Two days ago (1.21) Sasha Stone and I discussed Tuesday morning's (1.24) announcement of the '23 Oscar nominations, and the obvious fact that Top Gun: Maverick, which will certainly be among the chosen few, is the only prospective nominee that feels truly commanding. Authoritatively, I mean.
"Despite the familiarity and the formulaic strategy, TG:M is the only finalist that feels home-runnish...not to mention the achievement of having joined forces with Avatar: The Way of Avatar to save and even restore a classic, life-giving Hollywood dynamic (thrills, popcorn, warm seats) to exhibition itself...there's no ignoring the metaphor."
