Watch it at Amazon
173 out of 210 people found the following comment useful :- TOP GUN rocks, plain and simple, 5 August 2003 Author: Ocn169 (Ocn169@aol.com) from New Jersey
I can't believe the reviews I have read about Top Gun being technically inaccurate, not enough character development, an overall simple and childish plot... gimme a freegin' break! This film was made to look cool, sound cool, and define cool. Yeah, okay, the MiG-28s are really F-5 Tigers; I've read the 'goofs' section before. And Tom Cruise's height. And about 'Maverick going supersonic - I'll be there in 30 seconds,' and the laws of physics preventing him from covering 200 or so miles from the carrier in that time. Whatever! So what! If Top Gun had tried to be accurate and true-to-life in every respect, it would have been some oh-so-serious flick like Courage Under Fire. Here's some examples of what I mean:1 - what's the best way to evade cannon fire? Do a snazzy barrel roll. Problem solved!2 - the MiG pilots have tinted visors. The good guys don't. Go figure.2.5 - Russian planes are actually grey or green. The MiG 28s are black. The Tomcats are... yeah, you guessed it... white! Good vs. Evil.3 - Modern air-to-air combat is usually fought at distances of tens of miles between aircraft. Top Gun uses much cooler spitting-distance WWI era tactics.4 - "It's too close for missiles. I'm switching to guns!" Enough said.5 - the generic guy carrying coffee who gets knocked over by the fuming air-control officer. We never see him get up. Classic.6 - even the edited TV version is a few steps above normal-cool. "... you'll be flying a cargo plane [edit]... out of Hong Kong!"7 - the way Iceman says, "Mayday, Mav's in trouble. He's in a flat spin, and heading out to sea."8 - the graceful way Top Gun maintained a PG rating, without using the F-word once.Top Gun came out in 1986. That's 1986. Seventeen years ago. It rocked then... it rocks now. Just watch it and have some fun.
107 out of 135 people found the following comment useful :- I always liked a bit of cheddar, 30 April 2004 Author: punkmacinally from Boro, England
Absolute cheese on a stick, but Top Gun proves that that's not always a bad thing. This movie's got everything - an arrogant prodigy who'd be out on his arse if he wasn't so good, a sensible, uglier best friend, a love interest (although she's a bit of a mess), an arch nemesis and his dumb sidekick, a few cool high fives and catchphrases, an emotional death scene, a euphoric victory scene and of course, some unforgettable action scenes. What more could any red-blooded child of the eighties ask for!? And anyone born around 1980 will remember how everyone was doing that double high five and saying 'talk to me, goose' to the kid next to them in class. Certainly one of my all time favourites.
96 out of 121 people found the following comment useful :- And all the Air Force got was "Iron Eagle" ....., 3 November 2002 Author: ericjg623 from Twin Cities
If there's ever proof of the cachet of Naval Aviation, this is it. Those poor Air Force guys got a trio of "Iron Eagle" flicks that went from bad to horrible, whereas the Navy flyboys got this great 1980's classic. Sure, it's cheesy and corny, but it makes the cheese and corn taste pretty damn good. A cynic might argue that it's just a two hour long Navy recruiting ad (one that worked for me, two years later I found my ass in Pensacola sweating through AOCS, short for Aviation Officer Candidate School, the program immortalized in "An Officer and a Gentleman") but by making a pro-Navy movie, the filmmakers also got invaluable technical assistance from top Navy aviators, and it shows.For starters, although this movie takes numerous liberties in order to entertain, the basic setup, in which fighter pilots from the fleet get sent to NAS Miramar, aka, "Top Gun" for intensive training, is 100% accurate. The Navy, back during Vietnam, was getting sick of losing too many pilots in air-to-air combat. The problem, they discovered, was their fighter jocks had been trained for purely long-range missile interceptions, meaning they'd lost their dogfighting skills. And, in Vietnam, several American planes were accidentally shot down by their own side by missiles, so, as a safety factor, enemy planes had to be visually identified, meaning American pilots were back to engaging the enemy at short range, hence the need for dogfighting. The "Top Gun" school was started as a result, and the rest is history.Now, back to the movie. Tom Cruise is Maverick, a hotshot pilot but also somewhat unstable. If "Risky Business" launched his career as a movie star, then "Top Gun" cemented it. Guys wanted to be like him, and women of course lusted after him. The plot is pure formula, but executed with consummate professionalism. The team who put this movie together knew exactly how to push all the right buttons. But the crème de la crème is surely the flying. I don't think that any movie, before or since, has ever rendered air combat in a more convincing and dramatic fashion. For nearly 100 years fighter pilots have been the modern equivalent of olden knights, men who brought a sense of glamour and romance to the deadly art of war, and this movie gives them a fitting tribute.8/10
15 out of 18 people found the following comment useful :- Classic 80's movie: Tom Cruise at his best, 19 January 2002 Author: GRL666 from England
The fact that people are still writing about this film 15yrs after it was first released (and I'm not just talking about me!) really says a lot. I was dubious about writing a comment, seeing as it really has been ages since it was released and thinking that most people who wanted to see it probably already have. After recently watching it for the umpteenth time on TV, I felt compelled to write a quickie ;) I have to say, it's the first time I looked up Top Gun on the imdb and I was actually quite surprised that it only received a 6.4 rating. If you haven't seen the movie yet, don't judge it by the ratings, read a few user comments first and just rent it out, I guarantee you'll have a good time, especially with its amazing soundtrack! The best 80's songs ever written, I still get chills down my back listening to them ;) It's a simple plot but there's something about it that makes it a seriously enjoyable film and one you can watch time and time again. Go have fun! Enjoy!
