The first reactions to Top Gun: Maverick are finally here. Tom Cruise's much-anticipated sequel to the 1986 Top Gun film is set to hit theaters in roughly a month. Several critics are able to screen the film early, giving fans an idea of what to expect from the blockbuster.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Top Gun: Maverick has been delayed multiple times, much like almost every Hollywood production. As its release date inches near, however, Paramount has been actively promoting the sequel directed by Joseph Kosinski. Specific plot details for the film are still tightly under wraps, but it will see Cruise's Pete "Maverick" Mitchell training a new crop of Navy pilots at TOPGUN for a special mission. Among his students is Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw (Miles Teller) — the son of Mitchell's former RIO, Nick "Goose" Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), who isn't too thrilled about his dad's old flying partner. Aside from Cruise, Val Kilmer will also reprise his role as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick. But unlike Maverick, who's still a lowly Captain, Iceman has been able to climb the ranks in the Navy.
It's an understatement to say that there's massive anticipation for Top Gun: Maverick. Aside from the iconic original film, much has also been said about the film's rigorous production which involved the cast even learning how to actually fly planes, not to mention the minimal use of CGI. Check out the initial response for the movie below:
It's clear that everyone who was able to catch Top Gun: Maverick at CinemaCon enjoyed it immensely. The stunts and action set pieces were long expected to be great considering Cruise's commitment to that aspect of moviemaking. But, it's interesting that critics are also praising the sequel's heartfelt story. Understandably, these posts don't delve into plot spoilers since the embargo for reviews is still in effect. But it sounds as if the heart of the story goes back to what went down in the original Top Gun film. This means that while Top Gun: Maverick will be great for the general viewing audience who love a great time in cinemas, the film will be more special for those who have loved the 1986 cult classic.
While these are just initial reactions for Top Gun: Maverick and are not a concrete indication of how successful it will be at the box office, the good word of mouth will help entice more people to catch it in theaters when it premieres. But, if the film becomes a commercial hit, it's curious if a third installment in the budding Top Gun franchise is already waiting to be announced. Paramount has a tried and tested property on their hands, it's difficult to imagine that they aren't going to capitalize on it if there's interest in it from the public.
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