(No spoilers)

Though the studio wanted a sequel to 1986’s Top Gun almost immediately, Tom Cruise would not sign on until they had the right story. As it turns out, that story took 30 years to create, and along the way Cruise was honing his skills as an actor and as an aviator to create a “more immersive experience” for the audience.

It seems waiting was the right call. Top Gun: Maverick is not only a thrill ride of a new story, it very much remembers its roots. Similar to Ghostbusters: Afterlife of last year, this sequel pays loving homage to the original characters, pace, and, yes, even the music of its 80s predecessor.

There are a couple of great new characters and a concurrent plot running alongside the impending military threat that really gives the film a lot of heart. It does feel like an almost realistic progression of Pete Mitchell’s life, having taken some sad and lonely turns since we last saw the Navy Pilot over three decades ago.

Top Gun: Maverick is exciting, emotional, and just a whole lot of fun. If you’ve seen Top Gun, go see this movie immediately; if not, watch the original and then you will feel the need for speed in going to see this movie.

You may drive a little faster for the next week or so.

#TopGun #Maverick #80s #movie #needforspeed #escaperoom #playescapeak #noir #thetomb #puzzles #gamenight #datenight #teambuilding #gamers #tourism #anchorage #alaska