As far as legacy sequels go, this is the pinnacle of them. Yes it might be a blatant cash grab by rehashing an old franchise yet again to get bums in cinemas, but this film respects its audience by giving them a cinematic endeavour worthy of seeing on the big screen. Not only does it respect its past but it builds upon it too. The film isn’t doing anything new or shocking but what it is doing, it does very well. Some parts shouldn’t work, they should come off cheesy and jarring, but the filmmakers manage to capture the “80s” cheese so perfectly well that it never feels misplaced.
The first two acts aren’t anything special, they’re essentially place setters for what’s to come, and what’s to come is some of the greatest action put to screen. Not since Mission Impossible: Fallout have I felt the sheer adrenaline rush that comes with this 3rd act. It’s immaculate. From start to finish it’s such an enjoyable watch. You feel the tension emanating through the screen throughout as you witness some of the most amazing aerial action scenes that are so grounded in this emotional bond between Maverick and Rooster.
This film works cause of Tom Cruise. For one, he gives such a charming and charismatic performance that holds the film together but also his stance on the practicality of the film takes it to new heights. Having the amount of green screen limited and shooting the aerial shots on the planes with the actors in them, and having the actors go through extensive aerial training to get these shots, it just makes the film feel more tangible and you get far more invested in it.
The film isn’t perfect though. The plot is paper thin. It’s serviceable for the film we get, and everything with the Top Gun pilots is great but also included is a trite and forced love story that is a weird note for the film to end on. Yet what the film lacks in storytelling, it makes up for in the incredible sound design, cinematography and action. And jort wearing shirtless men doing beach sports.
★★★★
