Top Gun : The Return of Maverick

After a long wait of approximately 36 years, we finally got to see Top Gun Maverick, the sequel for the 1986 film Top Gun and honestly, it was worth the wait. 

With messed up movies being constantly released by Bollywood which are mostly a rip-off/remake or an overused over-the-top script which has a maximum predictability level and with the increase in good scripts and screenplay from the South industry, I had lost faith in both Bollywood as well as Hollywood. The last movie I remember watching in theatre is Dr. Strange : In The Multiverse Of Madness which was great but I somehow didn’t feel the emotions. I wondered what will be the fate of Hollywood and then came Top Gun : Maverick which changed the game completely. 

Tom Cruise has to be awarded for his patience in creating this movie and although, in the total time that has passed so far, he has aged like fine wine. There are scenes wherein he looks similar to the younger 1986 version of himself. I will continue the appreciation for him later in this review but before that lets talk about why I felt Top Gun Maverick deserved to be the highest grossing film of 2022. IMHO

A movie about aviation is nothing new but to create it with perfection is difficult. For someone who knows nothing about planes and fighter jets, the movie felt engaging. Actually, it was the right time for a sequel and it didn't feel unnecessary or irrelevant. We still have these prevalent issues in today's world regarding  unsanctioned Uranium usage. So, this gives the movie some substance or base to stand on but its not just limited to that. Tom Cruise's character Pete "Maverick" Mitchell has to mend his ways in order to train and work with a team which includes Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw who is the son of late Nick "Goose" Bradshaw. Now if you've seen Top Gun (1986), you surely know how devastated Maverick is after he loses Goose and even after 30 odd years, he still feels the pain and takes certain decisions for the betterment of Rooster. How he clears the mission and retrieves the faith and trust of Rooster is what follows in the 2nd half of the film. 

Now, I know it seems predictable but on a serious note, the movie felt fresh as if I had seen it for the first time. The action sequences were top notch and the emotions hit the right chords. Not even for a moment did it feel bleak or boring. Also, it was a treat for me as I'm always in search of such movies where brotherhood is the main crux of the movie or at least shapes the movie in some way. 

Coming to our legendary Maverick, Tom Cruise who is 60 as of now and does these impeccable stunts which I just cannot fathom even at my age. He can run, ride, fly, swim, jump and fight with ease. It always makes me wonder is he for real. Can someone actually do that? I mean is it even possible? Looking at his filmography, I'm always anticipating and eagerly waiting for his next venture. We're lucky to have this guy in this generation and we're fortunate enough to see him on screen. The best thing is that this guy not only does his own stunts, he also produces his own films which makes it even more easier for him to keep the budget tight and under control. So, he is wise as well. 

Some movies are tailor made for theatres. This is the one thing that I'll regret, apart from MI: Rogue Nation, Fallout and Oblivion, I haven't seen any of the Cruise's films in the theatre but Top Gun : Maverick demanded a theatre view especially in IMAX. Well, its a lost experience and I have nothing else to say about it. 

Moving on to rest of the characters, Miles Teller plays the character of Rooster who is a free-spirited guy but feels that Maverick is responsible for his dad's death. There is a lot of friction between them which is displayed with perfection. Miles Teller is a wonderful and talented actor. If you haven't heard of him then you must watch Whiplash to understand his acting prowess. However, I know most of you have seen it. 

Next we have Jennifer Connelly who plays Penny. Maverick is always stuck between following orders and relocating because of his rash behavior. This has caused a strain on his relationship with Penny but this time he gets a chance to change it. I fell for Jennifer Connelly after watching her in Career Opportunities and Requiem for a Dream , so naturally watching her in this movie was another treat for me. Do checkout the above mentioned movies, especially Requiem for a Dream to understand how talented she is. 

Val Kilmer has been given a brief role where he reprised his character of Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, who has become Admiral but suffers from terminal throat cancer. I was unaware that Val Kilmer has suffered from throat cancer in his real life and has survived that as well. IT was great to see something like that to be added in the movie as well. 

Next I'll talk about the BGM of this movie which is the Top Gun Anthem aka Main Titles (You’ve Been Called Back to Top Gun) according to the  OST list. The electric guitar played in this theme is mind blowing and I was humming the tune for days after watching it. Apart from that we've ''I Ain't Worried" by One Republic which has a very catchy tune and I've been whistling it constantly. It is used during a beach scene where the entire team is playing and in my opinion, it is apt for this scene. Gives out cool, calm, composed and relaxed vibes.  

This bring me to the end of the review and I'm most certainly sure that you guys are pumped up as well to watch this flick. Do yourselves a favor and don't miss this, you shall regret it later. Just kidding. 

As far as my entertainment level is concerned, I'm thoroughly satisfied and completely entertained. So its up to you guys now - Your mission should you choose to accept it - callback from MI.