Is Top Gun Maverick a good movie? Why?

Question

Have you seen it? Please give a movie review (more than just a one line comment please.) Is it really as good as some people say it is? Why?

I know nothing about it. I have seen the original. It was ok at the time. I've never felt compelled to watch it again, or a reboot or update on what happened with Tom's character. But I probably will watch it when it comes on streaming. Have to see what the fuss is about. Is it founded?

Updates

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Well since there are so many glowing reviews, now I think I'll ask also... what would you rate it out of 10? Is this possibly a 10/10 movie?

How about what's missing? Anything?

MysticDevice · Accepted Answer

It was excellent because of its production. The actors all had to do rigorous flight training by the navy and all the stunts were real. Real F-18s pulling real high-G turns, real actors trying to act while the stunt pilots flew. No sound stages, no motion capture, no green screen, all real effects, only blended with cgi when absolutely nessecary.

The characters: the tension and animosity between Mav and Rooster was tangible and all the others felt like real people with real personalities and ambitions. They all pissed eachother off and annoyed eachother and then came together in a believable and organic way.

And most importantly: there was NO POLITICAL PANDERING. No political correctness, no forced diversity, no throwing in a gay character just so the studio can say "hey look at our movie, its inclusive"

It was unapologetically over the top with action, energy, and 80s cheese.

RolandCuthbert · Accepted Answer

I thought it was good. Because it goes beyond the old tired tropes of American righteousness and nonsensical action.

It has a real plot about an aging fighter pilot who has sabotaged everything in his career and his personal life. And how in this last mission he resolves the problems with his friends and his comrades in the military. And he figures out how to get a real life.

I thought it was awesome the way they wrote Val Kilmer back into the story. He did a lot to help balance the plot.

Greedier · Answer

I loved it. I watched it some weeks ago and found the whole film very refreshing.

1. It wasn't like those type of actions films, that has only shoot, blood, bombs scenes and when you finally think it's over there it comes. More bombs. Lol

But that can also be a motive for people not to like this film.

2. It had some really fun and funny interactions, which brought a more light vibe to the film.

3. Shows the importance of team work and at the end, all the pilots will be friends.

4. The soundtrack's amazing, especially "I ain't worried, by OneRepublic" - I got more songs to add to my favs playlist after watching the new Top Gun film.

5. All the actions scenes are really real! The actors went through three months of training. Then, when filming began, they would sit inside the cockpits of fighter jets behind actual pilots who would fly them.

In a nutshell: Really good, but if you like the kind of action film with endless shoot, blood and bomb scenes... Then, this film might not be your style.

BCRanger10 · Answer

Oh my goodness, Amanda, it is in  every... possible... way  entirely superior to the original. Most sequels, especially after such a long period of time, feel like quick and easy cash-grabs. This, I tell you, it was not. I wasn't sure how they would develop the character of Pete Mitchell, aka Maverick, or figure out how fighter pilots would be relevant or necessary in the age of drone warfare, but they did and they did it spectacularly. Short version... have you seen any of the Iron Eagle movies? Especially Iron Eagle II? It's basically IE2, only better. Illegal nuclear weapons are being stored in an unnamed country by an unnamed enemy. Drones would be ineffective and special forces wouldn't have the time or firepower to take it out. So Admiral Tom Kazansky, aka Iceman, tasks Maverick, the only American pilot with real-world dogfighting experience, to train other Top Gun-certified pilots and select the most qualified ones to go on the mission. In the meantime, Maverick rekindles an old flame in Penny Benjamin (mentioned in the first movie) and fights to overcome his past struggles.  There's action, humor, suspense, love, friendship, everything. Let me put it this way. I never, ever... e... ver  get emotional during a movie. There were several moments when I almost did. Though... maybe that was also because I had to use the bathroom really badly for about 3/4 of the film's runtime but refused because I didn't want to miss anything (also a sign that a movie is really good). So yes, long story short, this was an absolutely fantastic movie and I couldn't recommend it enough.

SaoirseS · Answer

It's a good movie. I'm not really a Tom Cruise fan, but let's face it Tom Cruise movies rake in revenue at the box office.

