Original Release Date: May 16, 1986
Re-release Time Frame: February 8 – February 13
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Tony Scott
Stars: Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, Anthony Edwards, Val kilmer, Rick Rossovich
Our Rating: A
In May of 1986, director Tony Scott released to the public a film that would last forever. No matter who you are or where you’re from, it is my humble opinion that a person’s life is not complete until they have seen Top Gun at least once. This movie, without a doubt, is a classic of American culture.
Lieutenant Pete Mitchell, callsign “Maverick” (Tom Cruise), is an F-14 fighter pilot in the US Navy. Maverick and his best friend/partner-in-crime/RIO (Radar Intercept Officer), Lieutenant Nick Bradshaw, callsign “Goose” (Anthony Edwards), are chosen to participate in the Aerial Combat Maneuvering program at the Navy’s FighterWeaponsSchool, nicknamed “Top Gun” due to its students being the top 1% of all Navy fighter pilots. There, he meets and becomes the rival of Lieutenant Tom Kazansky, callsign “Iceman” (Val Kilmer), and his RIO, Lieutenant Ron Kerner, callsign “Slider” (Rick Rossovich). At Top Gun, Maverick also meets and falls in love with one of his instructors, Charlotte Blackwood, callsign “Charlie” (Kelly McGillis).
I’m not going to lie: I grew up watching this movie and can quote the heck out of it. But never have I EVER seen it in the quality that is IMAX. The screen was easily a few stories tall and at least 50 feet wide, the definition was sharp and clear, and the sound (good lord, that sound.) was crisp and near perfect. It almost felt like a dream, listening to Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins while watching an F-14 Tomcat take off from a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. (Total Nerd-gasm.)
The only thing that I think bothered me just a little bit was the 3D. As we all know, 3D is advertised as having the capability to make images pop out towards the crowd. However, in reality, the effect only produces a false sense of depth. This, coupled with the fast-paced cutting of the dog fighting scenes, had me leaving the theater with a slight sense of vertigo.
In the end, I think many, many people would still enjoy this film. Even though its re-release ends on the 13th of February, it will be released in a limited edition Bluray 3D package. I highly suggest that people pick this up along with a quality surround-sound system. Trust me, it will be well worth the money.
