With the generational success that the original “Top Gun” was, how could a movie ever hope to surpass its adrenaline spiking, action filled, and culture influencing movie? Do it bigger and better is how.

One of the most remarkable things about “Top Gun: Maverick” movie is how the director of the film insisted on using real F-18 Super Hornets (the main jet in the film) rented from the Navy, and actually placing the actors inside them during complex and strenuous maneuvers. The dedication and training the actors went through to be able to withstand 8G’s (1,600 pounds of force) was a level of dedication that is only fitting for Tom Cruise. Also worth mentioning is the issue of filming inside an already cramped cockpit and being able to act while under pressure. As someone who is deeply passionate about aviation, seeing this level of attention to detail is inspiring and may set the bar higher for action movies to come.

“Top Gun: Maverick” tells a story that few films tell, one that could have happened and is achievable by real people. No matter how hard one tries, being a superhero is out of reach, but being a navy aviator is attainable. With cinemas at the time of this movie’s release being saturated with superhero movies and sequels to already established franchises, this movie gives a breath of fresh air in showing something that is attainable by people, but still holding the same feeling of wonder and awe that could be achieved by fiction.

With the original “Top Gun” score being so synonymous with the ‘80s, the remaster of the score is done with the utmost posterity in mind. The original “Top Gun” captured lighting in a bottle when it came to music and sayings “Top Gun: Maverick” doesn’t deliver the same cultural shift that the original did but still feels as if this movie was made in the same time being a perfect sequel.

Harold Faltermeyer and Hans Zimmer collaborated on the score to make it as ‘80s and authentic as possible; that yields results that will have viewers entranced by this movie’s sound, and will immerse you into the world in which the actors live. For those who have seen the original “Top Gun,” hearing the new theme will give you a wash of nostalgia that will not be forgotten.

The story of “Top Gun: Maverick” isn’t anything too impressive. However, the action scenes rival anything with CGI or visual effects. When many think action movies, war thrillers with gritty settings or superhero movies with convoluted stories to justify its story spring to mind. However, This movie decides to let the action speak for itself, without needing a convoluted story or gritty setting to sell its narrative.

Many may find themselves jaded from the saturation of action movies and don’t find much enjoyment in what the action movie scene has to offer. However, viewers may find the simple yet awe inspiring magic that could be found in classic action movies.

This movie is for fans of film, action, aviation, and ‘80s nostalgia. My recommendation of this movie can not be understated and I will continue to regard this movie as one of the best action movies released of all time.