A film with a mission to defeat forces of evil through bombs may be the last thing the world needs right now regardless of when it was intended to be released. Yet Top Gun: Maverick proved to be well-intended and good-hearted despite its political aspects.
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| Paramount Pictures |
Tom Cruise returns as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell on a mission to build his legacy though service to the country and to reconcile with the past he struggles to let go of, especially when he stumbles upon the son--now a Top Gun pilot--of his old wingman, Goose. This additional layer to what used to be more about being a cool pilot, flying cool planes, getting cool chicks, winging with cool bros, and achieving cool heights creates a more visceral viewing experience. But that's not to say that it doesn't have the abovementioned qualities that the original possesses. This sequel still has them, it just went way above and beyond. It's less concerned about being iconic and more interested on the emotional beats.
Let it be known that it also achieved greater heights when it comes to action that it's unimaginable to learn anyone who's seen it to be underwhelmed. Because the mission per se isn't a walk in the park, but the journey and conflicts to accomplishing it is way more complicated than anyone could imagine. And I suppose those are the reasons why the film is extra satisfying. Add the fact that it's super immersive and the exposition is clear enough for the viewers to be affected and involved.
Apart from it are the characters new and old. Maverick is still as dangerous and stubborn as ever but there's indeed maturity in him that could be a personification of Tom Cruise both as an actor and as a movie star. He's never washed out but it's quite justifiable that his stardom has lustered less over the years. Hence, there's a feeling of earnestness and groundedness even when he's up in the sky forcing himself to achieve beyond what's expected of him. Then there's Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of the crew whose characters created a few more complications to Maverick's already complicated disposition.
Here's a flick that's going to make one forget about the uselessness of war and would appreciate more the values of camaraderie, holding on and letting go as cheesy as that may sound, and family and friendship. There's going to be a lot of hype and it will be able to hold if not exceed expectations.
