Top gun Maverick is the sequel to the 1986 cultural phenomenon “Top Gun”. Personally I don't feel that that movie aged very well. And don't think watching it is necessarily something you need to do to enjoy this film. I would recommend definitely going on YouTube and finding a five-minute recap of that movie to get a little caught up on a few things. But I really don't think it is necessary to enjoy this film.
Maverick is a quintessential summer blockbuster. Tom Cruise has put his mind, body and soul into movies for the last 10 years, and this is the culmination of all of that. He became an executive producer on the Mission Impossible movies because he was not allowed to do certain stunts. That decision paved the way for his influence to make this movie as grounded and awe inspiring as it is. I do feel that the beginning is lopsided and does lampoon the first film in a way that dose not fit. But it quickly turns into a spectacular ride that is quite coherent. And just far better made than the original. Joseph Kosinski director of this film has a visual style that helps the audience be in the cockpit with these Pilots.
Overall I believe this film starts a little ham fisted and sloppy but then turns into an exhilarating fun thrill Ride ride. 9.5 out of 10
