A Review of 'Top Gun: Maverick'

"Don't think, just do."
​-Top Gun

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Action packed. Riveting. Motivational. Legendary. Intriguing. Those are all words that are a thoroughly accurate description of the new 'Top Gun Maverick' movie. It is not normal that I do movie reviews here on my blog, Instagram, or even Facebook. However, with this movie I could not seem to resist doing so. Ever since I saw the first movie I have been quite a serious fan of this show. Being able to see the jets fly across the screen was nothing short of amazing. The first movie felt real and it was very action packed. The first time I saw 'Top Gun' I really felt the connection with aviation. It was sort of this new motivation -or in other words a new horizon- that brought forth new perspectives. The show was a heavy amount of motivation, but what about this second movie? Did it equate to its phenomenal counterpart? What does this future pilot think about the arguable best aviation movie out there? 

After seeing the first movie and how fabulous it was I can say that my expectations were sitting at an all time high. From the moment I stepped foot in that theater I got quite nervous because I did not know what to expect. The lights dimmed in the theater, providing a heavy -yet dark- ambiance. The sound gradually became louder and louder. Something about the start of the movie really set the tone for the rest of the film. Right off the start there were planes. I truly and immediately felt that burning passion yet again. I was very rapidly reminded of why I want to fly, who I fly for, and what my life purpose is. 

The cinematography of 'Top Gun: Maverick' was beyond amazing. I cannot even find accurate words to describe just how amazing this movie was. When taking a look at the first one it is still fairly done well. However, after seeing this new one I was blown away. Everything was so crisp, clear, and very detailed. In each scene, the lighting is basically picture perfect. Out of the whole movie my personal favorite scene was the ending cut scene that involved a P-51 Mustang and a nice sunset. 

As a future female pilot, the fact that they added a female pilot to the story really hit home. Since I have that personal connection with that, it made me really giddy when I discovered the addition of Phoenix. Phoenix is a perfect re-creation of myself. Being able to connect with a film is really a selling point for me. Every second that Phoenix was on screen made me feel that deep connection. It is really just that feeling that there are other females out there just like me. Tom Cruise deserves all praise for adding in Phoenix. Her character really bonds and blends well with her male wingmen. I personally loved how strong willed and motivated she was. When taking a look at the film as a whole, it is evident that Phoenix wanted to fly, and she held that same connection with flying and the sky that I do. Maverick long remained my favorite from the first movie, but Phoenix is my new favorite in this new one. Since they decided to add a female pilot this should motivate girls to get into flying too. The industry is quite wonderful and the skies are even more so. 

The concept of determination was a huge one throughout the film. As the movie takes the viewer on a journey so to speak, it is clearly evident that Maverick has sheer determination to get the mission done. I cannot say too much in regards to what this mission is, but these pilots show that great things can be accomplished by determination and teamwork. In the aviation industry those two things are so important to possess. As someone who is going into the aviation industry I can say that this film provides a perfect example of all the characteristics that are needed to be a successful pilot. Whether that is determination, honesty, integrity, perseverance, confident, or even purely just a love to fly. This film is a perfect example of what it takes to be a pilot -to stand as a pilot. Maverick seems to be a little over the top with a very big ego. However, Maverick is the perfect example of an ace pilot that still reached the top by possessing these skills. 

There were several powerful moments throughout the movie that shocked me as well as those around me watching it. A movie that keeps you on your toes, or more proper: chair, is always a good one. Throughout the whole film the audience is kept purely engaged with all of the action that is happening. I found this part of the film really exhilarating but motivational at the same exact time. With me being a 'Top Gun' fan I really can say that the second one reflected more action than its older sister movie. The planes darting across the screen really made me feel like I was present with Maverick and crew flying through the skies while in the middle of a dog fight. 

Good movies are always supposed to motivate the audience with a clear takeaway. This movie had a serious takeaway that gave huge motivation. Out of the full session I would say that there are three strong takeaways from this. The first one being that strong will and determination will get someone further in life than anything else. When watching I could see the effects of the characters' behaviors. There is this one saying that has something to do with "every action leads to something either positive or negative." 'Top Gun: Maverick' showed that all throughout the film. These Navy fighter pilots sure do remind me of how being strong willed and having determination leads to big things.  The second lesson is that teamwork makes the dreamwork. I always thought that this specific saying was just a joke. However, throughout my life I have been able to see that teamwork really does make the dreamwork. Being able to see how Maverick brought his team together just proved the truthfulness of that saying even more. The third takeaway that I got from this movie was that flying and being a pilot is so worth it. Since I will be beginning flight training very soon, I will be able to rediscover that purpose, or that motivation of why I want to fly. The whole duration of Maverick I could not help but ask myself these questions:
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Why do I want to fly?
Who am I flying for?
What is my life purpose?
How can I change my personal perspective of flying?
What is that feeling that connects me to the skies?

'Top Gun: Maverick' solely reminded me of the purpose of my life: to fly, to live, and to be different. It reminded me of how I do not want to be normal and fall for the normalcies of the world. I want to fly and travel and that is it. I want to live free and happily. I really only want to fly the friendly skies. This is what I want. It may not be what others want, but this lifestyle is what I live and breathe for. This show just proved to me that flying is worth every cent possible. Those million dollar views out of the cockpit windows, the tingle of the smell of jet fuel in the nose, and the roar of the jet engines. Aviation just captures the soul in a way that nothing else can. 

It really tells a very riveting and heart-aching story. While I cannot divulge too much I can certainly talk about how the film had so much detail. Everyone I talk to that loves the first film always says that it is so detail oriented. After watching this new one I was absolutely blown away by the smallest of details. When making 'Maverick' Tom Cruise wanted the film to be real -as real as possible. For the flying scenes they used real G-force. That is why the pilots are making very different faces from the pilots in the first movie. From the ripples in the uniforms and jackets, to the rivets in the aircraft, and even to the facial details, 'Top Gun: Maverick' simply had it all. 

Aside from all that was mentioned I truly loved the tribute to all of the previous characters in the original film. It was really a heart touching moment when these scenes happened. I really enjoyed these portions and got quite emotional a few times, but that is what every good film needs. While reminiscing the old times from the old movie also came the music. They still did keep most of the original songs and soundtracks from the original movie. Some of the songs were seemingly remade and covered for this new movie. The newest song really touched my own heart. 'Hold My Hand' by the one and only Lady Gaga has become my most favorite song. While watching the second 'Top Gun' in theaters I could feel the power coming from the words. With each scene that fell in the duration of this song the audience can feel the power coming from both the words and the beat of the music. These final moments tied the whole plot together, which I loved ever so much. If I do say so myself, these pivotal moments helped me re-understand why I want to fly. 

Throughout the years there has been several wonderful movies made. On the 16 of May, 1986, the first 'Top Gun' movie was released. This original film made history both in the film and in the aviation industries. Now, about 36 years later 'Top Gun' Maverick was released into theaters. Both of these films are timepieces for the aviation world. Just being able to see this second movie has fired up my jet engines of motivation. For anyone interested in flying, aviation, or just the world of film, this one is a must see. If I could give this one a rating it would be a solid 15 out of 10 points. Always remember, "don't think, just do."