Rear Admiral: The end is inevitable, Maverick. Your kind is headed for extinction. Maverick: Maybe so, sir. But not today.

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Writer(s): Ehren Kruger, Eric Warren Singer and Christopher McQuarrie

Starring: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Connelly, Miles Teller, Jon Hamm, Monica Barbaro, Glen Powell

Tom Cruise is one of my favourite actors and a true master of the action genre, with a long list of classic films to his name, including the Mission: Impossible series, Top Gun, Minority Report, and Jack Reacher. His success in the genre can be attributed to a number of factors, including his willingness to perform his own stunts, his physical fitness and athleticism, and his on-screen presence and charisma.

One of the most impressive aspects of Tom Cruise’s action movie career is his willingness to perform his own stunts. He is known for his fearlessness and dedication to creating authentic action scenes, often taking on dangerous and challenging stunts that other actors might shy away from. His willingness to put himself in harm’s way has earned him the respect of his peers and the admiration of audiences, adding an extra level of excitement and tension to his films.

Tom Cruise’s physicality is also a key factor in his success in the action genre. He is incredibly athletic and maintains a rigorous training regimen to stay in top shape. He has been known to do his own fight scenes, and in Top Gun, he even learned to fly fighter planes, further adding to the realism of his performances.

Another hallmark of Tom Cruise’s action films is his iconic running scenes. He is an impressive runner, often sprinting at incredible speeds for extended periods of time in his films. These running scenes have become a trademark of his action roles, adding an extra level of excitement and tension to the films.

Beyond his physicality, Tom Cruise’s on-screen presence and charisma are also key elements of his success in the genre. He exudes confidence and charm, and his characters often have a strong moral compass and a desire to do what is right. This combination of traits makes him easy to root for and helps audiences invest emotionally in his characters.

Cruise’s success at the box office cannot be ignored. He has made over a billion dollars globally for his hit films, proving that audiences are drawn to his films and his name alone can generate hype and excitement for a movie.

The 1986 film Top Gun was a massive success both critically and commercially, grossing over $350 million worldwide. There are several reasons why the film resonated so strongly with audiences.

The film was a technical marvel for its time. It featured groundbreaking aerial combat scenes that were shot with real aircraft and captured with stunning cinematography. The film’s use of practical effects and real planes rather than relying on computer-generated imagery made the action scenes feel more visceral and authentic, immersing audiences in the world of fighter pilots like never before.

The strong cast led by Tom Cruise in his breakout role as Maverick, a rebellious and talented fighter pilot. Cruise’s charisma and on-screen presence helped to anchor the film, with his character serving as the audience’s guide through the high-stakes world of aerial combat training. The supporting cast, including Val Kilmer as Iceman and Kelly McGillis as Charlie, also delivered memorable performances that helped to round out the film’s ensemble.

The film’s soundtrack was a massive success in its own right, with the song “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin becoming an instant classic. The soundtrack, which also featured songs by Kenny Loggins and Cheap Trick, helped to enhance the film’s emotional impact and further solidified the film’s place in popular culture.

The film tapped into a sense of national pride and nostalgia for the Cold War era, with the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in a high-stakes arms race. The film’s portrayal of American fighter pilots as the ultimate defenders of freedom and democracy struck a chord with audiences, particularly in the United States.

The film’s enduring popularity has cemented its place in cinematic history and helped to establish Tom Cruise as one of the greatest movie stars of all time.

Now he has returned over thirty years later to reprise the role of Maverick and Cruise has lost none of his shine. Tom Cruise had become synonymous with the Top Gun franchise. Fans had been eagerly anticipating the return of Maverick, and the film delivered on their expectations, showcasing his trademark charm, rebelliousness, and impressive flying skills.

The film introduced a new generation of fighter pilots, including Maverick’s protege, played by Miles Teller, and a diverse cast of up-and-coming actors. The inclusion of new characters added a fresh dynamic to the film, and the performances of the cast helped to make the new characters relatable and likable.

The film featured incredible action sequences, including aerial combat scenes that were shot with real aircraft and captured with stunning cinematography. The film’s use of practical effects and real planes rather than relying on computer-generated imagery made the action scenes feel more visceral and authentic, immersing audiences in the world of fighter pilots like never before.

Finally, the film had a strong emotional core, exploring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and redemption. The film’s focus on the relationships between the characters, both old and new, helped to elevate the film beyond just an action movie and gave audiences a reason to invest emotionally in the story.

Top Gun: Maverick was a success because of its return to the beloved character of Maverick, its introduction of a new generation of fighter pilots, its incredible action sequences, and its strong emotional core. The film paid tribute to the original Top Gun while also standing on its own as a thrilling and emotional action movie.

B+