The highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic, Top Gun, is set to hit theaters in 2022. Titled Top Gun: Maverick, this film has already garnered a lot of attention and excitement from fans of the original. But with such a beloved and iconic predecessor, there is also a lot of pressure for the sequel to live up to expectations. In this article, we will take a closer look at the upcoming film and critique what we can expect from it.
Firstly, let’s start with the plot. Top Gun: Maverick follows the story of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (played by Tom Cruise) who is now an instructor at the Top Gun flight school. He is tasked with training a new group of young pilots, one of whom happens to be the son of Maverick’s late friend and fellow pilot, Goose. This conflict between the old and new generation is a prominent theme in the film.
One of the biggest critiques of the original Top Gun was its lack of depth and character development. It focused more on flashy action sequences and cheesy one-liners rather than building a strong narrative. Unfortunately, it seems like Top Gun: Maverick may follow in its footsteps. From the trailers released so far, it is evident that the film will heavily rely on nostalgia and fan service, rather than providing a fresh and compelling storyline.
Moreover, the cast of Top Gun: Maverick features many familiar faces from the first film, including Val Kilmer as Iceman and Jennifer Connelly as Maverick’s love interest. While it’s always exciting to see familiar characters return, it can also be a double-edged sword. It can either bring back fond memories or feel repetitive and unoriginal. Only time will tell how these beloved characters will be incorporated into the new story.
Another aspect that has received criticism is the inclusion of advanced technology in the film. The trailers show Maverick flying a state-of-the-art jet, and it seems like the film will heavily rely on CGI and special effects. While this may make for visually stunning action scenes, it also takes away from the raw and authentic feel of the original Top Gun. It’s understandable that technology has advanced since 1986, but it remains to be seen if it will add to the film or take away from its essence.
On a positive note, Top Gun: Maverick is directed by Joseph Kosinski, who has proven himself as a skilled filmmaker with his previous works such as Tron: Legacy and Oblivion. He is known for his visually stunning and action-packed films, which bodes well for the sequel. However, he will have big shoes to fill as Tony Scott’s direction was a major factor in the success of the original Top Gun.
In terms of the soundtrack, Top Gun: Maverick has some big shoes to fill once again. The original film’s soundtrack is iconic, and the song “Take My Breath Away” won an Oscar for best original song. The sequel has already released a new version of the song “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins, which received mixed reactions from fans. It remains to be seen if the rest of the soundtrack will live up to the high standards set by its predecessor.
In conclusion, while it’s exciting to see a sequel to such a beloved film after 36 years, there are valid concerns about Top Gun: Maverick living up to expectations. The film seems to be relying heavily on nostalgia and flashy visuals rather than delivering a fresh and compelling storyline. However, with a talented director, an experienced cast, and the promise of thrilling aerial action sequences, there is still hope that Top Gun: Maverick will be a worthy successor to the original. We’ll just have to wait until 2022 to find out.
