Top Gun: Maverick | Review & Score

About: After thirty years, Maverick is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN's elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

I am a huge fan of the 1986 'Top Gun' starring Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer and Tom Skerritt. It's honestly one of the greatest achievements in cinema EVER. From start to finish, it's wildly entertaining. One of Tom Cruise's best roles.

MAVERICK is just as wildly entertaining.

You start off with a strong opening credits sequence involving the 'Danger Zone' song, known from the original film. Loved that.

The story follows Maverick (Cruise) confronting his past while training a group of younger TOP GUN graduates. One of which includes the son of Mav's best friend Goose, named Rooster (Miles Teller). Together, the new crew must complete a highly dangerous mission, using the expertise of Maverick.
Maverick has a very fresh feel, mixed with nostalgia for us long time fans. It is NOT woke, so you don't have to worry about that. This movie is very fun and just as wildly entertaining from start to finish, especially the finish. Wooooooah, buddy, that finish. *chefs kiss*

The blending of older cast and newer cast is very nice here in Maverick. Cruise fits in well with the new landscape. Miles Teller plays a compelling character in Goose's son Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw. I'm happy he was cast in this, because Teller is a gifted comedic performer, but can play just about any character he puts his heart into.

Jennifer Connelly plays Penny, a former and rekindled love interest for Mav. The chemistry between Cruise and Connelly feels nostalgic and fresh, in a sweet mixture of both. Connelly's performance in Maverick is compelling, sweet, sassy and just a very likable person. Someone you can go to for advice and not feel threatened. Really enjoyed Connelly and have been a big fan of hers for years.

Val Kilmer returns as Iceman from the original. Iceman is now the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Ice calls upon Mav to teach the young and new TOP GUN crew, with much hesitation from Mav. It was so great to see Kilmer back in one of the roles that made him a mega star. Kilmer adds a heartfelt touch to the story and continues his tremendous chemistry with Cruise. They kill of the Iceman character later on in the movie, which makes sense, because of the unfortunate health state of Kilmer.

I thought they did right by the character and gave him a satisfying send off. Very well done.
I also enjoyed other key performances from Glen Powell, Jon Hamm and Monica Barbaro who portray Hangman, Commander Simpson and Phoenix respectfully.

The action sequences of Maverick are some of the most compelling scenes ever put on the big screen. Everything from the training scenes, to the final battle scene. All very well put together, performed and came off authentic and entertaining. Props to the stunt team and visual effects supervisors. Bravo, indeed.
All in all, TOP GUN: MAVERICK excels in most parts where the original just didn't get to, for it's time. Maverick is cinema at its true form and Cruise gives one of his most compelling performances in years. I was happy coming into the movie, I walked out feeling like I should go get my pilots license and do some acrobatics in the sky. Start to finish, everything is a must see. The story is great, the visual effects, action sequences are stunning and the performances are stellar.

You get so much nostalgia, but a healthy mixture of fresh storytelling and cleans up some story arcs from the 1986 film. The ending of the movie is crisp and does justice for new and past characters.
I'll tell you another thing... Tom Cruise was definitely built for the big screen. What a performer. A gifted craftsman. Thank you for bringing cinema back, Mr. Cruise! You've truly outdone yourself - for our entertainment value. Much appreciated.

Oh, and not to mention... what a soundtrack!

If you haven't seen Maverick, I'm practically begging you... GO SEE IT NOW!

5/5