Posted on 06/11/2022 3:04:54 PM PDT by Rummyfan
As arguably America’s last remaining movie superstar, it’s hard to call any Tom Cruise movie a “surprise” hit, but Top Gun: Maverick has had surprisingly powerful legs in its second week at the box office. But much like the way they turned out en masse for Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, American audiences are thrilled to finally see a military-themed movie that’s pro-America.
While it has its weaknesses, Top Gun: Maverick is superior to the original 1986 movie in many ways. I had never seen the original until last week, in order to get up to speed (pun intended) before watching the sequel on the big screen. Why didn’t I see it in the ‘80s? I think I was turned off by the MTV videos created to help sell it and the original middling reviews, such as this clip from Siskel & Ebert at the Movies...
Watching Top Gun on Netflix, I was reminded of its ‘80s production values; it plays like an extended MTV video, with erotic shots of F-14s that recall Dr. Strangelove’s opening credits, with a mating B-52 and tanker plane — but without the irony. The ‘80s music score, all Yamaha DX-7 synthesizers (then-the state of the art digital instrument), drum machines, and guitars through Scholz Rockmans also contribute to the Reagan-era feel. I didn’t care about the characters; the recent death of Ray Liotta reminded me that I cared far more about the gangsters and hit men of Goodfellas and Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction than daredevil American fighter pilots on the front lines of the Cold War because the writing and directing of the former movies were so good. The contrived Kelly McGillis subplot didn’t help matters....
(Excerpt) Read more at pjmedia.com ...
Worthwhile to see what others thought of the movie. I will see it soon. Thanks for posting.
What's the matter with JimRob?
I don’t think Iran is the target, but I’m fairly certain we can expect to be at war again by the end of the year.
This is the run up
Wait, what? I didn't hear anything about this! What happened?
I went with my granddaughter USNA 2024. We loved the movie.
I used to not like Tom Cruise. I considered him weird and full of himself. It seems like he went away for awhile because there was a time when I hadn't heard of him making movies.
But then he made a string of movies I actually liked, and I slowly, over the course of several years decided I *did* like his acting and his roles, and a lot of the movies he starred in.
"American Made" was good and very entertaining. "Oblivion" was very good. "Edge of Tomorrow" was also very good. I've even got into some of his "Mission Impossible" movies. He does his own stunts and I respect that quite a lot.
I think he also did a Jack Reacher like movie, and it was good.
You might take a look at some of the movies I mentioned. I was quite entertained.
And for what it's worth, John Travolta was gone for a long time, and then he started making movies again. They were mixed bag.
Brandon Frazier is also sort of back. So is Rick Moranis.
I find it interesting that old actors sometimes come back.
I agree with you. It probably has great aerial cinematography, but is a sop to what the producers see as the “great unwashed”. They’ll make a ton of money, and use the money to continue to try and brainwash everyone with their agendas. I say watch it, for the great cinematics, but analyze it’s content for subtle presentation of “woke” philosophy. Wait till it’s $5 at Walmart.
Saw it on IMAX and it was a good movie, but if I hear “talk to me, Goose” one more time…
It was nice to see they gave Val Kilmer a role.
Saw it this morning with my wife. The movie was good, but really disturbed us was all the pro-LGBTQ+tard grooming that was taking place in every pre-commercial. Every single one had to have something gay.
This week was our first trip back to the theater post-Covid...I won’t be going back.
It’s a movie, not a documentary.
Here is a youtube video of Jocko Willink (uber bad a** seal) interviewing Dave Berke, senior Top Gun instructor and only pilot to have qualified in the F16, F18, F22, and F35, about his thoughts after watching the movie. Lot’s of cool first hand knowledge about the Top Gun program. Dave and Jocko (HARD CORE PRO AMERICA, PRO USA GUYS) thought it was awesome. He said it will influence many young men to choose to become Air Force or Navy pilots, just like the original Top Gun movie influenced him.
Sorry. I spent the duration seeing the holes in the use of the planes. A fully fueled Tomcat loaded with AA missiles and ammo?
It was a nice story though. The women were pretty.
Saw it this afternoon. Stupid Hollywood, if they turned out movies like this all the time, you would need reservations to get a seat…LIKE I HAD TO YESYERDAY!
I think it was every bit the equal of the original. Thought Miles Teller was great as the foil. No wokism, the chick in the final flight did no more, no less than anyone else. They didn’t make a special issue of her.
Ol’ Jenny has always been one of my faves, but she is looking way too drawn (the Demi Moore) look. She does much better with more flesh on her face. Cruise? No matter what you think of his religion/politics/personal life, this guy is the epitome of a movie star who comes to work, every time, never mails it in, and is in phenomenal shape for nearly 60.
Not a TC fan but he can make good movies every once in a while. But so did the hobbits and they were short too.
Good luck to your granddaughter. Is she thinking of aviation?
I am with you.
At home, I mute every commercial because of the toxic material. We won't go to movie theaters because you can't mute them.
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