First, a nod of thanks to John Lehman Jr. Without him, this thing would never have gotten started. Lehman was Secretary of the Navy in 1984 when Jerry Bruckheimer approached him about doing a movie on the Navy Fighter Weapons School. Lehman saw it as a recruiting bonanza—he was right—and his greenlight begat "Top Gun," which led straight to last weekend’s release of the sequel, "Top Gun Maverick," albeit three decades in the oven.
Never a fan of ‘Top Gun’
Immature brats whose stunts
Would have them out of the military without a trace
The jets were the stars not the actors
I can only take so much of odd facial scenes in a cockpit
I’d rather watch jet flybys at Oshkosh
The dialogue was ridiculous
And the love story vapid
Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in military service. To memorialize our heroic fallen, many people visit cemeteries and memorials, participate in parades, and countless volunteers respectfully place American flags on each grave site at national cemeteries.
As stated, Paramount delayed the film’s release for two years due to Covid because they wanted people to see it on a big screen. I’m at a loss why the release couldn’t have waited a few more weeks for a more appropriate, glove-fitting July 4 celebratory fireworks holiday weekend.
Well researched and interesting analysis nonetheless. I didn’t see the first one, not interested in seeing this one.
Interestingly, the dynamic message sign today on my local highway read: ‘To be Mavs wingman, you need to Buckle Up’ - so even city councils are evidently excited about the movie.
I’m with you, Dave. Most folks use Memorial Day as the unofficial gateway to summertime and totally forget the true meaning and reason for the Holiday. Those of us who served – a small subset of the population – at least fully understand the meaning. I will see it but NOT tomorrow; I’ll be at the small town gathering. July 4 would have been a more fitting day to roll out this cinematic extravaganza.
A PB article and only five comments … are ya’ll out boating or … ??
I was at an outdoor concert on a military based platform. I wasn’t, nor will I, see that silly pointless movie. I think honoring our departed is more important than to make Thomas Mapother even more richer than he already is.
I’m surprised you didn’t mention the similarities between the big attack in this movie and “633 Squadron”. Both flying up a twisty valley, against ground defenses, fighters poised above, having to drop the ordnance on a small target, etc.
For THAT matter, the same plotline was used as the climax in the original “Star Wars.” Do a Goggle search along the lines of “video 633 squadron star wars”. It’ll bring up a video where they take the video of the attack sequence from 633 squadron, with the audio soundtrack from Star Wars. Amazing how the two match up…
Hey Larry- Yeah, this fantasy flick redux released on a reality check weekend just hit me wrong this year.
Around anything hyped I usually get very sleepy, yet this ‘need for speed’ movie hype that seemed to be everywhere - (I was hesitant to open a fresh bar of soap to shower for fear Cruise’s face would be imprinted on it - thankfully, surface smooth as butta)
…and it was smothering the solemn quiet of MemDay weekend, and getting under my skin.
It almost seemed deliberate, and obtusely out of touch - until I slapped myself awake from my dozing and realized, as Randy Newman crooned, ‘It’s money that matters’.
Of course, geez, now all is in its rightful place. ?
How many people on this blog really think anyone on this blog is going to run out and see this movie today? You’ve got your head up your nostrils if you think that.
It’s a movie, people. Entertainment. Not political statement. I agree with Paul 100% - the flying scenes are incredible, and Cruise did a great job of portraying a man who has learned much since he was a brash 20-something, trying to pass some of it along to the brash 20-somethings he’s ordered to train.
Four of us saw it opening night in a fairly full theater. All four of us loved it, and that seemed to be the general concensus of the whole crowd. The man in front of me was retired Air Force, and he was quite literally on the edge of his seat for much of the second half of the movie.
Haven’t seen it yet. But excited to do so. I’m looking forward to just a fun, fun, exciting, airplane action filled couple of hours of entertainment. That’s what it’s about folks. You don’t need to think any deeper than that occasionally. And I liked comic books too.
Thanks for a sensible reply. Just cause I want to see a movie on Memorial Day doesn’t mean I’m disrespectful. I can both watch a movie like this AND be grateful to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive. Now if I only had an IMAX nearby…
Dennis, are you new to AvWeb? The comment section of AvWeb is the ultimate hive of curmudgeondry it the Interweb. Only grumpy old white men can turn anything into a political left v right issue or just plain FAA-bashing. It’s a hoot most days. Welcome and bring your lawn chair and popcorn.