Top Gun: Maverick

janomi
Review by
27 Jul 2026
Awesome
97th percentile
90
Top Gun: Maverick accomplishes something few legacy sequels ever achieve: it honors the original while building a story strong enough to stand on its own. Rather than relying exclusively on nostalgia, the film explores Maverick's growth, regrets, responsibilities, and legacy, giving audiences a reason to reconnect with the character beyond simply seeing him fly again.

Joseph Kosinski deserves enormous credit for the film's execution. Alongside Tom Cruise, he delivers some of the most extraordinary practical aerial filmmaking ever put on screen. The commitment to placing actors inside real aircraft and capturing genuine flight footage creates an immediacy that CGI-heavy blockbusters rarely achieve. Every maneuver feels tangible, dangerous, and exhilarating.

The screenplay is also much stronger than many expected. The mission structure creates constant tension, while the emotional relationships provide genuine heart. Miles Teller is excellent as Rooster, bringing vulnerability and resentment that make his dynamic with Maverick compelling. Jennifer Connelly fits naturally into the story, while Glen Powell injects confidence and energy into the younger generation of pilots.

The emotional centerpiece belongs to Val Kilmer. His scenes as Iceman are handled with remarkable care and provide one of the most effective emotional payoffs in modern blockbuster filmmaking. The film frequently references the original, but it never becomes dependent on those callbacks.

A few story beats follow familiar blockbuster formulas, but they are executed so well that it's difficult to complain. With outstanding action, strong performances, emotional resonance, and exceptional filmmaking, Top Gun: Maverick stands as one of the finest action films of the last decade and a rare sequel that arguably exceeds the original.
Mini Review: Top Gun: Maverick accomplishes something few legacy sequels ever achieve: it honors the original while building a story strong enough to stand on its own. Rather than relying exclusively on nostalgia, the film explores Maverick's growth, regrets, responsibilities, and legacy, giving audiences a reason to reconnect with the character beyond simply seeing him fly again. Joseph Kosinski deserves enormous credit for the film's execution. Alongside...
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