Top Gun: Maverick received a lot of positive attention, and seeing it finally confirmed much of that praise. Two significant issues from the first film were resolved in this sequel: the dialogue felt cheesy, and the camera work during the flying sequences was often confusing. The writing is considerably better now, with updated lines and noticeably stronger acting across the board. I didn't encounter any awkward or corny moments. The aerial combat scenes are truly remarkable; they’re executed with impressive accuracy and intention. For the first time, I could follow what was happening and understand the positions of the aircraft relative to one another. This helped build tension and kept me completely engaged. The narrative itself is quite compelling. I appreciated that the trainees were preparing for a final, high-stakes mission rather than simply graduating from flight school. The interactions between Tom Cruise and his superiors and students were well-written and felt authentic. It was heartwarming to see the continued relationship with Iceman, suggesting a genuine bond developed over time; though, I did feel his illness and how it was portrayed seemed somewhat jarring. My main criticism is regarding Cruise’s romantic interest—this plot thread feels unnecessary and simply included for nostalgic reasons. While I enjoyed their chemistry and found their interactions with his daughter charming, watching the sequel immediately after the original left me puzzled about her identity. It felt strange to have a passing mention from the first movie become the central focus of romance in this one, but thankfully it didn’t detract significantly from the overall story. The acting is exceptional throughout the film. Tom Cruise and Miles Teller both shine, and their playful exchanges are entertaining, offering both humorous barbs and serious dramatic moments. Jon Hamm delivered a strong performance as a stern commanding officer. Glen Powell also stood out; his cocky attitude and rivalry with Rooster were enjoyable and layered. This movie is an absolute thrill ride, and I regret not seeing it in theaters sooner. I genuinely enjoyed it, even though action films aren’t usually my preference—it managed to completely capture my attention. Score: 87% Verdict: Excellent

Source on TMDB