Why Top Gun: Maverick is PERFECT | Video Essay

[@FilmSpeak]

What did YOU guys think of Top Gun Maverick✈ Comment below! Thanks again to Skillshare. Don't forget, the first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/filmspeak06221

[@Cookie-jl4st]

I liked it

[@dareka9425]

IT WAS HORRIBLE! The effects were basic, it was amateurishly made, the acting is subpar and the comedy didn't land. There's no F/A-18s at all, let alone Tom Cruise, just some kids running and screaming away from ghosts. Then...I realized I was in the wrong movie hall. I thought I was watching some extremely extended weird pre-show ads or PSA about keeping our distance so I indulged it for a bit. After 20 minutes I concluded that I was actually watching the tail end of a Thailand movie so I rushed out and asked the cinema staff where my actual hall was. I caught up at the beach ball scene of Top Gun Maverick. Top Gun is great. It's nice to see a movie that is just focused solely on what it sets up. None of the usual Hollywood trend of filling the screen with hundreds of planes throwing missiles around. A squad of hero planes, one main target and a squad of hostiles. That's it. The only issue that I have is that the enemy is not responding to an American carrier fleet just sitting, menacingly, within striking distance of their secret uranium enrichment plant. An American destroyer approaching South China Sea is enough for the Chinese to scramble fighters up into the air but the not Russians in Maverick who only has enough fuel rations left for 3 SU-57s to make lone daily patrols.

[@Wackaz]

I really admire and respect Tom Cruise for all the reasons you mentioned. So, thank you for making such a wonderful tribute to him, and for putting my thoughts into words, beautifully.

[@earthboundfan95]

@@dareka9425 lol

[@LNatureblush]

OMG, this video did such a great job describing everything. The movie addresses aging, career, deaths, and technology. Also, the non-CGI work and the actor, specifically Tom Cruise, added to the movie. It seems as though it hit a core with the mature folks but brought in some youthful new folks to it too. It was very moving when the guy asked Tom why he hasn't moved up in rank...something that more mature folks deal with in life. I think it was a piece of art...the camera shots and just the beauty how it was filmed with no CGI. Tom's passion for his projects adds a lot to it as well.

[@marijasquirrel]

When I left the movie theatre my first thought was: this is what happens when people actually care about the movie they're making, and not just trying to profit from nostalgia.

[@SimDeck]

Exactly. I totally agree.

[@JonniHill]

Me and the random girl next to me had an intense "this was perfect" moment

[@marijasquirrel]

@@JonniHill same, everything was just right

[@carastone3473]

Agree!

[@robert7622]

It just wasn’t very creative like the original.. I mean a great sequel should should have its own iconic scenes, music, quotable lines ect.. Look at Terminator 2 or Aliens.. Apart from the great cockpit shots and cgi it was a bit forgettable….

[@randyrogers9764]

"It's a miracle this movie exists" Yeah, that's miracle #1

[@samuelperezgarcia]

And it's also a miracle that it is so good...

[@cccspwn]

Good reference! Now let’s see if we can get miracle #2

[@xxcronomaxx7986]

Miracle num 2: Tom Cruise is still alive and still keep making action movies that we enjoy wholeheartedly

[@Snavels]

@@cccspwn miracle #2 is that it's so damn good

[@gteds15]

DAAANG THAT WAS A NICE REFERENCE THERE

[@emdotrod]

Netflix and Apple reportedly tried to buy this film to make it streaming exclusive. And I'm glad they failed. This film is a true cinematic experience that you should watch at the cinema. It just get everything right. The story, the action scenes, the acting. You can't just say bad things about this film.

[@monkeyrun]

Tom Cruise would never allow that to happen.

[@loganbigmo]

@@monkeyrun Hence why they failed. Paramount even tried to put it on Paramount+ streaming rather than delay it for two years but Cruise shot it down, saying he doesn't do movies for streaming.

[@Swaguley]

We got to sit in some of those D-Box seats that shake and turn with the movie, definitely the right movie for it!

[@gillhewerfamily6550]

The attention to realism; the cockpit and alarm bells are all true to life, as far as my knowledge of the f-18 super hornet goes; the emotion; the writing. Loved it.

[@Rollerbear712]

Tim Cook really is John Sculley 2.0. Steve Jobs would've hated such a 3D visceral experience tailor made for theaters to be sold exclusively for streaming on a personal device.

[@idkjustchangingmyname7343]

What cemented this movie for me wasn’t any action scene but when mav says “talk to me goose” then rooster immediately says “talk to me dad” that struck a real chord.

[@RRedcraftRR]

And then Maverick talked to him.

[@TalkingHands308]

And of course "Come on, do some of that pilot shit!" from Rooster, lol. Apple doesn't fall far from the tree...

[@cheeseninja1115]

@@RRedcraftRR that is the biggest thing I noticed. Mav said he was never the dad rooster needed, and when rooster finally asks for his dad's advice he hears maverick's words of advice. It's great script writing

[@HeavenlyLights]

@@cheeseninja1115 Astute observation. Great comment. ThankYou for sharing.

[@naominavarro1901]

I’m someone who went in without having seen the original. I can’t remember the last time I left the theater feeling like I’d seen a COMPLETE film. I’d never seen the characters before and yet I almost cried at various points. It was stunning.

[@CarassiusAu]

It’s funny because most Top Gun: Maverick watchers weren’t even born when the first film was released (me included). Even more amazingly, two films released 36 years apart have its protagonist played by the same man

[@Josh-cw8by]

@@CarassiusAu Yup! 1986. I'm old at 34 and I wasn't even born when the OG came out.

[@allnightercinema]

You should watch the original if you haven’t and then maybe rewatch the sequel, there’s a lot more you will appreciate abt top gun maverick

[@earnthis1]

What is a complete film to you? Lots of jets flying around and silly character development? That is a complete film??? lol whatever. 5/10 movie

[@CarassiusAu]

@@earnthis1 1. The movie grossed 1.482 billion USD worldwide ( 11th highest of all time) 2. The movie got the rating of 8.3 on IMDB (65th highest of all time) 3. The movie got the rating of 96% on Rotten Tomatoes 4. Despite the number inaccuracies depicted, pretty much every actual aviators/fighter pilots loved this movie with all their hearts Considering all the above, I think it’s safe to conclude that yes, this is a complete movie also loved by almost everyone who has seen it. It must be hard to find other people that agreed with you. Still, I’d love to see hear about whatever movie you actually find “complete”. If the 11th highest grossing and 65th highest rated movie of all time isn’t considered complete, I don’t know what is

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Feels like the first movie in years everyone HAS to go see. Loved it

[@twocansams6335]

I agree that people must see it in the theater but if you have not seen the new take on Dune by Denis Villeneuve, you should really see it, people have compared having the same experience they had when they watched LOTR.

[@eddy5097]

@@twocansams6335 Dune sucks but has some good visuals for sure. Story is trash and boring

[@twocansams6335]

@@eddy5097 umm Dune the book is hailed as one of the greatest science fiction books written. It may not be to your taste but you have to be able to recognize quality writing and acting.

[@eddy5097]

@@twocansams6335 Im sure the book and original are good but I hated the remake

[@Necromonger69]

@@eddy5097 What was wrong with it? I thought it was fine, it followed the book. It's not supposed to be an action movie like all the stuff Marvel puts out. A lot better than that crap put out by David Lynch. It didn't have not of that WOKE garbage either.

[@FlashFlickReviews]

I can see myself in like 10 years, looking back at my theatrical experience of Top Gun: Maverick, and thinking, "That was one of the best movie going experiences I ever had"

[@benbovard9579]

This was one of the only times in my life where I walked out of the theater and said to myself, "That was a good f*cking movie."

[@Vyndraek]

It already is

[@veddate997]

@@benbovard9579 if you don't mind, I would love to hear about those other few movies!

[@bzq122]

this movie along with Interstellar my fav theater experiences ever

[@Jay-gf8tm]

Are you a bot?

