It’s been a while since I could say a movie made me feel good, while stressing me out at the same time. To feel real, raw emotion speaks for itself. I’m super pleased to announce that Top Gun: Maverick, is well worth the wait, and it’s a cinema experience you do not want to miss.

Sequence by sequence, scene by scene, this film was a complete replica of the original, while still establishing an authentic and fresh identity. So, if you’re asking whether you need the original to understand this, then I’d give you a hesitant yes, because though it would give off a sense of familiarity, it’ll be fine enough to use the flashbacks and the pieces of information this film spits out from the original.

So… Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is called back to the Miramar Naval Air Station by request, or should I say, is demanded to return by none other than Tom “Ice” Kazansky (Val Kilma). Mav’s mission is to train the best of the best, in order to prepare them for a life or death mission. This also means having to go head to head with Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Mile Teller), the son of his dead best friend and co-pilot, who has a bit of a grudge against him.

I cannot stand Tom Cruise. His by far one of the most annoying people in Hollywood. But, I respect him. I respect his ability to have so much power over his movies, and to give such an authentic performance that surpasses the abilities of CGI or even a trusty stunt person. He taught the other actors how to fly, for heavens sake. The determination and effort does not go unnoticed.

Moreover, I was impressed by the performances by all the new young characters. Though I would think for insurance purposes, the actors would never be allowed to perform any of those stunts themselves, their jolts and swaying in the aircraft during the cockpit scenes, were in-fact organic, as all cockpit sequences were filmed firsthand, in-flight. Just, wow!

Miles Teller as the choice for Goose’s now adult son, was perfect. He resembles him so well, despite having no relation in real life with Anthony Edwards. Rooster is able to represent his father with those recognisable Hawaiian shirts, and of course, he is sporting a mustache. I really enjoyed watching him.

My biggest issue, and why Maverick loses half a point, is because I sat there waiting, not desperately, but waiting for a backstory about his love interest. Who is Penny (Jennifer Connolly)? Where did she come from and how did he break her heart? So, a quick Google search explains that she isn’t just a new character, plotted in for a forced loved interest, or perhaps a voice of reason for Mav, but actually a full circling of a very sharp and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it reference in the original film. Goose refers to Penny, in Top Gun, who is an old admirals daughter, that Maverick had a fling with. Without this information, going into this film, I felt a little confused by their story. Sure, it makes complete sense now, but because the reference in Top Gun isn’t exactly obvious, they just didn’t do enough to make this love story purposeful. Yeah, you know what? I change my mind. Make sure you watch the OG the night before.

I would have liked a reference, at least, to Charlie (Maverick’s love interest from the 1986 film). Yes, in this 2022 released sequel they all meet in a bar before realising the “old man” from the bar is also the person that’s training them, which can easily be sensed as a reference, because that is a similar sequence to the first one, but not exactly what I would have rather.

I would call this a feel good movie. It’s also able to scream 2022, while giving off that 80s Hollywood vibe, minus the cringe. From old classic cars just parked on the street, to the soundtrack itself, including the new song by Lady Gaga, this movie gives off so much nostalgia. It was like it was ripped right out of the 80s. It is also able to tie up all characters in a neat bow, and make you giggle.

I loved Top Gun: Maverick so much, and I really think that no matter what generation you come from, you’ll love it too.

Rating: 4.5/5