‘Top Gun: Maverick‘ is an action drama sequel directed by Joseph Kosinski, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, and released by Paramount Pictures. During the age of streaming, this movie premiered exclusively in theaters and will not go to an app for some time.

Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is ordered by Rear Admiral Cain (Ed Harris) to return to the Top Academy to train pilots for a dangerous mission. He immediately clashes with commanding officer Vice Admiral Simpson (Jon Hamm), but Maverick’s old friend Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky (Val Kilmer) has his back. He meets the team which includes the cocky Hangman (Glen Powell), the nerdy Bob (Lewis Pullman), focused Phoenix (Monica Barbaro), the witty Fanboy (Danny Ramirez), the smart Payback (Jay Ellis), and also Rooster (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s friend Goose (Anthony Edwards), who died during a mission. Maverick frustrates his superiors and students while preparing for the dangerous mission while reconnecting with his old girlfriend Penny (Jennifer Connelly) who encourages him to stay the course.

No one can deny that the 1986 film Top Gun, directed by the late Tony Scott, is one of the best films to come out of the eighties and is probably one of Cruise’s best flicks. The question on everyone’s mind was would a sequel work? The answer was yes.

The movie manages to hit that perfect balance of nostalgia and being a follow-up. The references to its predecessor were not overwhelming but used to complement the actual plot. Likewise, the new movie stands on its own two feet with ease. It avoids being politically correct and just focuses on telling a very good story. That alone was refreshing.

They nail the Kenny Loggins song “Danger Zone” from the original while also introducing Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” as a new song. On the music, Lady Gaga, Harold Faltermeyer, and Hans Zimmer handle the score, making for one epic soundtrack.

Tom Cruise never misses a beat. He jumps right into the role like he has been preparing for it his whole life. Maybe he has. He brings on the charm, emotion, frustration, and focus to the role of Maverick. The rest of the cast did well as well, but Mile Teller nailed his role as Rooster. While I missed Kelly McGillis, Jennifer Connelly did excellent in her part also.

Val Kilmer had a cameo in his role of Iceman and while it was short, it was sweet and I enjoyed seeing him on the big screen once again.

Overall, I cannot say anything negative about the film. I am glad I saw it in theaters as it definitely enriched the experience. I loved hearing the sound of the engines, the ocean’s waves, and even just the mechanical sounds from working on the jets. It was awesome and I loved every minute of it.

Bottom line, Top Gun: Maverick is a thrill ride that returns the audience to the danger zone. I had such a good experience watching it and I have no doubt it will bring memories while ushering in new ones.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Strong foul language

FAVORITE QUOTE: You told me not to think!

Check out the trailer below:

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