[@MitchellEnglishTeacher]

I have no attachment to Tom Cruise, but that opening intro where he talks about the practical effects and flying F-18's and he thanks you for coming to the theater did bring a tear to my eye. I loved everything about this movie, and it reminded me of how great movies can really be.

[@gingeranagram2467]

It's incredible what the SLIGHTEST bit of humility and appreciation for your fanbase will get you 👏👏👏

[@GarethNewtonWilliams]

Wait, what?

[@IsshinShirosaki]

That intro clip was a short sweet, “we made this love letter to you, the fans.”

[@gingeranagram2467]

@@IsshinShirosaki That moment I knew this movie would be something special. I really don't like Tom Cruise, but that intro got me. He clearly respects the fans and the property - which is all we ask

[@IsshinShirosaki]

@@gingeranagram2467 agreed. 😁 made me tear up a little knowing he made it for us.

[@A-aronTI]

Fun fact: Ice Man’s lines in Maverick weren’t Val actually talking. They took samples of ice’s voice from the og film and artificially constructed his voice. It turned out amazing to say the least. Amazing movie. Probably gonna end up being the film of the year in my book.

[@warrenkawamoto8660]

I read somewhere that his son also had a part in the voice overs.

[@RolfHartmann]

I think they partly built that using his son's voice too, since he sounds a lot like Val. Even the parts where they were just texting brimmed with pathos.

[@sukhastings4200]

Val Kilmers son did some of his lines too

[@GiovanniV69]

The AI voice program was created by Sonantic. The video about Sonantic and Val's voice is awesome. Check them out!

[@miguelfluendez88]

They weren’t going to have val Kilmer in the movie he found out they were making it, reached out and insisted they put him in. They also wanted to do all of his lines completely with the voiceover but he insisted to be authentic - where you get the typing and texting scenes. Good on Val Kilmer and good on the studio for doing that

[@michaellee8815]

I’m so glad Tom imposed his will and had this released ONLY in theaters. Seeing this in IMAX and Dolby are UNREAL. Even the regular silver screen shines. I’ve seen this 6 times because it’s that good. Yes I know, I’m insane, lol. But seriously it’s THAT good

[@4andronicus]

I didn't know that. Tom's movie has really benefited the industry as a whole. I wonder if that was his intention?

[@michaellee8815]

@@4andronicus who knows.. but he definitely wanted his movie experienced the right way and not streamed on flat screens

[@pkdude5334]

the 2 minutes 15 seconds scene never gets old

[@supremejohnson7398]

I saw this in IMAX and 4DX and 4DX took this movie to a whole different level. It was if it was made for it..

[@hackyou360]

Yeah I 100% agree!! I‘ve been the third time on Thursday (1st IMAX, then regular and then IMAX again) and the expierience IMAX is just amazing!!

[@VorpalSlade]

This movie is such an oddity; I was looking forward to it immensely, but didn't expect it to end up being quite so special to me. I didn't have a huge connection to the original (it's not my absolute favourite or anything), but I loved it as a kid and have always had a consistent fascination with fighter jets and helicopters. My late mum shared that love, and Maverick is the last film she didn't get to see. She was here for the trailer releasing, but then lost her battle with brain cancer about five months before Maverick came out in cinemas. I went and saw it myself and you can imagine Iceman's scene was incredibly emotional for me. This movie is nothing short of magical. It gives me hope for cinema in the future.

[@txtworld]

So touching. God Bless your Mum's memory, may she be resting peacefully. I'm sure she enjoyed the movie with you from afar. Such a phenomenal effort by Tom to bring this thoughtful masterpiece to fruition

[@emerald1541]

Bless your Mom's memory man, and I totally relate.. I had a very good friend that was a F104 fighter pilot in the belgian air force, and pushed me to the limits so I could make that dream true aswell. He died of bone cancer in october 2021, so yes... Iceman's scene was intensely moving aswell, I share your feelings for it.

[@jordonnelson7980]

So sorry for you losing your mom. I'm really glad you liked the movie and it had a moment that reminded you of her. Best wishes!❤️🙌🙌

[@MsMichigan]

I'm so sorry. I hope that moment gave you some comfort, and immense connection, to your mom 💙🫂

[@iRunfastXC]

You can bet she was right there watching that scene with you.

[@skyhunter2816]

In an Age of CGI being used for everything, this movie is a masterfully done breath of fresh air and groundbreaking in its use of practical effects.

[@CalamityJay]

I love this analysis of Top Gun: Maverick. I went into this film expecting some great flight sequences and a good story, but the amount of emotion I felt helped to cement this film as my top film of 2022 and of the 2020s so far!

[@FilmSpeak]

Aw thank you! Glad you enjoyed it as much as me.

[@janloncaric3621]

I expected only cool flight scenes, didn't even expect realism on a lvl we got it, as an aviation geek...Im really thankfull for it, there are literally few nits and bits that could be changed. It was that and so much more. Day I watched it will be remembered for some time, it was even cold in the middle of summer so I was able to wear a bomber jacket for the full experiance hehe

[@brettlane6908]

100% !!!

[@Kmac1484]

Great job on this video. I think you hit the nail on the head with this critique. I share most of you same opinions, especially what you said about Goose. His death in the original was sad but not necessarily emotional. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone cry when Goose died. Just seeing a picture of him in Top Gun Maverick had a lot of people in tears.

[@bigslicksly9874]

Just saw it yesterday. Still shaken. Even with all the hype, i was still blown away. In the first minute, i was feeling like the young 9yo boy i was in 1986. Powerfull!

[@DirtyPhlegm]

For a film about war and fighting, it was amazing how wholesome the movie felt.

[@ChineduOpara]

That's cuz it's All aBoUt FaMiLy 😎

[@earnthis1]

Gotta love Hollywood, right?

[@castafioreomg]

Well it's not a war and it's about the Aviation aspect of it and the life of those pilots

[@ohapplesauce]

I really hope this film wins an Oscar. Best movie I’ve seen in a long time. And now people are fighting in the comments. 😑 y'all really love to suck the joy out of everything, huh?

[@YanaPetruk]

Nah, unfortunately such movies don’t get oscars nowadays. Oscars are for politically correct movies with agenda. This movie is pure gold action devoid of any agenda. Just heart, fun and gorgeousness.

[@cucumberwater6]

@@YanaPetruk this is navy propaganda, you know that? the oscars are stupid but not everything's politically motivated.

[@milkshakedraws6944]

@Lisa Surlie you did not just call multiverse of madness better than this

[@milkshakedraws6944]

@Lisa Surlie Haven’t seen it, so I can’t speak for that movie’s quality.

[@milkshakedraws6944]

@Lisa Surlie Maverick was a genuinely great film, what’s your issue with it?

[@rapidreaders7741]

With how near-impossible it was to create this film, you'd think that its budget would be absolutely off the rails. _This movie cost $170 million dollars, which is $20 million dollars less than the last Matrix movie, and $30 million dollars less than the average cost of Marvel movies._ It truly is a miracle that this movie got made, even from a budget standpoint.

[@Director_Orson_Krennic]

This film being made - that's Miracle #1. That it is as good as it is with the budget it has - that's Miracle #2

[@erik-sr9bj]

Because the military practically gives access to the equipment and pilots for free

[@fenix2-222]

@@erik-sr9bj Literally the director asked the captain of the carrier to turn to have 5 more minutes into the sunset, and it told him that it costed that it would cost over 2 mill for him...

[@zacharycasazza7660]

@@erik-sr9bj They paid $11,000 an hour for the the planes alone

[@atigerclaw]

@@Director_Orson_Krennic Now they're in coffin corner...

[@errhka]

I've always thought that the great movies have two stories. This plot may be about jets and a mission, but it's that second story - the story of a man growing into his role as a father to the pilots under his wing - that hits the deeper level of storytelling and separates the great films from the good ones.

