I first saw the original Top Gun only back a few days ago, knowing that this film is a great blockbuster, I couldn't agree more. Better yet, I couldn't believe with what I saw with my own pair of eyes. A 1986 film succeeded in doing spectacular stunts and you couldn't tell if whether they had used CGI or not.
36 years later, Top Gun Maverick comes land into cinemas and oh my God, I literally had an orgasm witnessing the entire repertoire of Tom Cruise and his wingmen. They have done it again, and this time it's better and badder!
The engine kicks in with a similar reading card with 1986's Top Gun, only now they add the word 'men & women' which I feel is like a tribute for all fighter pilots in our current world. What comes next is similar to what came in the original, mirroring scenes but now with a touch of modern trends and technological advancements. From then onwards, my mind goes that this film will be a homage to the original, copying scene after scene but... I was wrong. They did mirror certain scenes but that's about it, suffice to bring back memories of the original which was exactly what I wanted.
What I like about this sequel is that it's not a film made for cash grab sake. It has a story to tell, a continuation to follow and a heart to making this an excellent film. It doesn't fall into the trap of most commercial films nowadays. The story flows like water, jumping from one plot point to another without feeling forced or doing it just for the sake of doing it. Yes, the major plot might be a bit gimmicky but the things that surround the plot that make the film feels authentic and rich with contexts.
Is it an action-packed film? Absolutely. It's not only full of actions but you'll be at the edge of your seat, full-on adrenaline rush, pumping all your juicy hormones as you witness all the practical effects done by Tom Cruise and the team. This film is much more intense than watching a horror film. You will not be comfortable seating at your seat, and that's a compliment for this movie. Remember when you saw Mission Impossible 6: Fallout? That final mission where Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill were in a helicopter showdown? Yes, if you like that & if you still remember how high the level of cortisol you experienced, Top Gun will be similar especially during the final 30 minutes. Yes, that final act that will suck your air out, making you gasp and grip your seat as hard as possible. That breathtaking moment that will make you shake your head and hands, trying to dissociate yourself with the scene but couldn't as you can't take your eyes off the screen.
To pile on the good notes, they also brought back some of the previous characters, mainly our favourites, not as a mere fan service but to also help drive the story forward, showing where they are now and what they had gone through all these times.
Tom Cruise as Maverick is both attractive and captivating. It's hard to imagine anyone playing Maverick, so kudos to the Casting Director of the original for predicting that Cruise is the only one that is able to perform all these stunts... practically. I still couldn't wrap my head around his bravery and courage especially after seeing all the stunts, even professionals might not be able to do what he does. It's beyond your expectation and understanding. Just mindblowing!
Let's not forget the amazing new members joining Maverick. They all did an awesome job and salute to all of them, bringing their respective characters to life. My favourite is definitely Hangman, played by the charismatic and charming Glen Powell. He's like a hybrid between Maverick & Iceman. I also love Phoenix who puts on a nice touch to women empowerment. Rooster, held by Miles Teller is engaging, he's the centre of the story that is important for Maverick.
Talk about Rooster, I appreciate all the relationships they put in into the script. They're a lot of chemistry sparks produced between characters; Maverick & Penny, Rooster & Maverick, Hangman & Rooster, Phoenix & Bob etc. And these sparks are strong enough insofar that we care about all these characters. It will set you on a journey of what it means to have a family and a group of friends that love you dearly.
The element of brotherhood in this is so strong, it's also the highlight of the film. I applause that because the sparks work, the brotherhood between characters in this also works wonderfully well. You might dislike some characters at the beginning, but you'll grow to love them by the end. I did hold back my tears at the end when I see all the things we want from a brotherhood, but my Gosh, I would have cried if I were watching it alone.
Top Gun Maverick respects its audience as they craft a story that gives a hint of what's to come/ending, only to realize later that you have been tricked as the story goes along. They know you're an intelligent audience and they respect you for that hence, they know you'll be able to predict its ending. So don't get shocked if your prediction took a wrong turn later on. Why? Because the script is already two steps ahead of you.
If I would highlight on what they could improve, I feel that they could have paced their story a bit better during the first 30 minutes. It takes a bit of a time for audience to fully immerse in the story, probably because of the urgent introduction they need to serve for the new characters.
The other thing is that yes, the cinematography in this is off the roof! It's extremely riveting everytime they're in the sky however, seldom they are times when the camera crop is off putting, like that one scene where they're playing volleyball, everything is perfecto from the thirst trap element 😂, One Republic's chill-vibe song to the perfect sunbathing but the scene falls short when we can't really see the ball throwing and catching up in the air as the camera crops the part where they need to be showing that, taking out the fun factor a bit.
All in all, we need to have more Hollywood summer films like this. The one that is wholesome, knows no boundaries, respect the audience's intelligence and gives out a highly entertainment value for all.
Verdict: 3 years worth the wait, Top Gun Maverick is a giant-sized blockbuster film that aims for the sky and successfully reaches to an altitude only a few could do so. Better than the original, this sequel is the real definition of high-octane, adrenaline rush & edge-of-your-seat viewing that pays tribute to the original while also respecting all the esteemed crews.
