Thrilling, gripping and emotionally resonant, Top Gun: Maverick builds upon the world of the classic original, and proving Tom Cruise is a cinematic force still to be reckoned with.
Silhouettes against amber tinted skies, aviator shades, beach side rugby, and of course, jet planes whooshing at pulsating speeds. Top Gun: Maverick makes sure to greet us with the images and sounds that recapture the spirit and nostalgia of the 1986 classic summer hit. But the film proves to stand on its own, being more than a bait for nostalgia, and advancing the stories of its characters.
Set 36 years after its predecessor, the film sees Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (now promoted to Captain), portrayed by Tom Cruise confronting his past as he returns to the Top Gun aviation academy to train a new batch of pilots in order to combat an enemy territory.
A slice of old school Hollywood storytelling and film making, Top Gun: Maverick shows there is still wonder left to unpack in the Hollywood blockbuster, given the right ingredients, care and treatment meted out to its stories and characters.
As such, Tom Cruise along with director Joseph Kosinski, and frequent collaborator and writer Christopher McQuarrie ensure they deliver a memorable experience to their audience.
Continuing the trend of Cruise’s films utilizing practical effects in an age where the practice is dwindling, Top Gun: Maverick breaks the barriers with regards to its production values, surpassing its own predecessor, and adding a new benchmark to blockbuster film making.
Cinematographer Claudio Miranda, aided by the film’s principal actors and stunt coordinators, successfully captures the stupendous aerial action sequences that immerse the audience into the film and leaves them breathless.
While the film is packed to the brim with its inventive sequences, the true heart lies in its cast. The additions of Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly certainly provide an emotional anchor to the films proceedings, the themes of which deal with guilt, reconciliation and redemption; and while Glen Powell through his pseudo-antagonistic turn makes him a talent to look out for, it is Tom Cruise who proves he is still up to the task of carrying a big-budget film without flinching.
With the elements of the modern Cruise action vehicle, Maverick infuses it with a performance that is reminiscent of Cruise’s earlier dramatic outings such as Born On The Fourth Of July, Magnolia, Eyes Wide Shut and The Last Samurai.
Returning composer Harold Faltermeyer along with Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe and (in a first) Lady Gaga collaborate on a musical score that effectively aids the atmosphere of the film, and succeeds in emotionally rousing the audience. While Kenny Loggins’ Danger Zone returning to recapture the spirit of the original, Lady Gaga and One Republic round out their soundtrack contribution with the singles Hold My Hand and I Ain’t Worried.
With deft direction and writing, immense star power, impeccable production values, and care and enthusiasm for the material, Top Gun: Maverick is a rare blockbuster that stands tall, providing a refreshing alternative and escape from superhero juggernauts. Reminding us of the austerity of the movie going experience, Top Gun: Maverick is highly memorable, enjoyable and here to stay as a modern day favorite.
Texts of A Pop Culture Buff 