[@slow8478]

Yeah tbh I couldn’t believe a movie about jets and a mission would actually be so good

[@thebicycleman8062]

You mean the A story and B story. Every movie has 2 stories technically, the only difference is that a good movie will actually put effort n soul into developing the B story, which is actually what the theme of the movie is along with their inner arc transformation

[@Jay-gf8tm]

Zoomers need to watch the original

[@thebicycleman8062]

@@Jay-gf8tm I jus did, it was rele boring

[@thomashart22]

I felt tense and exhilierated at the action scenes and laughed and cried at the emotional story between Rooster and Maverick.

[@Registered_Simp]

I was sitting in theatres just letting my inner aviation nerd run wild. It was a fantastic experience. One thing I noticed had me genuinely surprised. When Mav and Rooster go and steal an Iranian F-14, I was watching for if they got the model right. Iran only purchased F-14A's. I just remember the camera pan around from the back in the hangar and saying "I know TF-30 exhausts when I see them!". It would have been so easy to just paste in an F-14B from the OG. These guys did their homework. I tip my hat to thee.

[@gamin002]

BUT they said flares when dodging an SA-6 missiles, also the SAM site released all 4 missiles at once rather than slowing down the fire rate, the proximity sensor is too big on the SA-6 missiles, the GBU-24's didn't have a CCIP reticle in the HUD, in the dogfight training he just locked them didn't actually maneuver for the kill, they skipped like 90% of the startup and the aircraft doesn't even know where it is in space because the INS wasn't aligned, they should have used GBU-31 bombs instead of GBU-24 bombs, and more I could list. They only seem to have done light homework and didn't rely on the pilots inputs for what direction they should have taken.

[@Registered_Simp]

@@gamin002 Ok, first off, those were not SA-6 sites. Those were SA-3's. SA-6 is allot smaller. Second, some things are said because many in the audience do not know which countermeasure blocks what. Therefore, they say what everyone knows. Third, I understand the desire for having every feature shown, but not everyone wants to see a full startup procedure every time they're on step. It could get kinda boring. Additionally, some things (Using GBU's instead of GP + CCIP) for the sake of cinema. Yes, it could have been more realistic, but I can understand and suspend my disbelief for the sake of the plotline.

[@gamin002]

@@Registered_Simp sorry i said SA-6 i’m not too familiar with russian SAM sites up close it looked like an SA-6 and i also understand them taking some creative liberties to skip a 15 min startup but it’s the small details that matter, they could have at least used a GBU-31 though and it wouldn’t have changed the movie, they could have a CCIP reticle and it wouldn’t change much since it is incredibly difficult to accurately hit things with a CCIP reticle, in one of the cockpit shots during training maverick is in NAV mode instead of A/A mode, if i remember right they had the MI-24V have 2 gun barrels or better yet why did that hind not drop off INF to capture maverick but that changes the plot, in the old trailer from 2020 maverick pushed the throttle to burner before the salute but in the external shot maverick entered burner again after the salute they removed this shot and make it right in the actual movie, there are so many small details that make or break the movie in terms of flying. I love the movie but at least make small details right

[@Registered_Simp]

@@gamin002 Just a little info on how to tell an SA-3 from an SA-6. An SA-3 battery will have 4 missiles per launcher and the missiles will be 2-stage and bulky at the back. An SA-6 will be on a mobile tracked launcher and have 3 missiles per launcher with a single-stage, more slender body

[@ajamcan7264]

I actually watched this at a drive-in, and someone was leaving and he said, “Tom Cruise shoots down a Mig-57 is what I’ve heard!” And my first thought was “Ayo it’s a Su-57, not a MiG!”

[@michaellee8815]

I walked out of the theater thinking “this is what movies are supposed to be”, it was almost life affirming. Spectacular

[@kbatraful]

I rarely give a movie a 10/10, but this is one of the few movies where it truly deserves it!

[@joshuanavarro2734]

Had some semi cheesy clips ngl

[@mattp6089]

One of the moments I loved most was when I realised how true the last line of the original Top Gun turned out to be. Iceman has spent a lifetime being Maverick's wingman, keeping him from getting kicked out of the navy or promoted too high to fly.

[@sukhastings4200]

Wouldn't happen for real. If you havet reached o7(one star admiral) by 23 yrs 9months your dismissed from service. Same thing happens on the enlisted side

[@starsiegeRoks]

@@sukhastings4200 who cares what happens for real, the sentiment rings true in the movies, and if the navy kept more dedicated men with natural talent where they were, instead of dismissing them because they can't promote, then our military would be alot better

[@gmmgmmg]

Mind=Blown

[@stopyouneedhelp6115]

To say this film surpassed my expectations would be an understatement, easily one of the best movies I’ve seen in the past few years.

[@felipecorpuz2476]

YEAH! I had high expectations before seeing the movie since it's TOM CRUISE. THen I went to watch the movie, and it's just so beautiful. I've seen it three times already!

[@marcedwards5583]

I’m with you. I can’t think of a movie I’ve enjoyed more for a very long time!

[@mschenandlerbong8539]

The hands down best aspect of this movie is how they matured his character from the first movie. He's not just older, but has matured into a very very interesting person. Someone you learn from.

[@gabriellaguna2551]

you nailed it.

[@BarcaBilo]

Agreed. And also liked that he is a person of high character For example when he took the blame for setting rooster back four years and not telling him that it was his mothers wish

[@nadel0922]

That's the love letter not only to aviators, also the movie industry and the audience. Totally moved by the team.

[@isabella2513]

First movie in YEARS I saw in theaters that actually blew me away. My expectations weren’t even that high; sequels are never THAT great. This blew me away. Every emotion possible, I felt. This is absolutely a film I’ll be purchasing for my collection.

[@avatarenthusiast2289]

There comes a time where a movie exceeds your expectations, and delivers a perfectly executed, emotional, and rewarding piece of art. This is not common at all, as making a good movie is difficult to make. Top Gun: Maverick is one of those movies that delivered on everything. Sure, the story isn't exactly original, or new, but it honors the original movie regardless. This is a love letter to the 1980s, while introducing something new and exciting. The best part is that there are no overt politics involved, as with other modern movies. It is just a movie made to entertain. I adored watching this movie. It was exactly what I needed. Go see this movie, it is well worth your time! I definitely recommend it in IMAX, as the theater experience was monumental! 10/10

[@SimDeck]

Well said.

[@craighermle7727]

I couldn't agree more with your comments. I've seen it twice a conventional AMC screen and then on IMAX. The difference in clarity was amazing and the sound systems in the imax theater put the dial to 11.

[@carastone3473]

Agree 100%! It was EVERYTHING I wanted in a Top Gun sequel!

[@sillau9]

Totally agree..also totally said the same thing, about it not having any obvious political message(which I loved that about the film in this time of age)..it just was a film that was great to escape in,without any annoying political message..it was such a great film to see in theaters,just wow,loved it..

[@WholeOrganicMilk]

I agree. I can say the same thing about Everything Everywhere All at Once....what a great year so far for cinema!!

[@UltraSnacks]

I saw it in IMAX this past weekend. My friends and family had this gut feeling that we HAD to see this movie the right way. Geez... blown away. What a great, fun, edge of your seat film. I found myself tearing up a few times from just pure excitement. I loved it. You're not going to walk out contemplating some deep movie that you can talk about for weeks, but you will sure as shit tell everyone to go see it because it was an absolute thrill ride! Modern movies have lost this magic with CGI, greenscreens and no real authenticity. This was the real deal and it left me stunned.

[@Zapp__Brannigan]

This. So much this. Felt exactly the same way.

[@IAmNotARobotPinkySwear]

You articulated it far better than I could have. This movie has that "magic" that most modern disney blockbuster movies don't.

