We reaching back to the 80’s mixed with a little modern technology in Top Gun: Maverick
by Kathia Woods
The original Top Gun was released in 1986. Generation X ran to the theater to see a young Tom Cruise and a smokin 'Val Kilmer for an organic fun experience. The film became a hit due to organic word of mouth and an amazing soundtrack. Songs like Danger Zone from Kenny Loggings and the supergroup Berlin’s Take My Breath Away stay in our CD rotation. It was a special time because we still had innocence.
So naturally when it was announced that a sequel for Top Gun was in the works there was skepticism. After all, it's been 36 years since the original was released. Granted Tom Cruise still looks great, but we can’t have Maverick without Ice Man. Ice Man being Val Kilmer who is dealing with Cancer. Also, Kelly McGillis while still very much alive doesn’t measure up to what Hollywood considers screen appealing. So how were they going to satisfy Generation X who have fond memories of this film, music and time while reeling in this young generation who mainly know Cruise from the Mission Impossible franchise.
They basically used the same formula with better special effects .Intelligently they used all the advantages of technology while still giving us the cheesy good vs evil. Maverick vs the establishment and some of those great tunes from the 80’s.
When we first met Pete “Maverick” Mitchell he’s a test pilot now. As in the previous outing he’s falling out of favor with Naval Command. He still can’t follow the rules, but one thing is for certain he’s still a great pilot.
He’s brought back from his isolation from a foe turned friend Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. This is where we tie the old with new. It seems that he’s the only one that is capable of training this new breed of pilots for a secret mission at Top Gun.
In that crop of young fighters is his late friend’s Goose’s son Rooster aka Lt. Bradshaw. They have baggage and history between them.
Maverick is now the old guy, the one they are trying to put out to pasture. He’s older and being a fighter pilot is his whole life. The movie has given you a tie to the past but what about his love life. In comes Jennifer Connelly as Penny Benjamin, a lost love who now owns the bar the pilots frequents.
On the surface Top Gun: Maverick is just as cheesy as the first one. The advantage that this new outing has over the original is better technology. Gone are the F-14, and in are F-18.
In this new class of pilots, they aren’t aware of Maverick’s prowess as a pilot. They simply know they are the best of the best.
None of the moviegoers flocking to see Top Gun: Maverick this weekend is looking for some deep plot. Many are coming for nostalgia as well as escapism.
This movie provides that. Tom Cruise who often gets dismissed as an actor due to his success is at his best in this type of film.
He understands what the audience is looking for and delivers.
The action in Top Gun: Maverick is top tier. In this film they were able to give the audience all the close up action and thrills that weren’t available to them 36 years ago.
It’s also nice to see Maverick unsure of himself and coming to grips with the fact that his days as a Combat Pilot may be behind him.
In this new group of pilots there are some who stand out more than others. First one must give the producing team of Bruckheimer, Cruise, McQuarrie and Ellison credit for having a diverse cast.
Cruise is one of the few Movie Stars that uses his privilege to hire actors of color in prominent roles. They have agency and purpose.
This can be seen in Maverick’s relationship with Bernie “Hondo” Coleman portrayed by Bashir Salahuddin who most know from the South Side and Sherman’s Showcase. They have genuine respect and love for one another, and Bashir brings the comic relief.
Glen Powell as Hangman is cocky and arrogant and pushes all the other pilots to the edge.
While the conflict of Rooster and Maverick is a bit manufactured Miles Teller does a good job of stepping in for Anthony Edwards. It’s also nice to see Jay Ellis as Paypack in a blockbuster film.
The most touching scenes in the film are between Cruise and Kilmer. Get ready to shed a tear. Kudos to casting Jennifer Connelly as Cruise's love interest instead of some 20’s something actress. They compliment each other nicely.
The one area that needed a little more polish was that of showcasing Monica Barbaro as Lt. Natasha “Phoenix” Trace.
Women have been Naval fighter pilots since the 70’s not only is it normal to see Naval women aviators, but many are in command positions. The film failed to show any of that which is very much a part of today’s modern navy.
Top Gun: Maverick is exactly what audiences want when it comes to a theater movie. It’s fun, fast paced and entertaining making it the first bona fide hit of the summer.
Top Gun: Maverick is currently playing in theaters.