I wonder how many people joined the Navy or Air Force after watching this film. With its amazing aerial footage or the sexy cast involved, I imagine there was a ripple effect similar to the sound barriers that F-14s break through. Top Gun is a real life experience for some of the world’s best pilots, and while the movie certainly takes its share of creative license, that fact should never be forgotten.
In the film, Tom Cruise plays Maverick and Anthony Edwards is his co-pilot Goose. Val Kilmer is Iceman, and Kelly McGillis is Cruise’s love interest, the civilian instructor who deals with a daily dose of testosterone and egos.
Maverick is an appropriate name for the character, because he is a man working to escape from under his father’s shadow. While his instincts are great, his techniques create tension and mistrust amongst the other pilots. Goose seems to be Maverick’s glue, and when Goose dies in the film, it is easy to empathize with Maverick.
The film was made in the ‘80s, and the fashion, hairstyles, and even the attitudes reflect that. It is still a great film for guys and girls alike. A whole lot of action with some romance and sentimentality blended in.
This Special Collector’s Edition DVD makes up for the sparse extras that were on the first DVD released. There is commentary, a six-part documentary on the making of Top Gun, four original music videos from the soundtrack, and vintage interviews and original featurettes.
GRADE: A (movie) A+ (DVD)