[@flappysquirrel5132]

The only complaint I had was that the theater staff messed up and was off on their timing. (Supposedly, their manager was missing.) A matinee that should have started at 3PM (which meant 325, because trailers) actually started around 430 because they ran the intermission trivia track AND the trailers. (We don't have an IMAX here. Sadly.)

[@kelvins7879]

Couldn't find an IMAX...can only imagine how it is.

[@wazzup233]

@@kelvins7879 or better watch it on Oculus. 😁

[@knightu1642]

I feel like 35 years from now, everyone in the world that saw Top Gun Maverick and was impacted by it emotionally, will say "that was one of the greatest movies I have ever seen!"

[@jefflh9200]

It is one of the best films I have ever seen

[@jdheelfan]

I started crying several times watching it. Didn't even know why I was crying. Just caught up in the emotion.

[@WildSkyMtn]

I really don’t get it. Connely lines felt extremely forced. The plot was exactly Star Wars blow up the Death Star, even down to “don’t think just do”. The part where he outrun a helicopter guns was hilarious. He stole two jets in the film. That’s laughable. Playing football with two footballs makes no sense and would not build a team. It made no sense throughout. I just don’t get it

[@reikie9322]

Just got home from the theatre. This is the best film I've seen probably in my life. I wasn't even that big a fan of the 1st one, just thought it was ok. This? This is... I dunno fucking art or something. So many emotions were racing in me while watching it, so many concepts that are close to my heart, even touched up on Flow theory. Thanks to this movie I felt a childlike joy.

[@johnkempel1171]

@@reikie9322 Extremely well said and I agree wholeheartedly. I've never been someone who watches a lot of movies or goes to the theater. And I rarely get into a movie and sometimes even struggle to follow the plot. But I saw this movie on its opening weekend and experienced such a rush of different emotions throughout. It was intense, the plot never felt slow, you had to adjust yourself in your seat a few times because you subconsciously felt like it was you going on that mission, it made you feel invested in what was happening before you, and as you said it simply struck a chord in ways that are hard to describe...

[@castielmaverickwentworth82074]

I don't care what anybody says there was some scenes where I'm absolutely sobbing uncontrollably and I don't care what anybody else thinks the scene that really stands out to me that makes me SOB😭 even more than I've already been sobbing is when Maverick and Rooster are hugging.❤️😭 I have seen the movie four times so far and I don't care I cry every time during those emotional scenes.

[@TalkingHands308]

Man, I agree with just about everything. In regards to Cruise's actual performance, obviously the scene between him and Val Kilmer was really amazing, but even smaller moments like when he was watching Goose's son sing "Great Balls of Fire" from the window, his facial expression really did break my heart. He did a great job in this movie.

[@BarcaBilo]

I teared up at that scene too. You could see the emotion in his face and through the eyes of penny who knew exactly what he was feeling

[@6estinyxarrives239]

I’ll sum it up in one sentence. Top gun (for its time) blew the cage open for aviation cinema, but Maverick was miracle number two.

[@andrewleonardi3351]

BOOM

[@charleneWL]

Amen

[@alfredooliva5175]

Iron Eagle.

[@gingeranagram2467]

Miracle number fucking two!!!!

[@gutenbird]

I’d say the 2nd movie is better. I liked that the love story didn’t take over the film.

[@caseyj8210]

This is one of those rare experiences that leave you a little sad when it’s over, because it’s ended. I kinda want to go see it again in the theater…

[@skycaptain3344]

Go see it again! I did with a friend and loved it just as much the second time. And I’m not one who even goes to the movie theater usually!

[@Nicolasgusso]

@@skycaptain3344 I Agree! Go again, only God knows when we are gonna watch something like this again. I've watched it 2 times, intend to go one last time in Imax

[@Nps1191]

go see it again! dont think, just do! i've watched it 7 times and no regret!

[@EZ-IZZY1995]

Val Kilmer can still act. I was blown away, his facial expressions and gestures alone proved it. This and his documentary on Amazon are must watches

[@mariannefong4200]

You should see him in Tombstone: really good.

[@EZ-IZZY1995]

@notfiveo good for you?

[@trequor]

​@notfiveo Miles Teller killed it as Rooster. Hangman did a good job being hangman too

[@tok14a]

I loved this movie! I have seen it a couple of times now. When I left the theater the first time the only thing I could think about was that this was now my favorite movie of all time. It is one of the few movies that have made me emotional. I love the attention to detail. The crew really did their homework and researched their stuff. This movie allowed my inner love for aviation to show itself and I loved the little details I noticed throughout. The whole third act was pure awesomeness. The dogfighting was done so well, the flares every time a missile was fired looked amazing and the whole F14 sequence was top notch. Top Gun: Maverick was the Top Gun of movies! I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who has not watched it yet. ✈

[@ashwaker]

this movie was literally the best cinematic experience i've ever had just the fact that it managed to keep the action going without all the shaking, flashing lights and quickly changing shots like in the other action movies is amazing

[@nikkosanchez5754]

I loved how the character of Hangman was a mirror of how Maverick was in the first movie. He’s the bad boy who doesn’t play by the rules and isn’t a team player. In the first movie, you rooted for that character (being Maverick) but in this movie, he’s clearly plays the more antagonist role, yet it’s essentially the same character. And Iceman and Rooster are the same character too, both the smooth and steady flyers who are all about playing by the book and nothing more. Yet again, the roles are perspectively reversed, in the first movie, Iceman is the antagonist, and in this movie, Rooster is the protagonist. And who’s in the middle this time: Maverick. It’s Mavericks role in the movie to find the balance between playing by the rules and pushing against them. The training is meant to be the rules, the rules that Maverick himself has set and is determined to have them follow to the letter or else they die, yet his whole message to Rooster (and all of them) is to not think, just do.

[@rometimed1382]

LOL I was going to type this exact same response. I noted when Hangman flew in to save Maverick at the very end: "LOL this is Maverick being saved by the next Maverick."

[@Havanu81]

​@@rometimed1382 I loved how as an antagonist, hangman was never a villain. As in: he's competitive, cocky within the boundaries of his craft, but also knows when to step aside when it really matters. Very interesting part within the framework of the story. Bob as well: just a guy doing his job, no fancy name, no big ego, just one of the best - but prefers to operate from the shadows, despite being ridiculed for it.

[@myturningpoint]

I actually saw Hangman as a clone of iceman, cold calculating and thinks he's the best. Edit: I even thought hangman's actor was chosen because he had the same facial vibe as a young val kilmer/iceman

[@Havanu81]

@@myturningpoint Same here. But also loyal when shit finally hits the fan and playtime is over, just like the original Iceman.

[@wwoods66]

"And Iceman and Rooster are the same character too, both the smooth and steady flyers who are all about playing by the book and nothing more." I don't agree with this part. Iceman really was the best pilot of his class, though without the ... flair ... of Maverick. While Rooster is shown to be overcautious several times -- hence that repeated criticism to stop thinking and _do._

[@Cramerzzzzz]

This is the only movie to ever really make me question myself to the core. "What am I doing with my life?" Maverick is out there living to the fullest. So why can't I?!

[@uzogsi]

Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else is Today

[@DiamondDead]

This is a movie. Not real life. In real life, these soldiers are not just shooting at "faceless bad guys" with all of their buddies winning. They have to follow orders, potentially shoot at armed kids, shoot at people (no matter how bad) are people with families themselves, and have to risk their lives multiple times during their service. Numerous people who were in action suffer from crippling PTSD their entire lives. Not so heroic now is it? This is a fucking movie. Not real life. I'm not trying to devlilze the military. The military has its purpose. But its purpose is not to have you feel like some super badass superhero to feel great about yourself. Get a grip on reality and do things in life that make you happy and thats it. Again, this is just a fuckin movie.

[@Cramerzzzzz]

@@DiamondDead what's the point of your comment? What I said had nothing to do with the military. I was talking about an actor going out and living his best life.

[@texfromro]

@@DiamondDead So let's all chill and do nothing. Life is too dangerous

[@Bosworth123]

I guess the propaganda worked.

