Top Gun: Maverick

Thrilling and with technically unmatched action sequences is this sequel to Tony Scott's 1986 Top Gun blockbuster.

In his role as the courageous, speed loving, danger zone defying Navy's jet fighter test pilot, Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) bluntly disobeys USN Admiral “Hammer” Cain's (Ed Harris) and Vice-Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson's (Jon Hamm) direct orders by flying an experimental hypersonic jet over the Mach 10 limit causing it to crash. 

He is permanently grounded however, with the intervention of former rival, now friend Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazanski (Val Kilmer), Maverick is tasked with training a select group of Top Guns for a dangerous, possibly deadly mission.

Immersive, breathtaking action flight cinematography is created by the stellar, long time collaborator Claudio Miranda, who uses IMAX cameras to capture the cast while sky-high in the flying fighter jets, performing jaw-dropping stunts; instead of filming them in a studio cockpit with added background aerial footage. The addition of reverberating IMAX sound effects, provides the full experience of action, speed and sound.

Ensuring the continuously maintained momentum and suspense are Joseph Kosinski's impeccable direction, returning Jerry Bruckheimer's production, as well as Eddie Hamilton's tight editing.

Gripping action drama and heartfelt moments, especially between Maverick and Lt. “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller) the son of his former late partner Lt. Nick “Goose” Bradshaw, provide screen depth and are infused into the screenplay by the trio Ehren Kruger (Scream 3), Eric Warren Singer (American Hustle), and frequent Cruise collaborator Christopher McQuarrie (Mission: Impossible – Fallout).

Further augmenting the enjoyable moviegoing experience is the well fitting Lady Gaga's theme score Hold My Hand.

Top Gun: Maverick exceeds expectations, setting new, highly elevated, reboot standards.