Top Gun (1986)

In preparation for 2022's 'Maverick' I sat down and finally watched this classic about dog fighting aerial pilots. Previously it had evaded me but not because of any specific reason. There wasn't really anybody pushing this in my direction or anyone saying, "Hey, Top Gun is a really great movie. You should watch it." A few of my friends want to go see the new release, so there was finally a solid reason to press play. Overall, I thought this was an enjoyable movie with intense and entertaining aerial choreography. I'm excited for more of that - amplified by modern tech and the sound system at our AMC. I do hope however, that the sequel manages to create better characters and that the scenes on the ground aren't as boring. Outside of the in-air scenes I wasn't very impressed with what Top Gun had to offer. It was a lot more of a romance than I expected, except I didn't feel any attachment to Charlotte (McGillis). The chemistry between her and Lt. Pete "Maverick" (Cruise) was serviceable at best, but I can't help feel like there was too much wasted screen time. Ice man (Kilmer) was simply there to give Maverick competition, but otherwise had no character. Goose was my favorite character because he was likeable, but if you've seen the movie you know how that plays out. There was a half baked plotline about Maverick's father who was also a legendary pilot, but it doesn't really develop into anything special. The ground scenes felt uninspired but when the movie takes off into the sky it becomes daring, exciting, and worthwhile. 

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