[@Mill_O]

After leaving the cinema with my dad and youngest brother, we all agreed that we felt hampered by the fact we'd only ever gone together to watch Marvel movies. Whilst myself and our dad had seen the original, my youngest brother (13y) went in entirely blind, and came out swearing it was his new favourite movie. My dad's 53, I'm 33, and my brother is 13. Exactly 20 years and 1 month between the three of us, so we span multiple generations, and we all came away from this movie in awe. Phenomenal movie, and I'm currently downloading the MS Flight Simulator Maverick expansion pack, because reasons.

[@charlesdjones1]

I was fighting back tears during most of the movie, it was a very heartfelt production. The second half was the first time I felt amazed watching a movie in many years.

[@Anthony-pw5gu]

I'm not usually an emotional type of person watching movies etc but this movie had icl

[@NotInformedOfficial]

After seeing the movie, I told my mom, who I watched the film with, "The older generation really know how to make actual movies"

[@mikexxxmilly]

Exactly how i felt! It was so wild to see AN ACTUAL FILM again. It really felt like a story from the 80s, before they relied completely on production quality and CGI to carry it. They took that vintage story telling and combined it with some of the most beautiful cinematography i have ever seen.

[@thomaslok5808]

I’m only a teenager, never seen the original Top Gun, but fell in love with Tom Cruise after watching his Mission Impossible series, and I can say no one does action movies like he does, bare minimum CGI or VFX. Top Gun Maverick is like a military jet parade disguised as a movie, truly amazing

[@kyledaniels9519]

I encourage you to see the original. The new ones a little better id say, but the original is a classic and is also a fantastic film.

[@TheGamerThing]

thats the difference between plot and story

[@chase2049]

I was blown away. The entire cast was amazing but Tom Cruise is just a legend. Hands down best movie I’ve seen in over a decade.

[@SDZ675]

One of the rare sequel/movie in a long time that not only lives up to the hype, but surpasses it.

[@Bayuuk]

Never in my life did I think I would see THIS movie 5 times in theaters. But its just got a charm that makes me love it, Its an indescribable feeling

[@BonesCapone]

I had been rapidly falling out of love with modern movies, and by extension the entire "cinema experience." I had left The Last Jedi angry, frustrated, feeling like they had spat in the face of one of the biggest movie franchises, and one of the biggest modern folk heroes. I had closed the book on the MCU, feeling that Endgame and Far From Home were a perfect conclusion and epilogue of a series spanning 20+ films at that point. And it seemed increasingly rare to have genuine, well-executed movies outside of a couple of horror films (particularly The Nun and A Quiet Place). The last movie I had seen before COVID was Joker, a fantastic film, but still ultimately a cynical breakdown of the superhero genre that was incredibly saturated. Then there was Invincible and The Boys on Amazon, doing much the same. So, when theaters started opening back up, I skipped out on it. Didn't care. I'll wait for it elsewhere. Not this movie. I *had* to see this in theaters. I grew up with an intense love of aviation, particularly military aviation. I understood that the selection process included college and long odds to make it as a fighter pilot, I found my way into the sphere as ground maintenance in the Air Force. Fighter planes are what capture my imagination, time and again. I had taken to scouring for foreign films like Les Chevaliers du Ciel (French movie: Sky Fighters). I had to see this. After I had seen it, I needed an excuse to see it again, which I got when my parents (who also both served in the Air Force, my mom having been a huge fan of the original, and my dad having been equally interested in aviation, despite not having seen the original til the late '90's) came to visit a week later. I bought the three of us tickets. My mom was so into it she was jumping up in her seat like a little girl again, and even my dad, ever the cynic, was up and quite literally at the edge of his seat. The only downside from this movie I can see is that due to its status as a sequel, keeps it short from being as good as having seen the original Star Wars in 1977. It's just that good.

[@sammalone7881]

This is just as overrated as No Way Home IMO. Both relied on nostalgia to pack seats despite being merely passable.

[@cucumberwater6]

@@sammalone7881 no fucking way lmao, No Way Home was boring as fuck and purely relied on nostalgia. This is peak.

[@robertcremin3291]

There are so many recent movies that are fantastic, but if you rely on franchises to constantly produce great films then you’re obviously going to be disappointed

[@trequor]

​@@sammalone7881 What nostalgia? I seriously doubt there are millions of people nostalgic for Top Gun.

[@trequor]

It boggles the mind that Top Gun did a better job reuniting old characters than fucking Star Wars did. Like Val's on his deathbed and they still gave him aproper reunion with Maverick

[@XavierAncarno]

The scene when Warlock tells Maverick “this is where you belong maverick” had me crying. It was so good 😊

[@VoltaicBacklash]

The line that got me was "It's what my father would have done."

[@lorenzoburton3974]

Same.

[@frasersutherland6837]

This film was absolute cringe!🤮

[@LucLightWolf121]

@@frasersutherland6837

[@frasersutherland6837]

@@LucLightWolf121 Seriously tho! The film was absolutely awful from start to finish! What with stupid stunts that never happened! To pathetic and cringe worthy attempts to harp back to the original! Garbage!

[@Brandon_4272]

This movie is the prime example of how to do a sequel! Take whatever worked about the original and double on that as well as Including a powerful and poignant story that feels relevant! This is Tom At his finest! He made an outstanding sequel to a decent movie...HOW??

[@cvzanikos1]

Because apparently the original meant more to him and us that it does to you.

[@Brandon_4272]

@@cvzanikos1 uhh ok?

[@carastone3473]

@@cvzanikos1 I loved Top Gun, but Brandon is correct that Top Gun: Maverick is even better.

[@cvzanikos1]

@@carastone3473 of course. It is. 100 times better. But I still love the original. I've never watched a movie more times. I ruined the tape from over viewing it.

[@carastone3473]

@@cvzanikos1 - I agree! I've seen Top Gun HUNDREDS of times!

[@soulstealer_actual]

I went to watch this movie with low hopes and expectations, until the intro and anthem started playing and I saw the beautiful tribute to the old movie. The subtle nods, Rooster, Hangman and Phoenix, and above all else, seeing Val return was really emotional. I grew up with this movie and i honestly think this could not be a more respectful, and genuine tribute. It was a thrilling, yet emotional and deep experience to see Maverick again in an F14, and with Goose's son! I love it, and Joseph Kosinski and Cruise knocked it out of the park.

[@matttrudell7796]

"emotional and deep experience to see Maverick again in an F14"... while it was a BIT of a stretch plot wise for them to get to that point, it's easily where the movie needed go and end with. Absolutely amazing sequence where I was barely able to stay in my seat because my heart was pounding so hard from emotions.

[@teresaluz975]

I was born in 83. Top Gun is part of my childhood, I love that movie, the action, the music, the friendship between Maverick and Goose, it's iconic. The sequel is legacy and nostalgia done right. I'm going to see it a 3rd time this week.

[@JezaLoki]

Loved this movie. Not just for how entertaining it is and how it made me feel, but also for what it means for movie history. It’s a game changer and a monument.

[@user-qjvqfjv]

This is the first movie in about a decade that actually made me feel something. God, it was perfection. Even movies I enjoy, I'll find one or two things that annoy me. Literally zero flaws in this one.

[@gamin002]

As someone who is into aviation it sucks in that perspective, there are so many things wrong with the movie when it comes to technical things like the aircraft themselves but in terms of it being a movie it was really good

[@milkshakedraws6944]

@@gamin002 I mean, if I’m correct, they were actually flying the planes in the film. So I’m not sure how inaccurate it could necessarily be.

[@n.o6889]

@@milkshakedraws6944 some manuvers pulled by the pilots are or impossible in the planes used, like the cobbra or would 1/2 chance of getting you killed, 1/2 chance getting grounded, like blasting in the middle of two planes during traning etc. And the 10 g manuver would probably have make the planes inable to fight.