I saw the first one on DVD a few years ago. The action sequences were great, but there were some things that made me roll my eyes. All in all, it was a good movie but I wouldn't watch it again.

The action sequences in this one are spectacular. It's a movie made to be seen in the theaters, and I doubt it would be as effective on a home TV screen. The story line is that Maverick gets called in to Top Gun to prepare pilots for a mission that is politically nuts and from an aviation standpoint, absolutely insane. It's got a little bit of everything in it, from resentment, friendship, romance, and even some bromance in it. There's no beach volleyball scene with Rick Rossovich striking a homoerotic pose, but there is a beach football scene. All the flying scenes were reportedly shot in real Navy aircraft. Sure, there's no doubt some CGI in it, but when it comes to authenticity, I think it would be hard to beat this one.

I'd recommend seeing it.

LaFerrari · Answer

Yes it's a great movie, a lot better in IMAX, I saw it twice, once in normal theaters and IMAX. There are real fighter jets, Top Gun pilots and the actors/actresses had to go through extensive months of training to even fly with the instructors/top gun pilots. The way each actor/actress filmed their own scenes onboard the flights with no camera person makes it even more special and unique.

it's quite hard to fake or act G forces, so it's all authentic those actors are really hitting Gs with minimal CGI when it comes to the flying, but of course some more dangerous maneuvers can't be performed so they use CGI in some scenes.

They invested a lot into this movie, not with just the flying sequences that costed millions but into the plot, I think it's a lot better than the old movie, with the old charm with it, it's a great tribute to the original, with plenty of "Easter eggs".

Tom Cruise goes over the top in any film he does, he performs all of his own stunts and is dedicated in going to the extremes to make the movie experience an even better time for viewers. I've always enjoyed his work, he's an incredible and brave guy.

It's better to watch it in the theaters, you won't feel the experience at home in my opinion. The sounds and vibrations in the theaters make it so much better, like you're there with them.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

If you liked “Top Gun”, you will almost certainly like “Maverick” more. It’s immediately among rare sequels that are at least as good as their predecessors, or arguably better. I can’t say for sure how important seeing the first one is. There are a number of nods, homages and character recalls that make it extra special for those of us who did, but that might leave people who haven’t seen the original wondering what the big deal is. Ell oh ell!
To that point, streaming Top Gun and then going out to watch Maverick might make the latter feel a bit redundant.
And that’s all i’ve got to say about that.

SomeGuyCalledTom · Answer

It's fantastic. But you really have to see it in the cinema, preferably IMAX. It's the sort of movie designed to remind everyone why cinemas are still relevant. Waiting for it to hit streaming services is like skipping your favourite band's concert in your home town just so you can wait for people to post videos of it to YouTube instead. The practical FX, visuals, sound design, actors' performances and everything else really do put you in the cockpit with those fighter jets. I also thought the story itself was well-paced, with a solid emotional core, and no unnecessary filler. I don't have any strong nostalgia for the first film, but this film made me feel nostalgic for an era of cinema I wasn't even alive to witness. If it's not too late I would implore you to get to your nearest IMAX theatre with Dolby audio, watching it on streaming services as your first viewing should be a criminal act. 😛

Lynx122 · Answer

The biggest selling point of the movie is that they did all the flying scenes for real this time and it looks very nice. The biggest negative is that like a lot of Hollywood movies it's basically an ad/ propaganda made by the U. S. military. If you don't mind that then it's a good movie. I saw the first one and I liked this one. For a fun throwback action movie it's as good as you're gonna see and compared to movies overall it's good but I wouldn't put it in the great category because there's a lot of areas where it doesn't even compete but for what it is it's good.

And I do think it got a bit overhyped for political reasons. I liked Dune more but other than that it's the best movie that came out recently but I don't watch many movies anymore either because once you've seen a bunch of good ones it doesn't hit you the same anymore.

Knoxmandz19 · Answer

I've seen both movies & I can say beyond a shadow of a doubt, Mavrick is above and beyond the original by a long shot, Cruise puts so much effort into this movie and and made it look amazing, Tony Scott the original movie would be proud as punch I think how it turned out, R. I. P Tony

SecretsofKB · Answer

So my dad made me watch the first one when I was younger. I didn't hate it, but I enjoyed just how much it embodied the 80's lol.

