Top Gun is a pure ‘80s movie. The soundtrack, clichés, romance, and style are an unmistakable mark of the era and drops the film a few marks after 20+ years. There’s enough style and a small emotional impact to make it a worthwhile run though this early Tony Scott-directed affair, but it’s value is more nostalgia than quality.
Tom Cruise cements his stardom here as Maverick, and ace pilot now amongst the elite pilots of naval aviation. His cocky attitude and softer side lead him to a classic romance with an instructor played by Kelly McGillis as training continues. What follows are energetic aerial sequences done with few special effects, strong editing, and loads of generic characters boosting their egos.
Nearly all of Top Gun is training and practice runs. It’s almost disappointing that the one true battle seems over so soon, and carries with it a rather bland emotional baggage that doesn’t hold up. The script balances the right mix of drama, humor, and action to avoid falling into a boring rut.
Action scenes highlight Top Gun, even if they’re not true aerial battles. The footage is incredible, shot from countless angles, including those from inside the jets. Superb editing adds extra life to what amounts to planes flying through the air, and aside from one shot, any special effects are undetectable.
Maverick’s close relationship with his co-pilot Goose (Anthony Edwards) works on screen. Cruise has great chemistry with his co-star, while Val Kilmer glides along filling the role of jerk and over-the-top opponent vying for the top spot. Kelly McGillis is fine in the constantly strained relationship that never seems believable as emotions are all everywhere on the map.
A third star is the soundtrack, including the memorable “Danger Zone.” The Academy Award would go to “Take My Breath Away,” though its use in the film is beyond repetitive. For the early moments of the budding romance, it’s used anytime the characters appear on screen in multiple attached shots. “Danger Zone” has more of an impact, increasing the intensity of the on screen action as opposed to the Tom Whitlock love theme.
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