For Lieutenant Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and his friend and co-pilot Nick 'Goose' Bradshaw, being accepted into an elite training school for fighter pilots is a dream come true. But a tragedy, as well as personal demons, will threaten Pete's dreams of becoming an ace pilot.
There are elements that hold up - especially Cruise's blinding charisma. The aerial scenes are still thrilling, and perfectly suited to a giant screen. Everything else? Well, that depends on how nostalgic you're feeling.
– Elizabeth Weitzman,
New York Daily News,
7 Feb 2013
fresh:
The aerial sequences in Top Gun are as thrilling -- while remaining coherent -- as any ever put on film.
– Gene Siskel,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb 2013
fresh:
Whether you love Top Gun or hate it -- or hate yourself for loving it -- the fact is that when it became the top-grossing film of 1986, Hollywood in its infinite wisdom took all of the worst lessons from its success and overlooked what made it so... fun.
– Chris Nashawaty,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Aug 2011
rotten:
Every moment is hyped for maximum visual and visceral impact, but Scott doesn't display the slightest bit of interest (or belief) in the actual characters and situations.
– Dave Kehr,
Chicago Reader,
8 Mar 2011
fresh:
Set in the world of naval fighter pilots, pic has strong visuals and pretty young people in stylish clothes and a non-stop soundtrack.