When it comes to iconic ‘80s movies, few are more well-known than Top Gun. The story of hotshot pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) as he attends the prestigious Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School was a huge box office success, cementing Cruise’s status as a leading man. The movie also spawned a hugely successful soundtrack and a slew of memorable quotes.
While the original Top Gun was a massive success, its sequel was not met with the same level of acclaim. Top Gun 2: Maverick was released 34 years after the original and starred Cruise as an older, more experienced version of his character. The sequel was not as commercially or critically successful as the original, but it still managed to gross over $170 million at the box office.
So, what caused the decline in popularity between the two movies? There are a few factors that likely contributed. For one, the original Top Gun was a much more light-hearted and fun movie than the sequel. It didn’t take itself too seriously and was more focused on the characters and their relationships than the politics of the military. The sequel, on the other hand, was a more serious movie that dealt with the realities of war and the cost of conflict.
Another factor that likely contributed to the decline in popularity is that the original Top Gun was released at a time when the Cold War was still raging and the idea of American military superiority was highly relevant. In the intervening years, the Soviet Union collapsed and the threat of global nuclear war subsided. As such, the sequel didn’t have the same sense of urgency or relevance as the original.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the original Top Gun was directed by Tony Scott, who was a very talented and successful director. The sequel was directed by Joseph Kosinski, who was not nearly as experienced or successful. This likely played a role in the decline in quality between the two movies.
So, is the Top Gun sequel any good on its own? It’s hard to say. It’s certainly not as good as the original, but it’s not a terrible movie either. It’s probably worth watching if you’re a fan of the original, but it’s not essential viewing.
