REVIEW #1 (Grace Griffin)

Is the new Top Gun: Maverick movie attracting popularity because of its realistic fighter pilot scenes or its prime eye candy?

Top Gun: Maverick was released on May 27, 2022, and instantly grabbed the attention of younger viewers. The Top Gun all our parents watched religiously was released thirty-six years ago, and many of the major stars in the original, like Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer, made room for the new hot shots in the sequel. Stars like Miles Teller and Glen Powell really elevated the sequel, bringing new life to a classic film.

Top Gun: Maverick has made close to $683 million in box office sales making it the sixth highest grossing movie in box office history. It stormed major buzz on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter. The digital age has hurt the movie theater industry in the past, but without platforms like TikTok, movie theaters wouldn’t be filled like they have been this past summer.

This movie has not only gained attention from kids and teens but also eager adults who have been waiting for the sequel since the original release. It gives an older viewer a sense of nostalgia while watching Tom Cruise in a classic F-18. This movie has been a great way for many generations to come together and enjoy an evening of seeing Miles Teller.

The sequel was supposed to be released in 2020, but with the COVID outbreak, it was postponed. The trailer was released in July of 2019, so suspense arose for fans during the pandemic. This movie could have been released anytime in the next ten years, and it still would have attracted a huge following. Those who were once in the military or even in the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School can get transported back to that time of their lives.

A feature song by One Republic titled “I Ain’t Worried” also brought attention to the film. Little details like a catchy song are what make Top Gun such a well-rounded movie for anyone to enjoy. This was a great way to bring attention to a great band and a great movie.

This movie is easily one of the hottest movies of the summer. With its huge ratings and great cast, it has drummed up tons of positive reviews, and it definitely is worth the watch.

REVIEW #2: Ella Campbell

Anxious audience members packed the theaters for the long-awaited Top Gun sequel, on May 27. Going into the movie with grand expectations, it did not disappoint.

This movie is filled with suspense, drama, and high-tech action stunts that have viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the whole movie.

At the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to “Maverick,” Tom Cruise’s returning role.

Maverick is called to teach a difficult class to young pilots to complete a tricky, high-speed mission for his final ride before being discharged. Difficulty strikes when Maverick is forced to teach Bradley Bradshaw who goes by the call name “Rooster.”

Rooster is the son of Goose, who viewers had been introduced to in the original movie. Goose had been Maverick’s flying partner in Top Gun flying school and had tragically passed away during the original movie. Having to handle the pressure of the mission along with the resentment from Rooster, Maverick must try his hardest to succeed in every way possible.

The mission gives a real-life feel. Pilots must dodge missiles while flying at high speeds and high altitudes, all while trying to stay undetected by enemy planes. The main assignment’s goal is to blow up the enemy’s unsanctioned uranium enrichment plant. The plot is fast-paced all while keeping viewers hooked. It’s the perfect balance of romance intertwined with action.
With the success that Top Gun: Maverick was doing in the box office; the statistics really show just how great it was.

Originally, Cruise did not want to act in the sequel and had to be persuaded by fellow costars to be involved. Even with Cruise’s attitude and doubts going into the movie, it turned out great.
Throughout the entire movie, you could really tell the combined efforts from all the cast members and crew and how much they really put into this movie.

Top Gun: Maverick is recommended and a definite must-see. The stunts and action sequences are remarkably high-tech and much better quality than the original. Not only was the action great, the character development in Maverick and Rooster is second-to-none. We see these characters go through several stages as they develop their relationship throughout the movie.