38 out of 67 people found the following comment useful :- Jerry Bruckheimer delivers again., 5 June 2002 Author: witheld
Jerry Bruckheimer; the name strikes fear into my heart.The man honestly cannot tell the difference between action and boredom. With him its hit or miss.In this case, hit.Big hit.Tom Cruise's performance is stellar, playing a role that he would end up playing again and again as the overconfident 'Maverick' who eventually learns his lesson. And a ham-handed lesson it is, hammered home in the end by his constant "I'm not leaving my wingman!" yell.Val Kilmer shines...heck, the whole supporting cast shines! Meg Ryan, Anthony Edwards, Rim Robbins, Micheal Ironsides, Skerrit--they all come through beautifully. The action scenes are some of the best aerial shots ever shot.On to the complaints.Jerry Bruckheimer loads the sap on with a cement truck, nearly drowning this movie in it. The dialogue is corny. Basically--the very things that made the entire movie 'Armageddon' horrible mar the corners of Top Gun. The ending is worse than corny; it's a clear case of deus ex machina. A very clear case. The deus almost knocked me out of my seat.A satisfying movie, altogether. Four out of five stars.
8 out of 9 people found the following comment useful :- Polished and heartfelt, 30 July 2002 Author: neilanderson from London, England
Top Gun is undoubtedly one of my favourite films, and one of those that has the ability to keep enthralling you even while watching for the tenth time. Director Tony Scott was chosen after the producers saw his work in advertising, and true to their judgement he has produced a visual masterpiece. It looks simply gorgeous, and the live action sequences have never been bettered. If there is one flaw in the film it is that it is somewhat shallow, with all of the people behind the film (and Tom Cruise) rather better at making visual spectaculars than an engaging story. However the story does work well in drawing you into the world of Maverick and his fellow naval aviators, Cruise forms an excellent rapport with Anthony Edwards as Goose, and the dialogue is snappy and eminently quotable. Everyone has at some stage used Maverick's line - "I couls tell you, but then I'd have to kill you", and the cover of the Righteous Brothers is unforgettable. The film is backed by one of the best soundtracks of the decade, and a very strong supporting cast. In my opinion, the film succeeds in everything it sets out to achieve. A cracking script, a gripping story, and simply stunning aerial photography. You have to see this film.
17 out of 27 people found the following comment useful :- Entertaining no brainer, 3 November 2005 Author: Lt_Coffey_182 from Portsmouth, England
Top Gun is a high quality, visually stunning film that does all it can to take your breath away. It is the excellently choreographed dog fights that remain in the mind longer than anything as they are high octane, dazzling bursts of excitement which bring the film to life. However, fighter jet sequences do not make a film and it is the plot where Top Gun has some occasional problems.Parts of the story are overly cheesy and clichéd. The proud to be American theme is dire, repetitive and anyone who dislikes over patriotism in films will despise this. The story line involving Tom Cruise and Tom Skerrit approaches boredom and is the pinnacle of Top Gun's cheese. 'Cheese' is OK, as long as it is not serious and that is where that specific story line falls flat. The fun cheesy parts are some of the films best moments. The volleyball scene is truly a classic and the four actors involved are genuinely enjoying themselves. The relationship between Tom Cruise and Anthony Edwards is also very moving at times and the dynamic they have makes for great viewing.The acting is what saves Top Gun from being Tinsel town garbage. Tom Cruise launched his career with this film. His cocky smile makes him perfect for this role and Cruise does fantastically at portraying a determined, passionate character. It is the emotional scenes where Cruise really sets himself apart from his peers. Cruise provides the few scenes where the audience are made to feel any emotion and he carries out his responsibility creditably. Anthony Edwards as Goose is also effective as the man who takes second spot to Cruise's Maverick. He is instantly popular with the audience with his wit, humour and charm. Val Kilmer and Rick Rossovich are great as the rivals. They play off each other really well and do a fantastic job to personify arrogance. Michael Ironside does what he does best and once again, manages to go through a whole film without smiling.The story between Cruise and Kelly McGillis is very romantic and sensual. The heat between them is conveyed very well on screen and it is this that sets Top Gun above films such as Iron Eagle and Chuck Norris films.Berlin's 'Take My Breath Away' is a song that still gets a good deal of airplay and suits this film to perfection; it's cheesy and its 80s. The music is very effective at setting the mood and complements the feel of the film.Top Gun is a film that achieves its objectives, to entertain. If you're looking for intelligent writing or mass thought provocation, this film isn't for you. Top Gun is best suited to those who desire to switch off their brain and enjoy.
