Full reviews for the long-delayed and long-awaited “Top Gun” sequel are out and the reaction has been akin to the social media reaction so far – unanimous raves.
With 77 reviews counted, the film boasts a stellar 96% (8.5/10) on Rotten Tomatoes, putting it amongst the year’s best films and in line with Cruise’s last action blockbuster “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” (97%/8.4).
All reviews strongly suggest seeing this on the big screen if you can, and more than a few have higher praise for it than they do the original Tony Scott film. Here’s a sampling of quotes:
“A much better film than its predecessor was, and much better than it needs to be overall.” – Stephanie Zacharek, TIME Magazine
“Kosinski may not be able to match Tony Scott’s formalist bravado, but he makes up for it with speed, clarity, and a moral imperative to push the limits of what seems possible.” – David Ehrlich, IndieWire
“The new film more than merits its existence, mirroring Cruise’s character in pushing the limits of what the machine could do – the machine, in this case, being cinema, which takes to the skies as no blockbuster has before” – Peter DeBruge, Variety
“The sequel follows the original beat for beat, to a degree that’s almost comical. And yet, as formulaic as it is, there’s no denying that it delivers in terms of both nostalgia and reinvention.” – David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter
“Kosinski and co. deliver all the Top Gun feels and then some: slick visuals, crew camaraderie, thrilling aerial action, a surprising emotional wallop and, in Tom Cruise, a magnetic movie-star performance as comforting as an old leather jacket.” – Ian Freer, Empire Magazine
“The ultimate Gen X Dad fantasy, in which a 50-something gets to outsmart and outperform the younger generation’s best and brightest.” – Alonso Duralde, The Wrap
More reviews can be found at Rotten Tomatoes. “Top Gun: Maverick” is set to open in cinemas on May 27th.
