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Dome Pondering Movie Review: Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

What is it about? 

Captain Pete "Maverick" Mitchell returns to the active mission, battles his past, and takes on a new role as he leads Top Gun's elite graduates.

Who is in it? 

Tom Cruise - Capt. Pete "Maverick" Mitchell

Jennifer Connely - Penny Benjamin

Miles Teller - Lt. Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw

Favorite Scene: 

[spoiler alert] 

After being relieved of his duties, Maverick again goes rogue and shows everyone that the mission is possible, despite the required dangers. 

Favorite Quote:

"It's time to let go."

Review: 

I'll refrain from going in-depth on everything regarding Top Gun: Maverick. The film is a HUGE blockbuster film and has made millions, carries Tom Cruise as a headliner, and at this point, the jury is pretty much out. 

Top Gun: Maverick is good. Like, really good. There is no need for me to endorse it. But I will express this, what makes this film ultimately stand out and resonate with me is simply its ability to offer a sequel in an age of remakes with it carrying its own weight. The blend of a nod to the past, carrying on characters, introducing new ones, and not falling into the trap of "remaking (or refreshing)" the original is its greatest attribute. Too many films fall into that trope for the quirky nod, yet, fail to establish the modern adaptation as something different. 

Top Gun: Maverick is oh-so-good in this area. While the plot resolves as you would expect, the common storylines are patient, organic, and not rushed. Some, leave it up to your imagination - as it should. 

It's a tremendous film. 

Grade: 4.5/5

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