In 2010, Paramount Pictures announced a sequel to “Top Gun” was in the works. Ridley Scott’s younger brother Tony signed on to direct with Tom Cruise reprising his role as Maverick and Jerry Bruckheimer as producer. Sadly, in 2012, Tony tragically took his own life putting the project on halt. Four Years Later, Joesph Kosinski (Tron: Legacy, Oblivion, Only the Brave) took over Tony’s directing duty. He managed to convince Tom to resume the project with an organic story focusing on Maverick teaching Goose’s son Rooster the ropes along with new recruits as well as a love letter to aviation. Anyway, Mr. Cruise signed to star and co-produce the sequel. Miles Teller won the role as Rooster thanks to his involvement in “War Dogs,” “Only the Brave” & “Thank You for Your Service.” Thank goodness Miles survived in that god awful “Fan4Stic.”
Originally intended to come out on June 24th, 2022, Paramount Pictures were forced to delay the film due to COVID-19 changing the release to July 2, 2021. Suddenly… it’s changed again to November 19th, 2021, and then finalized for the last time, which is May 27th, 2022. After a two-year delay, Top Gun: Maverick is finally out. It received unanimous praise from critics and movie goers alike. So far, it’s making revenue at the box office. Tom recently earned a standing ovation at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.
Tom Cruise’s next project is “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” a two-part finale intended to release separately with Part One on July 14th, 2023, and Part Two on June 28th, 2024. Mr. Cruise is interested in reprising his role Les Grossman in a spin-off to “Tropic Thunder.” As a huge fan of Tom’s work since the first Mission Impossible movie, I cannot wait for the final installment.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. I’m giving some of you a chance to refresh your memory by watching the first film. Is it better than the original? Let’s find out, shall we?
Fast & Slow Aspects
Fast: Tom Cruise reprises his role as Maverick. He did an excellent job for his performance. Tom also co-produced the sequel alongside Jerry Bruckheimer.
Val Kilmer reprises his role as Iceman. After watching his documentary on Amazon Prime, it’s heartwarming to see Val back on the big screen. As I recall, the audience and I cheered for him. It was Tom’s idea to bring Val back.
Newcomers to the sequel such as Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Monica Barbaro, Lewis Pullman (Bill’s real-life son) & Ed Harris all did a great job for their respective performances.
Joesph Kosinski did an awesome job directing.
Christopher McQuarrie, Eric Warren Singer & Ehren Kruger co-wrote the script.
Action Sequences managed to keep me on the edge of my seat without looking at my watch.
The sequel was shot using IMAX cameras inside a cockpit and 800 hours capturing aerial footage. There’s a reason why it took a year to perfect flying scenes without relying on a green screen.
To prepare for their roles, Tom instructed his younger co-stars using real-life aviation training back when he endured training sessions from the last film. You can tell Tom is very passionate on flying. He also has a pilot’s license. Don’t forget he and James Corden flew on a jet together. Tom is an adrenaline junkie on and offset.
Pacing felt stable as it invested us movie goers what happened after the events of the last film.
Callbacks from the original didn’t feel like a carbon copy at all.
My favorite line is “Don’t think, just do.”
Chemistry between Maverick, Rooster and the rest of the new recruits serves as the main highlight. Maverick’s students we’re interesting. Thank goodness the new cast didn’t overshadow Maverick.
Lady Gaga collaborated with the first film’s composer Harold Faltermeyer, Hans Zimmer & Lorne Balfe orchestrating the score. Gaga also sings the sequel’s theme song, “Hold My Hand.”
Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” is used. It’s my favorite theme song in a movie. The audience and I cheered.
The sequel dedicates Tony Scott’s memory.
Slow: I couldn’t find anything wrong. I’m giving The Cast & Crew an Extra Point for making a flawless film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Top Gun: Maverick is without a doubt, superior to the original. At first, I thought this was gonna be a rehash like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” Upon seeing the former, it’s one of those sequels that are better than the first. If you’re a fan of Tom Cruise like me or very passionate on aviation, I strongly recommend this film. So far, Top Gun Maverick is currently my favorite film of 2022 while “The Batman” is a runner-up. I can’t wait to see movies during summer like “Elvis,” “Lightyear,” “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Nope” & Bullet Train.” Which movie are you eager to see this summer? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 