36 years later, Top Gun Maverick comes land into cinemas and oh my God, I literally had an orgasm witnessing the entire repertoire of Tom Cruise and his wingmen. They have done it again, and this time it's better and badder!
The engine kicks in with a similar reading card with 1986's Top Gun, only now they add the word 'men & women' which I feel is like a tribute for all fighter pilots in our current world. What comes next is similar to what came in the original, mirroring scenes but now with a touch of modern trends and technological advancements. From then onwards, my mind goes that this film will be a homage to the original, copying scene after scene but... I was wrong. They did mirror certain scenes but that's about it, suffice to bring back memories of the original which was exactly what I wanted.
What I like about this sequel is that it's not a film made for cash grab sake. It has a story to tell, a continuation to follow and a heart to making this an excellent film. It doesn't fall into the trap of most commercial films nowadays. The story flows like water, jumping from one plot point to another without feeling forced or doing it just for the sake of doing it. Yes, the major plot might be a bit gimmicky but the things that surround the plot that make the film feels authentic and rich with contexts.
Is it an action-packed film? Absolutely. It's not only full of actions but you'll be at the edge of your seat, full-on adrenaline rush, pumping all your juicy hormones as you witness all the practical effects done by Tom Cruise and the team. This film is much more intense than watching a horror film. You will not be comfortable seating at your seat, and that's a compliment for this movie. Remember when you saw Mission Impossible 6: Fallout? That final mission where Tom Cruise and Henry Cavill were in a helicopter showdown? Yes, if you like that & if you still remember how high the level of cortisol you experienced, Top Gun will be similar especially during the final 30 minutes. Yes, that final act that will suck your air out, making you gasp and grip your seat as hard as possible. That breathtaking moment that will make you shake your head and hands, trying to dissociate yourself with the scene but couldn't as you can't take your eyes off the screen.
To pile on the good notes, they also brought back some of the previous characters, mainly our favourites, not as a mere fan service but to also help drive the story forward, showing where they are now and what they had gone through all these times.
Tom Cruise as Maverick is both attractive and captivating. It's hard to imagine anyone playing Maverick, so kudos to the Casting Director of the original for predicting that Cruise is the only one that is able to perform all these stunts... practically. I still couldn't wrap my head around his bravery and courage especially after seeing all the stunts, even professionals might not be able to do what he does. It's beyond your expectation and understanding. Just mindblowing!
Let's not forget the amazing new members joining Maverick. They all did an awesome job and salute to all of them, bringing their respective characters to life. My favourite is definitely Hangman, played by the charismatic and charming Glen Powell. He's like a hybrid between Maverick & Iceman. I also love Phoenix who puts on a nice touch to women empowerment. Rooster, held by Miles Teller is engaging, he's the centre of the story that is important for Maverick.
Talk about Rooster, I appreciate all the relationships they put in into the script. They're a lot of chemistry sparks produced between characters; Maverick & Penny, Rooster & Maverick, Hangman & Rooster, Phoenix & Bob etc. And these sparks are strong enough insofar that we care about all these characters. It will set you on a journey of what it means to have a family and a group of friends that love you dearly.
The element of brotherhood in this is so strong, it's also the highlight of the film. I applause that because the sparks work, the brotherhood between characters in this also works wonderfully well. You might dislike some characters at the beginning, but you'll grow to love them by the end. I did hold back my tears at the end when I see all the things we want from a brotherhood, but my Gosh, I would have cried if I were watching it alone.
Top Gun Maverick respects its audience as they craft a story that gives a hint of what's to come/ending, only to realize later that you have been tricked as the story goes along. They know you're an intelligent audience and they respect you for that hence, they know you'll be able to predict its ending. So don't get shocked if your prediction took a wrong turn later on. Why? Because the script is already two steps ahead of you.
If I would highlight on what they could improve, I feel that they could have paced their story a bit better during the first 30 minutes. It takes a bit of a time for audience to fully immerse in the story, probably because of the urgent introduction they need to serve for the new characters.
The other thing is that yes, the cinematography in this is off the roof! It's extremely riveting everytime they're in the sky however, seldom they are times when the camera crop is off putting, like that one scene where they're playing volleyball, everything is perfecto from the thirst trap element 😂, One Republic's chill-vibe song to the perfect sunbathing but the scene falls short when we can't really see the ball throwing and catching up in the air as the camera crops the part where they need to be showing that, taking out the fun factor a bit.
All in all, we need to have more Hollywood summer films like this. The one that is wholesome, knows no boundaries, respect the audience's intelligence and gives out a highly entertainment value for all.
Verdict: 3 years worth the wait, Top Gun Maverick is a giant-sized blockbuster film that aims for the sky and successfully reaches to an altitude only a few could do so. Better than the original, this sequel is the real definition of high-octane, adrenaline rush & edge-of-your-seat viewing that pays tribute to the original while also respecting all the esteemed crews.