Film Review: TOP GUN: MAVERICK (2022): Tom Cruise is Back in an Expertly Crafted Action Sequel

Top Gun: Maverick Review

Top Gun: Maverick (2022) Film Review, a movie directed by Joseph Kosinski, written by Jim Cash, Jack Epps Jr. and Peter Craig and starring Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Bashir Salahuddin, Jon Hamm, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro, Lewis Pullman, Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez, Glen Powell, Jack Schumacher, Manny Jacinto, Kara Wang, Greg Tarzan Davis, Jake Picking and Raymond Lee.

Director Joseph Kosinski has crafted a terrifically entertaining sequel to the 1986 box-office smash hit, Top Gun. In the new continuation of the story of Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise), the stakes are high and the action is more intense than ever. Maverick is a character who is both relatable and likable which makes the audience invested in the story line. Cast opposite Cruise as his love interest is Jennifer Connelly who plays single mom Penny Benjamin. To say the chemistry between Cruise and Connelly is on fire would be an understatement. Only two old pros could make the audience so interested in what happens with their romance in the movie.

Another surprise of Top Gun: Maverick is the casting of Miles Teller as Lt. Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw who is the son of “Goose” (Anthony Edwards) who died in the original Top Gun. Teller has a commanding screen presence here and is believable in the role to the point where we grow to truly like his character. When Maverick and Rooster get involved in a dangerous scenario late in the movie, the way the plot unfolds ultimately becomes a question of which character is more likely to succeed against all odds. However, both of these fierce men have motivation to defeat all potential obstacles. For, Maverick, it’s the love of Penny and for Rooster, it’s the memory of his dad.

Of course, none of this movie would be at all possible without the aircraft fighters that are at the heart of the movie and make all the character development fall into place to perfection. This movie is visually awe-inspiring and the crisp sound effects editing complements the splendidly created cinematography. It’s easy to understand why this movie wasn’t released straight to streaming during the pandemic when it could have been. This picture is essential for big screen viewing.

Cruise’s Maverick is the ultimate movie hero. When we learn that during the course of his career Maverick has never risen above the level where he would stop having the “need for speed,” it truly shapes the way the hero is perceived. Cruise plays his role to absolute perfection. Maverick is enlisted to select the best out of a group of up-and-coming pilots and by teaching them survival techniques, he will soon learn who has the potential to succeed in a mission which could be initially deemed “impossible.” Under the guidance of “Cyclone” (the terrific Jon Hamm), Maverick must rise above his calling or he could find his career in jeopardy.

Also brought into the picture is Val Kilmer’s “Iceman” who is behind the assignment of Maverick to his pivotal role in the movie’s story line’s mission. Kilmer doesn’t have much screen time in the film and because of the actor’s real life battle with throat cancer, his dialogue is scarce. However, the sole physical sequence between Iceman and Maverick in the film is amazingly heartfelt. These are two actors who made the original Top Gun the hit that it was and to see them over 30 years later together on screen playing the same roles again is, in a word, bittersweet given the circumstances surrounding Kilmer’s predicament. Kilmer more than acquits himself honorably in his brief turn here.

It is the love story between Connelly and Cruise’s characters in the new sequel which keeps the movie relatable. For example, when Cruise’s Maverick must pay the tab for a bar full of patrons (Penny is a bartender), his credit card is declined which shows how Maverick is less than stellar when it comes to managing his life when he’s not flying an aircraft in the skies. Connelly’s Penny inspires and guides Maverick in the right direction. A hilarious scene has Maverick sneaking out of Penny’s bed when her daughter shows up at home unexpectedly. It’s a hoot. Connelly and Cruise create chemistry which should set the bar for the level of heat a good love story should showcase.

Miles Teller’s Rooster is perfectly conceived by the script writers. Feeling guilt over Goose’s death, Maverick must choose between keeping Rooster grounded or letting him fly and carrying on the legacy of his father at the risk of possible failure. While the fact that the stakes are so high keeps us intrigued, the movie doesn’t skimp out on revealing real danger for both characters as they find themselves in a predicament which will surely keep you on the edge of your seat as an audience member. This plot development is the ultimate definition of the “danger zone.”

As the sole determined woman in Maverick’s class, Monica Barbaro is a nice addition to the cast adding true charisma to her role while Glen Powell’s “Hangman” will keep you invested in the development of the supporting character he plays which has an impact on the action that occurs throughout the movie. Even the legendary Ed Harris pops up in a brief but important role in the picture. It is Jon Hamm, however, who all but steals the picture whenever he’s on screen.

I can’t write a review of Top Gun: Maverick without mentioning its use of Lady Gaga’s song in the picture, “Hold My Hand” which is electrifying and works wonders for the emotions found at the core of the film’s stand-up-and-cheer concluding scenes. Gaga makes the romance between Connelly and Cruise leap off the screen to tremendous effect. Gaga’s song also uses its simplicity to great effect thus making the song more complex as a result.

While Top Gun: Maverick may take a bit long to get to the really dangerous scenarios that are featured in the movie’s plot, you’ll never be bored by the picture. If anything, the icing on the cake is the fact that the movie gives us enough of a glimpse of all the main characters’ motivations that one could wish the movie went on at least twenty minutes longer. These characters are truly unforgettable.

Top Gun: Maverick is a true Hollywood blockbuster which could make one wish for a return to viewing the original picture to see just how cool Maverick has remained throughout the years. He actually hasn’t changed too much. He’s just a bit older although with the forever young-looking Cruise playing him, you’d never notice. You won’t want to miss this one.

Rating: 8.5/10

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