Top Gun
Plot
US Navy Lt Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and his best friend Lt (Junior Grade) Nick “Goose” Bradshaw are sent to “Top Gun” – a tactical instructor school to enhance their training in flying elite fighter planes.
There; Maverick contends with fellow students who disagree with his wild antics like the no nonsense Tom “Iceman” Kazansky; he falls for his instructor, the beautiful Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood; and gets heat from his instructors Mike “Viper” Metcalf, and Rick “Jester” Hatherly.
Direction
Without a doubt, one of the most fluid, and best directed action films of the 1980’s.
The action set pieces, especially the opening sequence with the two MiG-28’s, and then the final chase sequence are out of this world with how great they are.
Tony Scott’s best I’ve reviewed
Cast/Characters
Tom Cruise as Maverick, really cemented himself as a Superstar way back in this vehicle. He delivers a performance that really handles all that is needed; the hero, the love-struck, and the grief stricken. Some might hate him, but I’ve always felt he has been able to deliver the goods. He is hands down one of the true greats of cinema.
Kelly McGillis plays Charlotte/Charlie, a non traditional approach in Hollywood films giving her a high powered role, and she goes toe to toe with Maverick in some scenes.
Anthony Edwards as Goose, delivers a solid performance.
Val Kilmer plays Iceman, who takes an instant dislike to Maverick.
Tom Skerrit and Michael Ironside play Viper and Jester respectively.
James Tolkan plays Mav’s Commander at the start of the film. I half expected him to call Mav and Goose slacker at one point during his tirade at them.
Breakdown
Embarrassingly this was my first time watching this one!
The adrenaline charged opening sequence, may not overly set the tone of the rest of the film – as what follows is more character development for Maverick.
It is his story of being the ‘wild card’ who doesn’t play by the rules, because he’s got nothing to lose. But when it starts to affect those around him, especially his best friend – and the potential for love for the first time – is what grounds this in reality.
If I could have asked for more, I would have liked to see just a little more in the Iceman/Maverick conflict. The resolution of their animosity towards one another, following Goose’s death, Mavericks near departure, and the final battle is typical Hollywood narrative foible… but here it works.
There is a good amount of heart in the screenplay too. Following Goose’s death, where Mav’s team rally around him to both clear his name, and get him back in the fold is nicely written – and gives Mav closure to his own past – the death and disappearance of his father.
I had some minor nitpicks that really don’t bring the film down too much (some overuse of the songs Highway to the Dangerzone and Take my Breath away – also Mav both arrives and departs Charlie’s house at the same time of sunset – even though they’ve had a lengthy date). Also Meg Ryan’s southern accent is a tad grating.
Overall
I still can’t believe I waited 40 years to watch this… Okay, maybe I couldn’t have watched it when I was 2, but it’s incredible that this is a 40 year old movie!
Almost top marks, aside from some very minor nit picks.
A strong recommend, and the reason why Tom Cruise is the superstar he is today.
4.5/5
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