tones, while also bringing something new to the table. In a time of uncertainty, having such a beloved film brought back not only comforts, but inspires. Grossing $156 million domestically opening weekend, this film saved the theater industry in a time where almost everything is accessible on streaming. It also inspired a new generation to have the courage to take a chance, and feel the need for speed.

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REVIEWED BY LINDSEY