“Top Gun: Maverick” is an amazing sequel to the original 1986 classic “Top Gun” that adds to the character development of Maverick. Beautiful scenery and a strong cast makes this a rare success as a sequel.

Tom Cruise stars as Captain Peter “Maverick” Mitchell, who graduated from the advanced navy pilot school (Top Gun) and became one of the best pilots in the armed forces. Solely due to his lack of discipline, he was not in a high-ranking position. Maverick is tasked with teaching a class of aviators at Top Gun and faces aspects from his past such as an old girlfriend and the son of his late best friend, Nick “Goose” Bradshaw. Like the original movie, “Top Gun: Maverick” is sure to be another American action classic.

The iconic rebellious pilot makes his return with nostalgic scenes of him riding his motorcycle, at the bar and, of course, flying. The tone of the film is very similar to that of the original movie with lots of intense flying scenes and confronting authority figures such as Warlock and Cyclone. 

Maverick struggles with flight challenges that no living pilot has ever seen. The mission he is given to teach is nearly impossible and dangerous. As he takes his class through the training for the mission, their chances of success continue to dwindle. Moreover, Maverick is in a relationship while he teaches the class and his girlfriend, Penny, clearly worries for him.

References to the original “Top Gun” are mixed in throughout the film, bringing nostalgia without it being forced in. These scenes consist of the “great balls of fire” bar scene, several scenes of Maverick on his motorcycle and the Top Gun class at the beach.

The cast is strong with career performances from Tom Cruise, Miles Teller and Jennifer Conneley. The supporting roles are also well-casted, especially for the other pilots at Top Gun.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is one of the best sequels ever. Any fan of the original “Top Gun” should watch it.