8 out of 11 people found the following comment useful :- Top Gun = Masterpiece in Naval Aviation, 21 July 2002 Author: eduardo flores (eflores84)
I like to start by saying that Top Gun is one of my all time favorites. I have watched it so many times (seen I own it ha) and I never get tire of it. I have to say that it did change a little on my point of view on Naval Aviation since I just served in the Navy for over 7 years. I got to see the real Navy and real Naval Aviation. Maverick, Goose, and Iceman all represent a stereotype of a Naval Aviator. There are aggresive ones like Maverick and stuck up ones like mr. Iceman which I actually liked in the movie (Val did an awesome job playing iceman). I had actually worked with a gentleman (ex boss) who was stationed on the Enterprise when Top Gun was being filmed and he happened to be in the crowd of extras at the end of the movie after the last combat scene when the guys return from battling the Migs(F5s). I do like the romance in the movie a lot since Tom and Kelly Mcgillis do an excellent job in showing a great chemistry between a Naval Aviator and an instructor. However, I did also like Iron Eagle a lot and I have it also since it has awesome aerial sequences and my old time favorite Louis Gosset jr. I am on my way in being an Air Force Aviator in a couple of years after I graduate from AFROTC and college so I need to put my Top Gun in my VHS and get inspired :)
11 out of 17 people found the following comment useful :- Pistol, 3 July 2002 Author: tedg (tedg@FilmsFolded.com) from Virginia Beach
*** This comment may contain spoilers ***
Spoilers herein.This film is of historical interest. It is the first engineered blockbuster focused on romanticizing the gizmos of war as toys. Post Tom Clancy. It marks the turning point of Tom Cruise from a promising actor with controlled energy in `Color of Money' to a strutting mugger.It marks the first major screen debut of Meg Ryan, establishing her formula. So too with Val Kilmer, but both of those are mere celebrities rather than actors. Here also is Robbins who would turn into a fine actor.It is the event that got the Department of Defense re-energized about the effectiveness of Hollywood.But most of all, this film marks the switch between Ridley and Tony. Tony was expected to be the one to make intelligent films. Ridley had made two very impressive scifi films, but these were notable for their art direction. The money was on Ridley to fade, or find a commercial niche like Cameron. But things turned out the reverse. Tony has been making this same film over and over, each version more snappy, swoopy and gizmo-laden than the last.
8 out of 13 people found the following comment useful :- Top Gun : Blasted!, 24 August 2006 Author: happipuppi13 from Phx. Arizona ("Arizona Smells Funny"!- Homer Simpson)
When it comes to Tom Cruise movies first of all,I can take them or leave them. When he's doing really good drama like "Rain Man" or "Born On the Fourth Of July",I can take them because he's playing a role outside himself and presenting a really great story worth viewing.When it comes to the likes of this and "Days Of Thunder" & "Cocktail",I just roll my eyes in utter disbelief! Granted,"Days OF Thunder" is much worse but I can't like "Top Gun" either. A mindless,overblown,,practically plot less film about fly-boys in the Navy and their lives. I watched and watched and could find nothing in which I could care about,in either the characters or the situations. It was sad when Cruise's buddy gets killed but the rest is just pointless to me. Then again,I know,all films are not for all people's tastes. I think he's been more entertaining lately when jumping on Oprah's sofa. At least in that moment he was real. If I were that much in love,I'd hop all over the place too!As for the movie's soundtrack and the songs included. They're just as empty as the movie. "Danger Zone" and "Playing With The Boys" are the worst Kenny Loggins songs ever. (Well,maybe "Nobody's Fool" from "Caddyshack 2".)"Take My Breath Away" by Berlin is the kind of song that gets on your nerves after a few listens and is their unfortunate 80's sell-out song,that took them away from their greater earlier works. Loverboy's,"Heaven In Your Eyes" is just lame as an 80s love song can get. The rest is a great example of how bad 1986 was musically.To the fans of this movie,I know you like or love this film and that's cool. To each his own opinion & likes and dislikes I say. Personally,I'd rather watch "Rain Man" over and over than ever sit through "Top Gun" again. (END)
Add another comment
