Top Gun Maverick - Action done right

Sequels, prequels, reboots. Three words that unfortunately encapsulate a chunk of the drivel that Hollywood produces.  Thus, it was with the word scepticism that I would have described my initial feelings for the trailer of the film, but euphoria after departing the cinema.

Tony Scott’s 1986 Top Gun is arguably a classic in pop culture – even with all its imperfections it boasts iconic lines and a distinguishable soundtrack, and so with this Joseph Krosinski had some boots to fill. The 1986 film follows Maverick on his path to recognition, glory, and comradery with Iceman, whereas the 2022 Top Gun Maverick sees Cruise’s character haven fallen into near irrelevancy. Destined to become a relic of the past, Maverick’s guardian angel secures him a position at the institution that began his career: Top Gun flight school. Tasked with training up the greatest of the air force’s pilots for a near impossible mission in an unnamed country to take on an unknown enemy, Maverick is faced with a plethora of challenges to overcome. He must face up to the past, defy his impulses and further grow as a character.

 With big budget action films, CGI offers a safety net to directors in their production, but with Tom Cruise as your lead, reality is all that will suffice. Top Gun Maverick is an ace example for why films should stray away from special effects, returning to old school ways, just as the pilots do with the F14’s in the film. This film is perhaps the epitome of gripping action sequences, nostalgia trips for those from the 70s and before, and most importantly, an enjoyable film. The 80’s are back in fashion with Kate Bush topping the charts, and Maverick dominating the box office – this film really is a must see.