Anthony's Film Review - Top Gun (1986)

With engaging drama and exciting action, Top Gun is a soaring cinematic work...

Often, movies are memorable when they tackle a unique premise and nobody else really makes a similar kind of movie about the same subject matter. When you watch a movie like that, whether it's stellar or at least decent, you might consider it refreshing because you haven't seen such a movie before. And if you watch it again, you may appreciate that there are still no other films about the same topic. Such is the case with the 1986 film Top Gun, seemingly the only movie that portrays the drama and excitement of being a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy.

Top Gun stars Tom Cruise as Pete Mitchell, a.k.a. Maverick, his call sign. Maverick's close comrade is Nick Bradshaw, a.k.a. Goose, played by Anthony Edwards. The two men are naval pilots who are given an opportunity of a lifetime because of their exceptional flight skills: enrollment in an elite naval flight school that trains only the best of the best. There, they learn about engaging in challenging dogfight scenarios, both in lectures and live midair training exercises. They also meet other interesting characters, including Val Kilmer as the hotshot Iceman and Kelly McGillis as Charlotte "Charlie" Blackwood, a beautiful civilian instructor whom Maverick falls for.

Top Gun is party a drama film about this elite flight school. The scenes involve things like lectures, locker room conversations, moments with superior officers, and opportunities for rest and relaxation. Yet, none of it is boring. The dialogue throughout is so natural and engaging that it never ends up being dull. Then there is the romance between Maverick and Charlie, which has some nice chemistry going on. That never gets dull, either.

Then you have the action scenes. When I say action scenes, I'm mainly talking about the training exercises at the school. But they're still exciting because they involve flying high-speed fighter jets in the air, made especially breathtaking with the loud engine noise and shots of the jets doing complex maneuvers. The only difference between this and a real aerial dogfight is that the enemy fighters are simulated, with men at the school playing the role, and this enemy locks missiles onto the target trainees without actually firing missiles. A lock that goes on enough is considered a kill. Never had I expected flight training to be so cool to watch.

Altogether, this movie acts as something else that I never expected: a navy recruitment video. I was surprised to find myself thinking, several times, that some young people watching this movie may become inspired to join the United States Navy and train to become fighter pilots, taking off from aircraft carriers, engaging in dangerous dogfights, and landing safely back on the same carrier. I say this as someone who never served in the military. There is a feeling of motivation, determination, and pride that's palpable throughout this movie. It's amazing how civilians and military personnel alike can share this experience.

With everything I've described, it's no wonder that Top Gun is a notable film of the 1980s. It presents a nice story, great characters, realistic drama, and exciting action. It also has a nice soundtrack, which includes two hit songs: "Danger Zone" by Kenny Loggins for the action and "Take My Breath Away" by Berlin for the romance. And like I said, it's one of those movies taking on a unique topic. I'll end this review by referencing a Top Gun quote. Maverick says, "I feel the need..." Then Goose responds, "...the need for speed." Well, if that's what you're looking for, Top Gun will definitely not disappoint in that respect.

Anthony's Rating:

For more information about Top Gun, visit the Internet Movie Database.

In addition, check out my review of Top Gun: Maverick.