[@gamin002]

@@milkshakedraws6944 thought the same thing BUT they said flares when dodging an SA-3 missiles, also the SAM site released all 4 missiles at once rather than slowing down the fire rate, the GBU-24's didn't have a CCIP reticle in the HUD, in the dogfight training he just locked them didn't actually maneuver for the kill, the aircraft doesn't even know where it is in space because the INS wasn't aligned in the tomcat, they should have used GBU-31 bombs instead of GBU-24 bombs, and more I could list. I somewhat understand skipping the 10 min INS alignment though

[@milkshakedraws6944]

@@gamin002 Wow, no clue what any of that means. Uh- I’m pretty sure the reason Maverick didn’t maneuver for the kill was because he wasn’t trying to kill them.

[@mattwales2734]

Maverick had the same audience responses that the original Star Wars had when it came out in 1977. It was that good. When I wasn't tearing up I was laughing my ass off. Cruise and Kosinski caught lightening in a bottle.

[@aidangreen7006]

Great thinking. I made a similar comparison with a friend! I said it felt like 2008 when THE DARK KNIGHT owned the entire Summer and became a phenomenon. TITANIC would also be a good analog for this

[@amangoyal923]

I think it was as good as Titanic and Avatar when they first came out. They're more than stories and more about Impossible-to-create-filmmaking

[@seofutbol]

This is my exact thought! I was born the year the first top gun came out. And walking out of the theatre I thought, “this is what people in 1977 must have felt.” I’ve got a wife, a kid, and a full time job and somehow I squeezed four viewings of this movie in at late night showings after the kid goes to bed. And I will gladly see it four more times.

[@ChineduOpara]

Also, this movie had a strong "Star Wars" flavor to it. Me gusta. Me gusta mucho.

[@earnthis1]

Nope, dream on. No one will care about this movie in a few months. lol you might, but no one else will. The end

[@tedlogan5628]

Haven’t been to the theater in over 3 years. This was the first time I felt like I needed to go. Went in hopeful and left feeling like I just saw something I’ve never seen before. A great accomplishment for all those involved!

[@themartialartsapproach8786]

Same.

[@harrison2655]

Its also amazing that this film isn't filled to the brim with woke agenda pushing politics. What a breath of fresh air. Great movie

[@Hyype]

as they say “go woke, go broke”

[@davidnguyen270]

Avoid stupid political agendas and the movie was amazing. Thank you Tom Cruise and team.

[@jondoe1444]

just a pure heartfelt action movie with no agendas/narratives. Something that audiences have been clamoring for and movie studios have been ignoring.. can't wait for the next mission impossible movie

[@FoxBox72]

as a 50 year old who is considered a "has-been" in my workplace, this movie hit home.

[@ZiaAnnouncer]

"Just not today". 😉

[@arnoldsherrill2585]

Yeah I understand exactly what you mean, when my last employer went out of business, because they were bought out by a competing firm,none of us who were left at the end doing the closeout of operations were offered a job with the other company and at age 56 if you wanted to go somewhere else, the first thing you were told was you were" overqualified" which made you feel like all that time and experience you gained meant nothing. Instead now they hire you straight off the street with no experience, pay you less, and expect you to do the same job with the same efficiency as someone who is experienced... And ironically get pissed with you when you complain about it

[@poolhall9632]

“Has been…” …around so long he’s seen it all. …through this before and has some prescient advice. …a valuable resource to those who came after them.

[@adriflux7704]

I went to see it with my dad, without seeing the first myself, and you’re totally correct about the whole Goose situation. Even before the flashbacks, I knew exactly what had happened before just by the genuine expressions and the sheer tension between Maverick and Rooster. I would dare say it’s a great stand-alone movie even while clearly being a sequel. Such a great movie! I enjoyed it a lot.

[@jarekmiller4337]

Top Gun: Maverick is literally one of the greatest sequels ever made since Terminator 2: Judgement Day. I thought the original was decent, but this film literally surprised me with its breathtaking soundtrack, the incredible cast including Tom Cruise and Miles Teller, the cool aerial sequences were fun to watch, and this film was a thrilling joy to watch from the beginning to end. This is literally meant to be seen on the biggest screen, and I can't wait to see this again and again.

[@ThePeterR66]

Funny but true story: In 40 years, I only saw 2 movies twice at the cinema because they were so good: Terminator 2 and Top Gun Maverick. An exceptional movie and Tom is simply mythical

[@alfredooliva5175]

also , The Empire Strikes Back and Aliens 2, magic pure fucking magic...

[@ethancenteno6928]

best blockbuster sequel since the Dark Knight, or Skyfall if you consider it a sequel at that point

[@MiguelJimenez-uc3yz]

Mad Max Fury Road was a pretty damn good sequel to Thunderdome Heck. Mission Impossible Fallout was the best of the series. Creed is similar to Maverick in that it's infinitely better than it should be. It was the best of that film series excluding the original Rocky

[@geometrydashiuppiter6910]

I mean, don't forget about Blade Runner 2049.

[@losersweepers.]

My dad took me to see this movie and, even though I’d never seen the first movie, this sequel kept my attention and interest the entire time. It was absolutely mind blowing to me because I wasn’t expecting anything much from it. But, the fact that I got so emotionally attached to all the characters even though I hadn’t known them for long or was familiar with them shows just how well the actors played their role and how well the writers wrote their scripts. Even though I had no idea what the first movie was about or what happened, you slowly could figure it out along the way without many flashbacks or conversations about the past, you were pulled along and felt the sorrow and sadness that came with Mavericks own regret and grief. This was a sequel done RIGHT and I think it was absolutely incredible. Not because of its flashiness or it’s amazing action scenes, but because the characters felt REAL and felt HUMAN. Bringing those new characters in was a perfect decision and giving them their own little character arcs just made me appreciate the film even more. Absolute perfection, 10/10.

[@valdemarjingryd3836]

Yeah when I went to the cinemas to watch this movie, i accidentaly bought tickets for "4dx". Best mistake of my life. When starting the plane engines the seats started shaking and for example when the planes picthed up vertically the seats also pitched up. When a plane would fly by a gust of wind would come from the side and front of you. Absolutely amazing.

[@danielmunoz456]

My wife and I watched the original last weekend. It was ok. Mostly what we remembered. We watched Maverick a couple days later and it blew our minds. We both loved it, and we rarely agree on movies this much.

[@ShunsukeK1]

Same

[@gallolocoparisien]

Tom Cruise showing Disney how to capitalize on and build upon nostalgia

[@wazzup233]

And so does Universal and Warner. 🤑

[@ironmanlz1927]

I feel even the timing of the movie was perfect, in a very plastic-y cinema age full of expensive blockbusters and cameos and cinematic universes. It was good to see a semi-standalone movie with a razor-sharp focus on the current plot and not worry about future flicks

[@ChineduOpara]

Oh you didn't stay for the end-credit scene? Ed Harris shows up at Maverick's house, _"You think you're the only highly-skilled hot-shot fighter pilot out there? Heheh. We've been watching you, Maverick... And I'm here to talk to you about the _*_Top Guns_*_ Initiative..."_

[@AlejandroRasmussen7]

This reminded me of movies in the 80s that had you feeling the experience and talking about em for days, I tought maybe because there wasnt internet back then….but seeing this..nope, those movies were made with love, just like this masterpiece

[@MasterKeyMagic]

I was smiling the whole time i watched it. Except the touchy part like Iceman passing. I teared up for those. No other movie that i've seen in my life in theaters has ever had that impact on me.

[@deepaknambisan3251]

I am 49 years old and I have never been so (massively) pleasantly surprised by a movie let alone a $$$ Hollywood sequel. I had read literally not one thing written about TGM and was completely blown away last week by how close to perfection it was, at least for me and for this type of movie. I saw it for the second time, in IMAX, yesterday and enjoyed it even more. This is why I love going to the movies, this is why when they are at the top of their game they are by far my favourite creative medium. Bravo.

