If you enjoyed the original, you would love this one. Top Gun: Maverick was exactly as I expected, making references to the original, full of speed and action, and giving viewers some closure to parts in the plot that were unanswered from the first movie. This was a long-belated sequel, but well worth the wait. However, to be honest, if you watch the two movies back-to-back, you’ll appreciate the subtle plot details more.
After 30 years of service, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise) was called back to Top Gun to train a team of Top Gun graduates on a dangerous mission. However, seeing the group of graduates gave Maverick an unexpected reminder of the past.
Maverick lost his late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose,” and his son, Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, was one of the graduates on the team. The tough part about this mission is that the success rate is low because of the low altitude and high speed required to complete the mission. However, Maverick is determined to trade these graduates, even if its not by the textbook, so that they can come back alive.
The development of Maverick’s character in this movie was well-thought out by the writer. Maverick represented an individual who was still coping from a traumatic event in his life. Despite putting on a brave face, he was still hurting inside, and his emotions were on haywire seeing Rooster.
Losing a loved one is never easy, but it’s even harder when you’re faced with multiple incidences that remind you of the event that cost that loved one’s life. No matter how composed Maverick and Goose might seem on the outside, they were still working to cope with loss and grief, and trying to understand each other’s intentions.
Maverick always knew his job was dangerous, but after the death of Goose in the first movie, he developed a fear of sacrificing the life of someone he cares deeply about. This movie draws Maverick into a confrontation with his own deepest fears and brings his story full circle in a satisfying manner that adds depth and dimension.
9/10