Film Review: Top Gun: Maverick (2022) - USA
Rating: 8/10
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Reviewed by Andrew Chan (Film Critics Circle of Australia)
There’s a moment in “Top Gun: Maverick” when Tom Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell stands on the tarmac, silhouetted against the golden glow of a setting sun, his aviator sunglasses reflecting the horizon. It’s a shot that feels both nostalgic and defiant, a visual metaphor for a film that simultaneously pays homage to its 1986 predecessor while soaring into uncharted territory. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, this long-awaited sequel is a high-octane, emotionally resonant love letter to the skies—and to the enduring appeal of Cruise as a movie star who refuses to slow down.
The film picks up decades after the original, with Maverick still clinging to his rebellious ways, now a test pilot pushing the boundaries of aviation technology. When he’s called back to the Top Gun program to train a new generation of elite pilots for a near-impossible mission, the story becomes a collision of past and present. Among the recruits is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw (Miles Teller), the son of Maverick’s late best friend, Goose. Their fraught relationship forms the emotional core of the film, as Maverick grapples with guilt, legacy, and the weight of mentorship.
What makes “Top Gun: Maverick” work so well is its ability to balance spectacle with substance. The aerial sequences are nothing short of breathtaking, with Kosinski and cinematographer Claudio Miranda capturing the visceral thrill of supersonic flight in a way that feels both intimate and grandiose. The camera lingers on the pilots’ faces as they endure G-forces, their expressions a mix of determination and terror, while the sound design immerses you in the roar of jet engines and the eerie silence of freefall. These scenes are not just technical marvels; they’re emotionally charged, reminding us that these machines are flown by human beings with fears, dreams, and regrets.
Cruise, now in his 60s, delivers a performance that is both effortlessly charismatic and deeply introspective. Maverick is still the cocky, rule-breaking flyboy we remember, but there’s a vulnerability here that adds layers to the character. Cruise’s commitment to practical effects and doing his own stunts lends an authenticity to the film that CGI-heavy blockbusters often lack. You believe every moment because he’s living it.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Miles Teller brings a quiet intensity to Rooster, capturing the character’s resentment and longing for approval. Jennifer Connelly, as Maverick’s love interest Penny Benjamin, is a welcome addition, offering warmth and maturity to a role that could have been sidelined. Jon Hamm, as the stern Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson, provides a worthy foil to Maverick’s maverick ways, while Glen Powell’s cocky Hangman steals scenes with his swagger and wit.
If the film stumbles, it’s in its adherence to formula. The plot, while engaging, follows a predictable trajectory, and some of the emotional beats feel overly familiar. The script, penned by Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer, and Christopher McQuarrie, occasionally leans too heavily on nostalgia, with callbacks to the original that sometimes border on fan service. Yet, these moments are forgivable, as they’re delivered with such sincerity and craftsmanship that they rarely feel forced.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is more than just a sequel; it’s a testament to the enduring power of cinema to inspire and exhilarate. It’s a film that understands why we go to the movies: to feel something, to be transported, to witness the impossible made real. In an era dominated by superheroes and CGI spectacle, this is a blockbuster that reminds us of the magic of practical filmmaking and the timeless appeal of a great performance.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is about flying, sure, but it’s also about legacy, redemption, and the unbreakable bond between those who dare to push the limits. It’s a film that soars, both literally and figuratively, and it’s one of the most exhilarating cinematic experiences of 2022. (Neo, 2025)