Top Gun

Dogfighting with supersonic jets, hotheaded pilots, student/teacher conflict -- Top Gun has it all, topped with a star-studded cast and overlaid with cheesy '80s music and long motorcycle rides. This classic film delivers all the bang of a blockbuster with all the laughs of a dated movie from 20 years ago. Has it aged well? No. Will Danger Zone continue to be played with fond memories of bad hair and weak storylines? Definitely.

Best Watched in Italian

I've included the Italian movie poster, because at least if you watch this movie in Italian, at least you're practicing your comprehension of a foreign language. Already speak Italian? Well, then you're out of luck.

Top Gun emerged as a blockbuster, mostly because of stunning visuals and the cast, many of whom went on to become big Hollywood stars: Viper (Tom Skerritt, Alien), Jester (Michael Ironside), Merlin (Tim Robbins), Iceman (Val Kilmer), Goose (Anthony Edwards), Carole (Meg Ryan), and, of course, Maverick (Tom Cruise, Valkyrie). Most of the appeal in watching this movie is in seeing all these budding superstars in one of their first roles, and it's amazing to see them all together.

The Story

Top Gun is the story of a class of hotshot pilots-in-training who are constantly trying to outdo each other. Macho attitudes run rampant, Maverick gets cocky, and Goose gets killed. This tragedy occurs because of Maverick's overconfidence, and he must overcome his guilt over his co-pilot's death, his feelings for his teacher Charlie (Kelly McGillis), and his animosity toward his classmates when a sudden threat from Russia arises. The story is cheesy, has a lot of fast airplanes and missiles, and a classic soundtrack that I've heard at many a bar on '80s night.

Is This Movie Top Gun?

If we're talking about cheesy pro-american movies with a lot of airplanes and popular actors, then I would say that Top Gun is in the top three, right up there with Armageddon and Independence Day. Top Gun is one of the originals in this template, and is shameless as it basks in its cheesy glory.

See this movie if you're looking for a good laugh with friends, and don't mind a little cheese with your wine.

Rating: 6.0/10.0