By Jessica Jolly a student submission
The original quote, “It’s not the plane, it’s the pilot,” establishes the timeless feel of the initial “Top Gun” movie. Now, “Top Gun: Maverick” returns with impressive profits and a hefty dose of disappointment for fans in 2022.
The old-school, top-notch aviator returns for a two-hour feature to confront ghosts of the past while guiding the next generation of elite aeronauts before a dangerous mission. The sequel leaves much to be desired between its usual character set, predictably flashy action, and the shadow of its predecessor.
The 80’s action movie made a comeback with a budget of $170 million and enticing performances from Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer. It has grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide since it was released on May 22, 2022.
The creation of the movie required a year with Navy forces, using certified pilots, to deliver 800 hours of aviation footage that was flawlessly used to create a magical perception of flight. Actors were taught the finer aspects of filmmaking and editing to assist with recording and actor-controlled cockpit recordings were used to present in-flight cockpit scenes with stunning accuracy.
Attention was given to many details of the movie’s creation, but the parallel between the characters’ motivations compared to the original movie’s narrative delivered disappointment. The sequel’s soundtrack presents new singles with a renewal of the trademark composition “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins.
Every aspect of the character’s costumes was examined for graphic perfection, except for the controversial editing of some jacket patches, and the experience of flying with the daredevils on screen is tangible. The picture brings flight scenes back to life using F-14 Tomcats that had been decommissioned in the U.S. and overall delivers an appealing plot with inadequate depth.
Flashbacks are used to remind old fans of Mavericks glory days, idyllic moments with friends, and the heartbreaking loss of Goose but attempts to draw deeper emotions from viewers fall shy of the goal. Idyllic comparisons to Maverick’s radar intercept officer Goose and his relationship with Goose’s son “Rooster” were lacking depth.
The revisited attraction of Pete and Penny was empty of passion. The predictable adversary-to-best friend comparison was only useful in creating an opportunity for the quaint comparison photo, and the whole story leaves a bitter taste in your mouth when you consider the anticipated narrative where every enduring character mimic’s their original typecast.
One poignant scene reveals Maverick’s struggles merging between Maverick and everyone he ever cared about. He drops his careless persona and confronts the guilt and sorrow of his past. The unavoidable end of the great troublemaker and the comparison between the original movie are clear.
“You told me not to think!” is a quote from Rooster and could be a defining quote of this picture.
Overall, “Top Gun: Maverick” is a pleasant yet emotionally shallow conclusion to the prequel that young viewers can equitably enjoy. Longstanding fans will notice the lack of emotional complexity or ingenuity and a superficial finale to what could have been a dynamic series. The conclusion leaves the viewer contemplating how history can repeat itself and questioning what, if anything, the future of new characters will hold.