Overall Thoughts: Exciting, ambitious sequel successfully ups the ante.
Tom Cruise is definitely trying to prove to be ageless. From doing his own stunts, to winning over girl's hearts half his age, he's still proving he's got what it takes. Can that rule apply to a sequel to a classic from 36 years ago? (I will also say I didn't watch the original Top Gun until a couple weeks prior to this one's release).
And the answer is, yes! Tom Cruise, director Joseph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion), and the entire creative team here have (mostly) pulled off something very remarkable here. This is not just a sequel that proves to be better than the original (I will admit, the first film is not quite a favorite for me, so the bar was a little low). Cruise and company have reinvigorated this franchise for today's audiences.
Starting with the action scenes, which are absolutely astounding. The first third of the film works as a terrific homage to the original's "flight school" feel. Meanwhile, the third act features a gripping, edge of your seat aerial fight that goes in innovative, surprising directions that were never possible back in 1986. I was very surprised, and I immediately was wondering if there would be a way to experience it on an IMAX screen (yep, I was a bit of a wimp and went to a normal screen for this one).
Then, there's the nods and connections to the original film, which are authentically and surprisingly well-done. One of the film's best scenes features a callback to a key scene that manages to jerk at the heartstrings. Meanwhile, Val Kilmer's return to the role of "Iceman" brings another emotionally-effective moment, while incorporating the actor's real-life health struggles in a way that amplifies the overall issues at hand in the scene. A few other flashbacks and photographs do a great job connecting the events of the film, while serving as a strong explanation for newbies.
The actors all do a really good job as well. Of course, Cruise proves to step back into his role as Maverick in a stronger and a little bit wiser fashion. He also shows the rebellious side of Maverick just as effectively. Miles Teller (Divergent) proves to be an inspired choice for Goose's son, Rooster, with emotionally effective moments and a similar personality to Anthony Edwards' Goose. As love interest Penny, Jennifer Connelly proves to be a solid wits match for Cruise, while having a little bit of heart of her own.
I will say that the film does have a lot of new characters to tinker with, and most of the new recruits unfortunately are not given enough development to stand out. Jon Hamm comes off a little underdeveloped as vice admiral Cyclone. Monica Barbaro, Lewis Pullman and Jay Ellis do not come across as memorable, neither does Glen Powell as the "Iceman" of this particular film. That being said, there's enough time spent in training them through obstacles that it allows for the audience to cheer and care for their success. Also, the film never loses sight of the central tension between Maverick and Rooster.
The middle act does drag a little bit, but there's a couple of surprising changes in scenery that cleverly connect to the main events in play. A sailing scene in the ocean with Maverick and Penny works well with the aerial focus, while rebuilding their relationship in the process. A few scenes also add some much-needed development and heart to the characters as well.
Ultimately, Top Gun: Maverick is a terrific marriage of the past and present of summer blockbusters. It's low-key but ambitious. It's updated but nostalgic. It's a sequel, but it's also a movie that stands on its own two feet and surpasses the original. And while it's not without a few instances of turbulence, it remains an extremely enjoyable ride that lives up to expectations.
Grade: B+
Is this movie family-friendly? Top Gun: Maverick is rated PG-13 for "sequences of intense action, and some strong language." There are a handful of intense, fast-moving jet airplane action scenes that include close calls, bullets firing, and a couple of crashes (no one is seriously hurt, however). Language includes about 30 uses of the s-word, one clear f-word by Rooster, two possible other uses (but not sure) by a female pilot in fear, and a few uses each of "h***", "d***", "a**", and "b**ch". We also hear *g**d***" once, a couple of uses of "J***s", one "d**khead", and one picture of someone giving the middle finger to the camera. Maverick makes out with a female and lays on top of her (clothed). The camera then cuts away to them laying in bed with Cruise shirtless. Alcohol is consumed in a couple of bar scenes. In the end, this movie is not for younger kids, but I would say ages 13 and up with some discussions on the content ahead of time would probably be OK. Each family will be different based on how they perceive the content concerns. Overall, it is about the same in terms of concerns as the original film.
Is this movie family-friendly? Top Gun: Maverick is rated PG-13 for "sequences of intense action, and some strong language." There are a handful of intense, fast-moving jet airplane action scenes that include close calls, bullets firing, and a couple of crashes (no one is seriously hurt, however). Language includes about 30 uses of the s-word, one clear f-word by Rooster, two possible other uses (but not sure) by a female pilot in fear, and a few uses each of "h***", "d***", "a**", and "b**ch". We also hear *g**d***" once, a couple of uses of "J***s", one "d**khead", and one picture of someone giving the middle finger to the camera. Maverick makes out with a female and lays on top of her (clothed). The camera then cuts away to them laying in bed with Cruise shirtless. Alcohol is consumed in a couple of bar scenes. In the end, this movie is not for younger kids, but I would say ages 13 and up with some discussions on the content ahead of time would probably be OK. Each family will be different based on how they perceive the content concerns. Overall, it is about the same in terms of concerns as the original film.
