Top Gun: Maverick

 

             Tom Cruise flies again. Fans of the original have waited two CoVid postponed years for this sequel to the beloved first film. They won't be disappointed as the new film adds all the elements from the first, mixes in some contemporary twists and makes it fit as comfortable as a favorite T-shirt.

            For audiences who may not have seen or don't remember the original, if they can get past the melodramatic, predictable plot and dialog, they will be treated to thrilling flying sequences and a very exciting last act. Mr. Cruise, still in remarkable shape is no longer the cocky young hotshot pilot but rather a weathered pilot still grieving over the loss of his best friend. His first priority now is getting his new Tom Gun pilots combat ready and keeping them alive. A dangerous mission against an unnamed enemy sets up the dramatic action but takes it's time getting to the actual mission. In between, we are treated to many  familiar plot points updated from the original.

           The film co-stars Jennifer Connelly returning as Penny, Maverick's love interest from the first film, now conveniently divorced and owner of the bar where they first met. Also co-starring are John Hamm as a by the book Admiral, Miles Teller as "Rooster", the son of Maverick's best friend "Goose", Charles Parnell as another admiral on Maverick's side,  and Glenn Powell, Lewis Pullman,  Monica Barbaro,  Greg Tarzan Davis, Danny Ramirez as the new Top Gun Pilots. Val Kilmer has a poignant cameo as "Iceman".

           The flying sequences are remarkable putting the audience directly in the cockpit, feeling every twist, turn and G force. The film is designed as a nostalgic crowd pleaser with  contemporary elements that won't disappoint if you can bear the predictable melodrama (although the script does have more depth than the original). I highly recommend seeing it in IMAX or at least Dolby Cinema to really appreciate the action.