[@theshape3988]

Practical effects. That's why Tom Cruise movies do well. CGI is over used. CGI should be used to enhance practical effects as a tool that's carefully balanced.

[@Brannon1009]

Just watched it and I left feeling like I watched a great movie. Then as the day went on, the movie haunted me. I kept replaying scenes in my head. It felt like there was something special here but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then I found this and it is everything that was touched by that I couldn’t pin point. Great analysis.

[@pabben03]

I felt the same thing you did. It haunted me right after finishing it. So what I did was I answered its call and watched it again a few days later. That was the right decision and I enjoyed it all over again.

[@TheECuse]

yes I felt the same way. I felt for me it was nostalgia for a time i never experienced. . even though I go to the movies all the time this felt like I actually got to sit through top gun 1986 in the theater. it's exactly what a movie is and should be.

[@blackrose1293]

Relatable. Watched it at around 5PM and I was left in a rush of adrenaline until Midnight. Thinking about watching it Again. Does anyone know if it'll ever come Out on DVDs too?

[@Brannon1009]

@@blackrose1293 I’m sure it will in a few months

[@blackrose1293]

@@Brannon1009 I sure hope so. That way I can keep this gem of a movie with me Forever :D

[@lacefreak]

So happy they made this film! Loved the original and the sequel did not disappoint! Nice to see Maverick “matured” but never gave up who he really is, A person with hard won experience who has struggled all his career against time and perception in order to be acknowledged. He’s not a “teacher” but his very existence is a lesson to the younger pilots. He is perhaps also a cautionary tale to not ignore your personal life while trying to excel. Maverick learns this late but at least he does learn it and commits to his relationship.

[@ryans413]

The thing I like is they didn’t try to trick us into thinking Maverick was still young they played into his age with the young kids. And I think that was the only way to really do this have Maverick come back to teach the young guns and then have to prove everyone wrong that he’s still the best man for the job. It works no overly complicated plot just fun action.

[@beanbrain6162]

I went into the movie not having seen the first Top Gun, only knowing that some guy called 'Goose', who was Maverick's friend, died at some point Top Gun Maverick made me feel emotional, without even experiencing the full context of what came before I feel like that was well done

[@Alhy-ls3dv]

As a aviation lover, not started but nurtured by the First Top Gun, I was high anticipating this movie for 3 years ever since it was announced, cried a stream to see the respectful nods to the first movie, its characters, and the F14, ending it off with the P51 Mustang was the right thing to do

[@larryhouse3776]

Went to this movie again last night with an old man in my family who hadn't been to a public cinema in 35 years. He left in tears of joy at how good it was. I'd never seen a tear from his eyes before.

[@ChineduOpara]

"An old man"? Your dad? Uncle? Brother in-law?

[@Curry_Communist]

I just watched it! Loved it! Fun fact, my dad was 14 when the first one came out and now I'm 14 and this one comes out. We watched it together in theaters. Great experience

[@limpfootlong5302]

That’s actually pretty cool

[@Fritha71]

Aww, that's so great! I'm your Dad's age and also watched the original as a fourteen-year-old girl in a movie theater back in 1986. On April 9 to be exact - wrote about that event in my journal 🙂 Seeing the sequel was emotional and thrilling at the same time!

[@berrycat4605]

i watched it with my dad in 90's, he was a military pilot and his friend died just after academy on a rescue mission. Damn emotional rollercoaster multiplied for me.

[@jmech2298]

My girl didnt see the first one. Took her to see this one and she cried. This movie is a masterpiece. Will forever remind me of my youth

[@JonathanHallOverAllen]

I must admit, Mr. Cruise got me to enlist in the Navy. I went on two carriers while attached to an EA-6B Squadron. Now I am a fullstack cloud engineer. Thanks GI Bill and Thank God for giving me a brain. Mr. Cruisy Pants was a very positive influence on this old sailor. I hope that God continues to bless Tom Cruise with good movies. I am so glad he is still alive and giving us gems like Maverick.

[@sloth8632]

I've been focused on the MCU movies these past few years, but have loved seeing this movie at the cinema, have seen it 3 times. Miles Teller was so convincing as Goose's son, it was just a feel good movie to me.

[@user-qk3nq6cg7r]

@Lisa Surlie You need to get a better taste in movies lol. You probably think that No way Home is better than The Batman.

[@user-qk3nq6cg7r]

@Lisa Surlie Ok then fair enough, but Multiverse of Madness is Garbage. Hell, Everything Everywhere All At Once did the same concept but did it much better and it's one of the two best films in 2022 along with Top Gun Maverick.

[@user-qk3nq6cg7r]

@Lisa Surlie No it isn't but whatever you say.

[@user-qk3nq6cg7r]

@Lisa Surlie The first one is a typical 80s film. This one pays tribute to the first, shows Maverick as a proper mentor to the young pilots especially Rooster and the flight scenes are incredible. The movie is praised for a reason and Multiverse of Madness is hated for a reason.

[@TheDarkMaster312]

@Lisa Surlie multiverse of midness

[@NathanDrakeTheGreat]

This film was the first time in many years I went back to rewatch in the theaters. It blew me away, and it sucks knowing it'll be many years before we get another sequel this satisfying again.

[@TheJoviLovi]

Tom Cruise is such a brilliant actor, I know he gets decent hate and good criticism but god damn legend he is. Really happy he was put in this sequel. I hope this encourages screenwriters to put effort into their movies and that it isn't impossible to accomplish

[@FilmSpeak]

I do too! I hope people see that you can be profitable and praised all while sticking to practical filmmaking. People just want a good story with compelling characters, and filmmaking that dazzles and entertains. Never underestimate the value of analogue!

[@unropednope4644]

Honestly, the Tom Cruise hate and criticism is ridiculous and ignorant. It all stems from his involvement in scientology and some videos of his behavior and things he said way back in 2004. Cruise never talks about or even acknowledges his religion in public nowadays and he is extremely low key and professional whenever he does interviews. The only recent incident with Cruise in the last few years was when he was recorded yelling at the film crew in London that was highly warranted and needed. The haters literally have no valid reason to hate anymore except pure jealousy. The guy is an amazing actor and stuntman who seems incredibly generous to his costars and fans and only wants to make excellent movies.

[@samcad-ho3ze]

He’s the GOAT

[@Bosworth123]

@@unropednope4644He is LITERALLY the messiah to scientologists according to the members and Tom himself.

[@toymayhem9323]

I seriously can not recommend this movie enough! My mom saw the first when it came out, and now that this one is now out, she’s literally seen it six times, and I’ve seen it three. I love it so much, this is a movie that I never get bored of or want to skip some parts. I can watch this completely through and not get bored. Please watch it, the theater experience is totally unreal!

[@TR3NX6]

The movie is perfect. The scenes, plot, characters, everything about this movie is perfect. The scenes with the flying made me kinda overwhelmed which is really good for a movie in my opinion.

[@JD-ey8hw]

Great movie but its full of massive plot holes.

[@AmandaabnamA]

@@JD-ey8hw thank you. Perfect is absolutely absurd. Mindless people just want more action and that's all this is. They barely even focused on the "perfect plot"

[@teddyobrien4801]

Fantastic film. I went in expecting another Hollywood nostalgia bait soft-reboot, but I was blown away. 9/10, easily my favorite movie of the year so far.

[@clumz4630]

Nah, deserves a 22/10, ur trippin

[@teddyobrien4801]

@@clumz4630 You're not wrong

[@alexanderwindh4830]

Same here. It had some cliche moments, but then it went full throttle

[@mischievousmarker6616]

bro if this is 9/10 what's 10/10 for you

[@clumz4630]

@@mischievousmarker6616 fr

[@HighStakesDanny]

Can we take the time to appreciate this script? Well done.

