Written by Luke Barnes
Summary
Maverick, played by Tom Cruise, returns to teach the next generation.
That premise sounds generic and lame but actually proves to be quite entertaining. I think by using just the right amount of nostalgia whilst also tying in elements from the first film in an interesting way that felt like it benefited the story and drove things forward rather than just being used for cheap member berry moments.
I think Tom Cruise was good here, though I would not say he was the star of the show as he was upstaged by both Miles Teller, playing the son of Maverick’s old friend Goose, as well as an also returning Val Kilmer. Cruise plays Maverick in much the same way he does all his other action movie characters, see Ethan Hunt or Jack Reacher, so if you like that then you will be entertained, but if you were hoping for something new then you will be disappointed.
Personally, I found this film to be enjoyable and very watchable but I don’t understand why it is so big right now or so critically beloved. Maybe it’s because I didn’t watch the first film as a kid or maybe it’s because I often find Tom Cruise starring in a film to be an off-putting factor, however to me this really was a case of the film being good not great.
Overall, a fun movie but by no means a must see.
Pros.
It is a lot of fun
It uses nostalgia sparingly and well
It is well paced
Teller is terrific
Cons.
Cruise is just playing the same old same old
Jennifer Connelly’s character is a big bunch of sexist cliches
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Another Millennial Reviewer 