Pilot in The Box!!!!! Sequel to Classic 80s Film Is Earnest Aviation Love Letter!!!!
Review By Brandon Porter
.jpg)
 |
| The Legend Flies Again |
Story Description
Ace aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is the full embodiment of being a master at his craft. With over 30 years of service and earning almost every single distinguished honor in the Air Force, a few pilots on the planet are as skilled as one of Top Gun’s most distinguished graduates. However, Mitchell’s reluctance to take on a leadership role for fear of grounding himself keeps him from really making a real lasting impact in the Armed Forces. That soon changes in a big way thanks to a recommendation from an old friend. Thrust into the mentor role at the request of an old wingman, Mitchell must now guide a new crop of pilots, including the son of his deceased friend Goose (Miles Teller) in the ways of aviation. Determined to humble a couple of wet behind the ears hotshots and confront his own fallibility and fear, Maverick must now take the next step in becoming not only a worthy teacher but a leader worthy enough to follow behind.
 |
| Formation. |
Film Review
There are few films that defined the 80s like Top Gun. Since it’s released in 1986, the film has become a cinematic staple for the era it was released in. Now more than 30 years later, Tom Cruise jumps back into the cockpit as his iconic character in a sequel that has been hard anticipated and played with the setbacks and delays. With a new cast, a new story, and plenty of nostalgic nods to the classic that starts at all, Top Gun Maverick looks to reinvigorate the world of high stakes aviation and bring the need for speed to cinemas. After jumping into the cockpit and taking off for this ride, Top Gun Maverick took its time coming in. But it was worth the wait. Tom Cruise has been a dedicated advocate for this project as many people know. His passion for the art of aviation and his relentless drive to not play things safe from an acting standpoint made it inevitable that he would work hard to deliver the most authentic cinematic look at flying put to screen. Luckily, a strong story, a likable ensemble, and plenty of nostalgic beats make this more than just a glorified air show. Acting-wise, Tom Cruise commands the screen as Pete Mitchell. While still having that rebel attitude, Cruise really elevates the character by giving him dimension and demons to fight as he confronts the ever-changing world around him. You truly see Cruise giving his all and the film is better for it. Thankfully, others around him really help this film exceed even the original. While the 1986 classic had a handful of good supporting characters that played second fiddle to the love story, the ensemble in Top Gun Maverick is given the spotlight alongside Cruise and they do a great job keeping you engaged. Glen Powell, Danny Ramirez, Monica Barbaro, Jay Ellis, Jon Hamm, Bashir Salahuddin, and others create a great supporting cast that really works to create investment in the story and raise the stakes. The standouts of the supporters however are Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly. Teller is fantastic as Bradley creates a great emotional obstacle for Maverick to overcome. Their relationship on screen is the heart of the film and it makes the moments of triumph and tension all the more heart pumping. Conneely radiates the screen matching Cruise's suaveness with her charm and wit. Unlike the first film, the romantic subplot is not the primary focal point of the story but it was great to see it play out nonetheless.
 |
| Goin Supersonic. |
One of the things I appreciate so much about this movie is its ability to be cinematically top grade from a technical standpoint yet still craft a story that is engaging with characters that you want to invest in. The amount of time, effort, and passion that was put into the practical shooting of the breathtaking flight sequences, including having actors operate their in-cockpit cameras, is a marvel that should be celebrated. But what makes it all the more rewarding is that the narrative is strong and the characters on screen make you feel for them. I've seen too many movies where the cinematography, sound mixing, editing, and other technical elements are second to none but the story and characters are uninteresting and hollow. Top Gun Maverick doesn't have that problem. When the technical muscles are flexed on screen coupled with characters you care about, it makes what is supposed to be impactful moments more impactful. When a film can do that, it's something special. Overall, Top Gun Maverick is one of the most thrillingly satisfying films so far this year. So much heart and valor are seen on display and it's great to see that the film honors its past while making sure it creates a story that connects with more people maybe even more so than its predecessor. It took a while to get back into the danger zone but if feels damn good to be back.
Rating and Final Thoughts
 |
| An emotionally earnest and thrilling summer ride that salutes aviation, honors its classic predecessor, and presents characters and a story worth cheering for. |
 |
| It's a hit Ghostrider, It's a hit |
No comments:
Post a Comment