Top Gun: Maverick<\/a> is a better film than its predecessor. For all that Tony Scott\u2019s 1986 original has undoubtedly achieved iconic status \u2013 due in part to a couple of memorable quotes and some admittedly enjoyable action sequences \u2013 it was always a slightly embarrassing display of \u201980s extravagance, a film whose cheesiness is so overbearing that it almost comes across as a parody.<\/p>\nBut Joseph Kosinski\u2019s long-delayed sequel, which finally arrives in UK cinemas at the end of this month, is very much the real deal. Swapping the tone of the original for a more reflective, considered approach \u2013 that nonetheless doesn\u2019t skimp on the exhilarating action \u2013 it improves upon the earlier film in just about every way: from the genuine emotion behind the character dynamics to the pure adrenaline rush of the stunning aerial stunts.<\/p>
From the moment we\u2019re re-introduced to Tom Cruise\u2019s title character,\u00a0 it\u2019s instantly apparent that Maverick\u2019s modus operandi hasn\u2019t changed one iota in the intervening 36 years. We find him skilfully but recklessly flying an expensive navy plane in his role as a test pilot, before he\u2019s sent packing back to Top Gun for a new assignment at the behest of his friend and former rival Tom \u201cIceman\u201d Kazansky.<\/p>\n
Before he leaves, he\u2019s warned in no uncertain terms by his superior (Ed Harris) that he\u2019s quickly becoming a relic of a bygone era. \u201cThe future is coming and you\u2019re not in it,\u201d Harris says, before adding: \u201cYour kind is headed for extinction.\u201d Maverick\u2019s response \u2013 \u201cMaybe sir, but not today\u201d \u2013 seems to be as much Cruise speaking as his character. He may be approaching 60 years old, and filmstars of his ilk might be in relatively short supply these days, but \u2013 as the rest of the film goes on to prove \u2013 he\u2019s still got a lot left in the tank, and clearly has no plans to hang up his boots any time soon.<\/p>\n
It comes as no surprise that Cruise is the star of the show from beginning to end. 36 years on from the original (although production on the sequel actually wrapped three years ago) he hardly seems less fresh-faced now than he did as a young 24-year-old, and his charm and charisma show no signs of subsiding. Cruise\u2019s willingness to try ridiculous feats in the name of entertainment, meanwhile, remains unrivaled \u2013 and the numerous stunts are made all the more thrilling by the knowledge that just about everything is done practically.<\/p>\n
The supporting performances, meanwhile, complement his star quality excellently, with Miles Teller\u2019s turn as Rooster \u2013 the son of Maverick\u2019s late wingman Goose\u2013 especially worth a mention. Elsewhere, Glen Powell is perfectly cast as the smarmy all-American stud Hangman, Jon Hamm delivers a fine performance as Maverick\u2019s more straight-laced superior Cyclone, and Val Kilmer reprises his role as Iceman to surprisingly emotional effect.<\/p>\n