Top Gun: Maverick Review – Tom Cruise Soars Beyond Nostalgia in This High-Flying Sequel

Introduction:

Tom Cruise once again takes to the skies in Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel that took 36 years to arrive but lands with a thunderous impact. It’s more than a follow-up—this is a cinematic homecoming that honors the original while outdoing it in every possible way.

Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free):

Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell is still a rule-breaking test pilot, pushing the boundaries of aviation when most of his peers have either retired or been grounded. When he's called back to Top Gun, this time as an instructor, Maverick must train a group of elite young pilots—including Rooster, the son of his late best friend Goose.

A dangerous, top-secret mission looms, but Maverick's biggest challenge isn’t the enemy—it’s letting go of the past and trusting a new generation to take flight.

The Aerial Action:

Let’s not sugarcoat it—this is some of the best aviation footage ever captured on film. The realism is unmatched. No CGI planes here—every jet, every spin, every g-force-inducing barrel roll was filmed in real cockpits with actors undergoing actual flight training.

Real F/A-18 jets

Actors pulling real G-forces

IMAX-ready sound and visuals that make you feel like you’re in the cockpit

You’ll grip your seat more than once.

Performances:

Tom Cruise (Maverick): He delivers one of his most emotionally grounded performances yet—full of quiet regret, strength, and redemption.

Miles Teller (Rooster): Charismatic and layered, he does justice to Goose’s legacy while carving his own space.

Glen Powell (Hangman): Scene-stealing confidence that reminds you of a young Cruise.

Jennifer Connelly (Penny): A grounded, humanizing presence in Maverick’s life.

The chemistry and emotional stakes elevate the film far above typical action flicks.

Soundtrack & Score:

Lady Gaga’s “Hold My Hand” hits deep during emotional moments.

The use of the original Top Gun theme sends chills.

Hans Zimmer’s collaboration on the score brings weight and beauty.

Music is used perfectly—to lift the heart, build suspense, and honor nostalgia.

Direction & Cinematography:

Joseph Kosinski directs with precision and style, capturing both the awe of aviation and the intimacy of personal struggle. Every sunset, every dogfight, and every quiet moment feels earned and cinematic.

Emotional Themes:

Legacy vs. change

Letting go of guilt

The fear of becoming obsolete

Passing the torch with honor

It’s surprisingly emotional for a film about fighter jets. You may find yourself tearing up more than once.

Strengths:

Visually stunning and technically masterful

Emotionally engaging, even for newcomers

Perfect balance between nostalgia and new storytelling

Tom Cruise’s sheer passion for cinema shows in every frame

Minor Weaknesses:

A few supporting characters could’ve used more depth

The plot is familiar at times, though executed with excellence

Final Verdict:

Top Gun: Maverick is the gold standard of legacy sequels. It respects the original, expands its world, and adds new emotional layers. Tom Cruise, once again, proves that real stunts and real emotion still have the power to move us—even at Mach 10.

Rating: 9.5/10

A must-see for action lovers, aviation fans, and anyone who appreciates real storytelling.

Why You Should Watch:

For some of the most jaw-dropping aerial cinematography ever filmed.

To see Tom Cruise at his best—both as an action star and an actor.

Because this is more than a movie—it’s an experience.