Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Movie Review
Synopsis:
It’s been over 30 years since Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) flew for the US Air Force. He is now responsible for leading a new group of elite pilots and teaching them his ways. As a team, they must embark on a dangerous mission into enemy territory. This is a mission that will push their skills to the absolute limit.
Review:
With any movie franchise, there is always a risk of producing a reboot or sequel many years later.
Either they fail to capture an audience’s attention, or they are poor films.
This is not the case with Top Gun: Maverick. Maverick honors its 1986 predecessor whilst building upon its pre-existing foundations.
Given how far technology has advanced in the past 36 years, Maverick had to showcase this.
While watching, it is evident that director Joseph Kosinski and Tom Cruise had a passion for developing this project.
It’s a refreshing change to have Maverick focus on practical effects over excessive CGI.
Given what Top Gun (1986) was able to achieve with a limited budget, it was impressive.
Its unique angles during dogfighting and aerial combat sequences made it a success. Top Gun’s catchy soundtrack also contributed to its popularity.
Due to an exponential increase in budget, Maverick achieves even greater stunts. It also has some eye-catching visuals to boot.
Top Gun: Maverick's story is also commendable. As with any legacy sequel, it introduces several new characters into the fold.
Among them is Miles Teller, who portrays Bradley Bradshaw, code-named Rooster.
Miles's character is the son of Maverick’s former wingman, Goose (Anthony Edwards).
Most of this film’s narrative focuses on their interactions with each other. It also helps that both actors deliver good performances.
Making his reappearance is Val Kilmer as Tom Kazansky, also referred to as “Iceman”.
His appearance in this film is brief due to Kilmer’s current health. Despite this, it's handled with respect.
Jennifer Connelly also makes an appearance as Penny Benjamin. She portrays Pete Mitchell’s love interest.
As with the original Top Gun film, this romance isn’t developed, nor is it very interesting.
Cruise’s chemistry with Jennifer is more believable than with Kelly McGillis. Despite this, these moments can somewhat harm the story’s pacing.
There are also moments during the first half that drag due to the structure of the dialogue.
This is a minor negative, though, as the second half has many tense action sequences and stunts.
Conclusion:
As a whole, Top Gun: Maverick is a strong sequel that improves upon its predecessor.
Maverick's first half drags due to an underdeveloped romance and dialogue approach. Despite that, the second half improves.
With entertaining action, acting, and distinct visuals, it’s a sequel that soars more often than it falls.
Sam’s Action Reaction score:
Characters - 7.5/10
Story - 7/10
Action - 8/10
Visuals - 8.5/10
Soundtrack - 7.5/10
Overall score: 7.7 out of 10
