Review of Top Gun (1955) by Jacob M — 19 Jun 2013

The 80's was a decade of plenty of film classics, such as The Empire Strikes Back, Ghostbusters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and ET. One of the most successful films in the 80's is Top Gun, also known as the film that made Tom Cruise a household name. Is it a great classic or a great bomb?

Top Gun is about pilot Maverick Mitchell (Tom Cruise), who is sent to Miramar Naval Air Station, or Top Gun, to get the best naval training in the world, where he immediately goes into competition with rival competitor Iceman (Val Kilmer). Due to his reckless behavior, he develops a romance with his attractive female teacher Charlie (Kelly McGillis). When his friend pilot Goose (Anthony Edwards) is killed in a freak plane accident, Maverick feels responsible and wants to quit. But when an international crisis comes up, can Maverick redeem himself?

Top Gun is generally praised for its flying sequences but criticized for everything else. But to be honest, the film is not as bad as the majority of the critics say. Let me explain. Most of the criticism comes from the lack of character development and poor acting. First off, the acting is good in my book. I'm not a fan of McGillis, but at least she was attractive. I didn't care for Kilmer's character, but he was played good. The chemistry between Anthony Edwards and Tom Cruise are the film's strongest moments, even if Goose's character is not as strong. The only developed character was Maverick.

The reason why Top Gun is a fun movie for me are its soundtrack and its action flight sequences. The soundtrack is one of the most successful soundtracks of all-time, and it's also a great listen. Kenny Loggins's smash Danger Zone is awesome, catchy, and gets stuck in your head easily, and the Oscar-winning song Take My Breath Away is also a memorable tune. The score combines 80's electronic music that makes Top Gun Top Gun.

Now for the flight scenes. The flight scenes are the biggest reason why Top Gun succeeds as a fun film. Director Tony Scott, may he rest in piece, uses his blockbuster knowledge to put suspense and fun in these action scenes. Each frame is wonderful and helps make up for the poor character development that plagues the film from reaching its true potential.

While the film is far from being perfect, Top Gun is an entertaining blockbuster featuring a breakthrough performance from Tom Cruise, an awesome 80's soundtrack, and some spectacular action sequences. Despite the tragic death of Tony Scott, producer Jerry Bruckheimer is still interested in making a sequel. I hope he knows what he's doing.

He needs the need. The need for speed.