[@gbjames64]

I had an emergency visit to the hospital opening week. I missed the Friday night IMAX that I had planned with my son. The next night I also missed the viewing I had booked with my wife. The day after I was released from hospital, I was filled full of drugs and barely able to walk. But I made it to my seat in the IMAX and we watched it together. I was 20 when TG came out and I’ve always had an affinity for it and Tom Cruise. Maverick blew me away and although in lots of pain, this made me forget it for a couple of hours. I’ve seen it again since. Total movie magic.

[@katiesutherland01]

This movie was simply incredible. I laughed, I cried, my heart rate was up like crazy during the intense scenes lol. This Movie checked boxes that have never been checked. Tom Cruise is a truly amazing actor- He cares about what he does and how it is done every single time and it shows! In smaller words, this is BY FAR the best movie I think I have ever watched!

[@ProdigiousAsian]

Outstanding video essay-you really hit all the points that touch upon how the meta experience of this movie elevates it from great cinema to iconic storytelling.

[@waluigi521]

this movie completely subverted my expectations, i was never a huge fan of the original and found it pretty boring to be honest, but wow top gun maverick was on par with the batman for the best movie of the past couple of years, it's easily in my top 20 movies ever it's so amazing

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

@Arch5tanton HAVE YOU FUCKING WATCHED IT!?

[@MinecraftWorld1954]

@Arch5tanton I personally enjoyed it, but you don’t have to. But calling it “for kids” is like saying Shin Godzilla or Se7en is for kids, when it really isn’t.

[@merrylderrickson3147]

Technically it was a masterpiece. Subtextually it was brilliant Literarily it was beautiful. Thematically it was powerful. To analyze this film from any standpoint is to just count down a list of successes. Spoilers* The film shared a quality with much of modern day films, particularly the reboots, that could have ruined much of the film. They chose to use "subversion" as a major device here. But where all the other films would have employed these subversions as means to undercut their characters, universe or tone...this one did the opposite. I really love the fact that it got a hollywood ending. That everyone made it. That there were no subversive characters or greed or "privilege" underpinning motivations. hard to explain, i guess im just happy that for once the old hero wasn't sacrificed for the "new crop" routine. edit:...oh, also, Tom Cruise is the GOAT

[@TrueBagPipeRock]

It was art. Perfect blend of things we are already familiar with, but adding in characters and heart and grit. Making the winning shot, training for the course, the great escape. Also, how often do you leave a movie feeling good and inspired anymore? This movie gave me a bit of joy because it was a ride. Made me also realize that I did like Ford v Ferrari.

[@chrisdraper845]

Exactly how I felt leaving the theatre! I was so happy to have experienced this film on the big screen. Was a welcome change to just leave a film feeling fully satisfied, smiling and wanting to see it again. The only other films in recent years that have done that for me, was Joker and The Northman. But I don’t think either felt as perfect as Maverick overall. Still need to watch Ford vs Ferrari actually. So that’s reminded me.

[@chadarra]

glad you mention ford v ferrari, too gun maverick was the best movie in the theater since ford v ferrari

[@chrisrawls3746]

People always tell me it's Tom's smile that gets him these movies. No it's not! Tom Cruise can really act Vanilla Sky

[@pilotbroF22]

I have seen the original Top Gun at least a couple dozen times and have been a huge fan of the movie since my father took me to see a reshowing of it on the silver screen. And ever since that day I’ve been obsessed with aviation. Got my pilots license due to in part Top Gun. It was a staple in my life. When i saw Top Gun Maverick, in IMAX about 20 years later with my wife, it left me in tears. This is a true masterpiece of a film that is perfect in every single way. From the many love stories, Maverick and Iceman, Maverick and Penny, the movie to aviators in general, Maverick and Rooster, to the unbelievable practical stunts of being in the cockpit, experiencing the g’s, talking while experiencing g’s, even the littlest details of the wing flex and vapor to the storyline, this is without a doubt one of my favorite movies of all time. Thank you for explaining this in a video.

[@gxilds420]

I heard some girls discussing the movie in the bathroom after the movie ended saying they need to watch the original and i’m happy that the movie is introducing so many people to the original

[@adamfanalways]

I hope this movie gets nominated for cinematography, sound, editing, I really hope Tom Cruise gets nominated for best actor, I’d turn in the scene with Iceman and Maverick! Go see it in theaters, it was worth the wait, you’ll thank yourself for going! 10/10 Love ❤️ this movie! I believe they said they filmed 800 hours of footage, the Blu-ray will have special dvd with these special features I bet, I look forward to seeing it in theaters several more times as it’s in theaters and can’t wait to buy it when it comes out! Top Gun Maverick is my #1 movie of the year and #2The Batman

[@carastone3473]

THE best sequel I’ve ever seen! As much as I love Top Gun, I loved Maverick even more! This film stuck with me for days. I’ve had the Top Gun theme stuck in my head for a week. I went back to see it again yesterday. This is the first time I’ve paid to see a first-run movie in the theater twice.

[@giantqtipz6577]

The movie has been delayed since 2019, and I cant think of any movie that tops it since. Its just SOOOO good. Saw it 6 times on real IMAX lincoln square.

[@serenitymoon825]

I appreciate that both Penny and Phoenix feel like real women and not 'omigod I'm such a feminist' Signed, a female

[@luckydr2623]

Man, seeing different generations of aircraft in one movie is truly amazing and it thus proves that Maverick and the crew; "It's not the plane, it's the pilot".

[@ey7290]

My first impression of the film was that it was able to respect the original and use some nostalgia without being completely reliant on the first film. IT's a fantastic film and its what Hollywood is meant to be

[@phenomenal-xv4ey]

Tom was willing to show his character as dismissed as too old, not succeeding in his career, and having to admit fault for past mistakes. But then give him an opportunity to show he still had something to offer and take risks. His character is the linchpin of the movie. Unlike other movies that show legacy characters sad, lonely, and not helpful.

[@CoffeeMatt10]

With Top Gun being my favourite film of all time since I was 2 years old, I was excited about this sequel, but there’s always that little bit of trepidation, especially after seeing the Disney Star Wars trilogy and Terminator: Dark Fate, and seeing how disappointing sequels can end up being. Once that opening scene came up, I felt the nostalgia, but also with the new jets on display it felt fresh. As the film progressed I felt myself getting caught up in everything, Maverick’s relationships with various admirals, with Penny, with Rooster. They gave us enough for the new characters to make them interesting, but not the focal point, obviously this was about Maverick and his evolution, and not the new batch of pilots. Once we reached the final act - the mission sequence - I was gripping the seat, clasping my hands together, shuffling around in my seat. There was genuine suspense and emotion that I hadn’t felt at the cinema in a very long time, a lot of films in recent times where the main characters are in some kind of peril, I never felt there was any real danger. But TG:Maverick had me on edge wondering if we would lose any of the characters. I actually felt like there was real peril. The action sequences were top notch, the story was strong, the moments of levity were just right (the back-and-forth between Maverick and Rooster after both have been downed, and the subsequent escape attempt), and the ending where it seems Maverick’s story has reached its conclusion, and a happy one at that, it was just a damn good cinema experience, something that hasn’t been there for quite some time. Not many films have made me go back multiple times (I’ve seen TG:Maverick 4 times), and I don’t think anything else will (maybe the next Mission Impossible).

[@Avenging_Archer]

Man what an absolute blast. They don't make em like this anymore, except when they do and it is glorious. No politics, no talking down to the audience, no deconstruction no one asked for like Lightyearx no hitting us over the head with "issues", just an enjoyable, earnest story using it's attached nostalgia as precision tool rather than a crutch. It had me at the edge of my seat, had me blurting things out loud in excitement or disbelief, had me smiling like an idiot at the screen. I loved it. And I'm so glad it's crossed the 1 Billion mark. Tom Cruise deserved it, he's done more than anyone to get cinema and people back into theatres again. All on his own steam rather than needing The Mouse or the MCU. I hope Hollywood listens and stop trying to talk down to us and get back to entertain us.