I actually went out and watched the newest one with a few friends opening weekend and I actually really enjoyed myself. I'm usually hesitant about sequels, but I will admit, this was the best sequel I've seen in my opinion.

My partner really liked it too and she is not into these kinds of movies usually. I would recommend it.

AviatorTom · Answer

It's an EXCELLENT movie. Great action scenes, a good plot, filled with suspense, and a great sequel to the 25 yo original TOP GUN.

Before seeing Maverick, I suggest you watch the original TOP GUN. It's available online. That way, you'll understand some of the interpersonal actions in Maverick.

MTC29 · Answer

I enjoyed it more than the first film. Naturally there was plenty of fine aerial footage, so if you like aircraft- and I do, the film was easily worth the admission price.

The romantic scenes were usually brief, and some actually funny. I had imagined that the "relationship" between Maverick and Goose's son would drag the film down, but they made it even more enjoyable.

No spoilers from me, but there is a great scene with Maverick and Iceman which was magnificent.

I can see why Top Gun Maverick has made over $1 billion USD at the box office- which is roughly equal to the earnings from a million Indian/Bollywood films.

Andres77 · Answer

Sit in the front row, center.

Awesome plot.

Plot twists. Suspense, humor, action, good actors. Just a really good all around experience. I've seen it three times.

I'm not a tom cruise fan but he knocked this out of the park.

Lliam · Answer

Sorry, I haven't seen it. I'll check it out when it is available to stream.
I know people, both men and women, who have seen it and said they enjoyed it. I guess they like the thrilling action and tension.
I like airplanes a lot, so I'll see the movie eventually. I do have a problem with some of the totally unrealistic stunts they pull, though. Some of that stuff ruins it for me.

madgoat · Answer

An aging Tom cruise, ace pilot, faces the passage of time and the challenge of the latest crop of ace pilots. Not gung ho, plenty of action, and respects the original film and characters.

Well constructed for what it is. It has heart. Who knew modern Hollywood could pull that off.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

Yeah it’s pretty good.

great flying sequences and story line.

there were some technical bits that were a little meh but other than that’s it’s a decent movie.

suggest watching the first one before 2nd

EnglishEuropean · Answer

Well I mean Hollywood doesn't do new movies any more. But they're environmentally friendly because they recycle everything.

Kreneman · Answer

The movie was great and it was a learning experience plus it surprised the whole audience in a way that it was not expected. There's nothing really missing but I would have to watch it again.

Sixgunsound · Answer

Top gun Maverick is a rip off of Star Wars: a new Hope. If you don’t believe me check out this video which tells it best:

Jammaa · Answer

I haven't personally seen it but my brother is a huuuge movie critic who does not usually talk that highly about movies but he loved this movie. He said it was better than the original.

dailyoctopus94 · Answer

It's just as corny as the first one.  Don't watch these movies for the plot, watch them for the action scenes.

Dinosaursandanime65 · Answer

It exceeded my expectations. I’d say it’s at least an 8/10

legalboxers · Answer

its a nod to the original. Waited 20 plus years for this. I cried though some parts...

Bee-Hatch · Answer

Did they establish if Mavericks gay?  https://youtu. be/OxzwfZ2Wa94

exitseven · Answer

I have not seen it yet. I am looking forward to when it comes out on cable.. I think the real significance was that big movies can still be made.

Msputiton · Answer

Never watched it. I didn't even know there was an original until reading this post

This_Is_My_Opinion8 · Answer

Didn't saw it, but... I will try to be polite here... Looked like something only Americans would like.

Kabluie · Answer

9.5/10, better than the original. I think it's like 97% on rotten tomatoes now.

Likes2drive · Answer

I liked it and saw did my daughter , it’s pretty good unless you don’t like Tom cruise , I would say 8 out of 10

Iron_Man · Answer

It’s a very good movie but not better than the first

roy_ricky09 · Answer

It has to be... Ratings are off the top.

Snakeyes7 · Answer

Even better than the first one.

Xtendable · Answer

Yes, because Jennifer Connolly

jimmy2 · Answer

It's a old movie

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