Review Tuesday: TOP GUN: MAVERICK

 

TOP GUN

MAVERICK

When a nuclear threat is detected, Maverick is called upon to assemble and train a team of pilots who would be able to destroy the target. 

If you are a long-time reader of this blog you may remember that I have a No-Tom-Cruise Rule. He is just a such a character in real-life, and he has demonstrated it on so many occasions that it's very hard for me to separate the artist from the art. However, I was recently on a flight, and with recent reviews from friends, I figured, why not watch it for free?

 

Just a little background on this release. It was supposed to come out a LONG time ago, but COVID-19 ruined the opening date. The movie studio was NOT willing to release it in the modified methods that others had been testing out, and really failing with. They wanted theaters to be OPEN so people will fo in, plunk down their money and fill seats. As a result, this turned out to the the first big block-buster of the post-quarantine period. 

 

Taking place in modern day, Maverick is still spitting in the face of authority. Despite his outstanding achievements, he has topped off at the rank of Captain and has to get bailed out of his bad decisions by Admiral Iceman on a regular basis. A nuclear threat from a hostile power forces the Navy to mobilize their best pilots to the rescue. Maverick is tasked with selecting his team, train them for the missions, and try to get back alive, since the odds are greatly against them. 

 

I must admit, this movie held my attention for the two plus hours of running time, and I enjoyed it quite a lot! Although I don't remember the original movie that well, it had similar parallels. A bunch of hot-shot pilots with huge egos competing for top spots in this mission. The main difference this isn't just for bragging rights. THIS IS REAL COMBAT. So they need to prepare for the mission, learn to be a cohesive unit, get the job done, and try to get back to the carrier in one piece. 

 

The story is really good. Finally, Hollywood is showing that there are smart and thoughtful writers out there putting out quality work. They honor most of the main characters from the first film, as well as hommage to other films of the time (STAY ON TARGET!!!). The cast is really good. The special effects and editing are well-polished. It's just put together well. 

 

I really had low expectations going into this, so I was pleasantly surprised with what they gave the audiences. It's a fun action film in the tradition of the '80s, just more polish and less hair spray. Oh, and plenty of toxic masculinity for the win! Yeah, I guess I have to say it. I recommend this movie!  

  

Watch it on AMAZON

 IMDB