One of my favorite 1980s movies is the film “Top Gun,” starring Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Kelly McGillis in the lead roles. From first watching it quite a few years ago on TV, it had all the right aspects for an action movie – the amazing fighter jet scenes, the drama and tension between the pilots. It was great to watch anytime I’ve had the opportunity. So when I heard a few years ago a sequel was in the works, I was both excited and skeptical. I was interested to see a new story in the Top Gun universe, but after more than 30 some years, how would a sequel even work? After watching that sequel, “Top Gun Maverick,” a few weeks ago, it managed to more than exceed my expectations, and I definitely recommend it.
The first “Top Gun” was a classic military movie. There is a group of young service members in training and competition with each other to be the best and accomplish a mission. There is also the bond of friendship as the main character Maverick (Tom Cruise) loses his best friend and wingman Goose in a crash and struggles with how to move forward. “Top Gun Maverick” keeps this formula, although now Maverick must train a new group of young pilots much as he was trained in the first movie. Tensions flare and rivalries emerge, especially since Goose’s son, call sign Rooster (played by Miles Teller) is part of the group and has a grudge with Maverick. Maverick must get the young pilots ready for the mission both skills-wise and teaching them how to work as a team.
Without spoiling the movie, what I can say is “Top Gun Maverick” portrays this dynamic well. Maverick struggles with his new role as instructor and having to be the responsible one when usually he is the rebellious pilot. The mission training is also extremely difficult and he and the young pilots have to learn to make sure they can get the mission done while also balancing their personal relationships. When the mission occurs, the pilots must all make tough decisions and sacrifices for each other, and the training and bonds that come out of it affect the outcome in an interesting way.
The aerial action is also amazing. As a big fan of airshows I liked how this movie really takes you into that environment, and all of the plane sequences were extremely well done. It’s a movie that doesn’t rely on excessive green-screen or CGI to make you feel like something big is happening. You see the tension and action on a much more personal level, flying in plane cockpits and watching fighter jets up close do impressive maneuvers. This closer in action vantage point is much more intense and thrilling than a lot of movies I’ve seen lately.
Overall, rather than being a sequel that just imitates what made the first movie good, “Top Gun Maverick” hits the familiar notes, improves upon them and even adds new elements to come into its own. “Top Gun” was a great movie, but in my opinion “Top Gun Maverick” is even better. This is because “Top Gun Maverick” not only is a great military movie, but it demonstrates important lessons about teamwork, family, forgiveness and moving forward. It is a movie that allows us to believe when we have problems, whether they’re professional (like the mission) or personal (Maverick and Rooster’s relationship), hard work and genuine efforts can overcome them and lead to good outcomes. In a world where so much seems to be going wrong and is outside of our control, this movie gives hope that things can become better, and we need that message right now.
