Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

The film matches or improves on the original with its mix of familiarity, affection, and emotional depth. Kosinski delivers thrilling aerial sequences and a strong emotional core centered on aging, camaraderie, and Cruise's magnetic performance.

Kosinski's long-delayed sequel is a confidently rapturous, emotionally involving, take-your-breath-away great time at the movies and the most satisfying summer action movie since Mission: Impossible — Fallout.

The critic calls the film exhilarating and gloriously alive, crediting its unusual investment of brainpower alongside the spectacle. It singles out the way the story resurrects old threads of rivalry and triumph into male-weepie grandiosity for praise.

Joe Kosinski matches architectural precision with nostalgic but never pandering emotionality while Cruise commands the screen. The film exceeds the original technically and gives Cruise his biggest full-circle moment.

The critic finds the sequel irresistible, with Tom Cruise delivering another ageless, engaging performance amid spectacular real-flight aeronautics and emotional callbacks. The film succeeds as crowd-pleasing spectacle that reminds viewers why cinema beats home viewing.

The superior sequel delivers virtuoso technical skill, propulsive pacing and edge-of-the-seat flying sequences. It boosts visceral analog action over CG fakery while following the original formula closely.

The critic finds the sequel far outflies the original through its beautifully shot action and disarming puppyish triumphalism. It singles out the use of real skies rather than CGI for praise while noting the plot's absurdities.

The critic declares the film more than merits its existence as a barrier-breaking sequel that pushes cinema's limits with real aerial footage. It singles out the immersive practical flying sequences and Tom Cruise's commitment for praise.

The review praises the film as thrilling and moving, highlighting Cruise's return and the exciting flight sequences as the best studio action film in years. It notes the surprisingly emotional plot alongside the high-octane action.

A thunderously enjoyable blockbuster that hits its targets of nostalgia and adrenaline without cynicism. It offers on-point sentiment, scintillating set-pieces, and Cruise at his best in expertly crafted action.

It is described as a brilliant blockbuster that betters the original through greater emotional depth in character dynamics and exhilarating practical aerial stunts.

A breathtaking sequel that defies cynicism and confirms Cruise as a blockbuster leader. It builds on the original with wit and grace, focusing on mission, relationships, and spectacular aerial photography in an old-fashioned celebration of courage.

The review calls it a crowd-thrilling sequel that surpasses the original, crediting exhilarating aerial sequences, fresh screenplay elements, and Cruise's performance while noting a sagging middle.

The film attempts to blend wistful nostalgia with escapist thrills but struggles to balance tones; Cruise's roguish charm and the nostalgic pleasures are singled out positively.

The critic sees the film confidently affirming the enduring appeal of its high-flying heroics with aggressive swagger. It singles out Tom Cruise's nimble, cocky, boyish charm for praise while questioning the relevance of such stories amid advancing drone technology.

The critic notes the film's nostalgic appeal and Cruise's enduring charisma alongside its contrived plot and soapy subplots that verge on spoof. Aerial stunt work and real-plane footage are highlighted as strengths.

The critic calls it one of Tom Cruise's greatest blockbusters and likely the best action film of 2022. They single out the tense, escalating aerial action sequences shot with real planes as a standout achievement.

The critic calls the film a splendid sequel that tops the original in every way, anchored by Cruise's all-knowing performance and an emotional storyline. The real, non-CGI aerial sequences stand out as genuine movie magic.

The critic finds it a better and nicer film than the original, cementing Cruise as a blockbuster auteur. They single out the astounding practical aerial action sequences as the highlight.

The film is a fan-friendly legacy sequel that checks all the expected boxes with returning stars and high-stakes action, while delivering engaging summer spectacle even for those indifferent to the original. The critic singles out the stunning practical aerial sequences for praise as the film's true highlight.

The sequel delivers exactly the airborne thrills and military heroics its audience wants in an entertaining blockbuster ride, but remains brainless with no philosophical depth or moral complexity. The critic singles out the breathtaking G-Force aerial sequences for praise while noting the plot's Rocky-style training formula and lack of evolution.