Top Gun: Maverick is being lauded as one of the best movies of the year, and there is a reason for that. While the cinematography of the movie is impeccable, with aerial sequences that leave the audience fuelled with adrenaline and performances that deserve awards, it is the script that holds the movie up.
The people behind this sequel have managed to create a story filled with interesting plot points, great characters, and exceptional dialogue. While the original may have its own iconic quotes, its successor is right at its coattails.
Who Is Pete "Maverick" Mitchell?
"Naval Aviator Is Not What I Am. It's Who I Am."
This dialogue could not be more true because Maverick's name has become synonymous with "naval aviator." After decades of flying for the Navy, even Maverick knows that it’s no longer just a job for him - it's his life.
His true passion for flying is extremely obvious especially given the fact that he has his own plane and that he's fought to stay in the Navy years after his "expiration date." This line is the perfect summation of Pete's character and is a perfect example of what makes him worthy of his callsign.
The Admiral's Warning To Maverick
"The End Is Inevitable Maverick. Your Kind Is Heading To Extinction." "Maybe So, Sir, But Not Today."
One of the biggest undertones of Top Gun: Maverick is the conversation about a man's mortality and eventual redundancy. As clearly mentioned by the admiral, human pilots are now being replaced with artificial intelligence because of their increased efficiency, an efficiency that even someone like Maverick cannot match.
While it may hold true that some humans' jobs will eventually be replaced with AI, something that even Maverick knows is a possibility, that day hasn't arrived just yet. Moreover, as shown by Maverick - and even Rooster - time and time again, maybe there’s a reason why human intuition and values should be given more prevalence than efficiency.
Penny Reminds Pete Who He Is
"Pete, If You Lost Your Wingman Up There You Wouldn't Give Up. You'd Keep Fighting. Those Are Your Pilots."
While the original focused heavily on Maverick as a dangerous lone-wolf, the sequel focuses on him as someone who has matured and is trying to learn from his past. His focus has also shifted from simply trying to be the best of the best - something he's already proven - to being someone who understands the repercussions a small mistake can have.
The best aspect of Pete and Penny's relationship is the fact that they both know each other as friends. Due to this, Penny - as phenomenally played by Jennifer Connelly - understands his values and knows what drives him to be a naval aviator. She's also seen him through the years and knows his ups and downs and, therefore, knows exactly what to say to get him back in his plane.
Iceman Tells Maverick Why He Fought For Him
"The Navy Needs Maverick. The Kid Needs Maverick. That's Why I Fought For You.”
Val Kilmer's Iceman shows up in Maverick for barely a few minutes but those minutes are some of the most memorable in the movie. His relationship with Maverick has evolved so much from Top Gun and nowhere is it more visible than here.
In a rare moment when Maverick is faced with self-doubt and a lack of surety in his abilities, Ice is the one who steadies him. This reassuring line is one that comes from the most heartfelt and truthful places for both the characters and shows how much they understand each other.
Maverick Talks About Rooster
"He Will Always Resent Me For What I Did. Why Should He Resent Her Too?"
The sequel showed the audience a very multifaceted version of Maverick, someone who has matured and understands that he's made mistakes in the past. One thing that constantly weighs on his mind is Goose's death and the well-being of his wingman's son.
Maverick cares a lot about Rooster, and that is something that is shown throughout the movie. One of the biggest testaments to this is the fact that while Maverick isn't the one to be blamed - at least not fully - for pulling Rooster's papers, he never defends himself. This isn't because of any reason other than the fact that he doesn't want Rooster to hold any animosity towards his own mother.
Maverick's Biggest Regret
"I Was Trying To Be The Father He Lost. I Wish I Would Have Done It Better."
Not only is Maverick still guilt-ridden over Goose's death, but he's desperately trying to protect and take care of Rooster the way that his father would have. Unfortunately, his desire to take care of Rooster in the best possible way sometimes backfires. Cruise and Miles Teller give some of the best performances in the movie that further elevates their onscreen relationship.
In a contemplative moment, Maverick shows his regret for not being able to do better for Rooster. However, as is with any relationship, Maverick realizes that it’s never too late to try and communication always works wonders. By the end of the movie, the two's relationship seems to be on the mend and hopefully, they get to share the bond that they both obviously want and need.
Iceman & Maverick Have A Heart-To-Heart
"It's Time To Let Go." "I Don't Know How."
The entirety of the movie follows the guilt that Maverick still feels regarding the death of his wingman and friend Goose. In a touching conversation with Iceman, this topic is brought to the forefront.
When Ice tells Maverick that it's time to let go, Maverick's teary-eyed response shows exactly how much he has been affected by an incident that happened decades ago. Cruise and Kilmer's acting in this scene makes the line feel like a well-placed punch to the gut. It also puts the audience in a new position where they see the ever-confident Maverick show his vulnerable side.
When Maverick Reminds Everyone What's At Stake
"It's Not The Plane, It's The Pilot."
While the meaning of this line is initially regarding the fact that a plane is only as good as its pilot, halfway through the movie this changes when Maverick gives his students a harsh reminder.
When Rooster makes the statement during a heated argument with Maverick, the latter's response leaves everyone shocked. This is because Maverick points out something that is often forgotten - it's the pilot that faces the biggest brunt of an injury. While a plane, if destroyed, can always be remanufactured, the human being sitting inside it is the one who gets injured or worse.
The Cardinal Rule Of Flying
"Don't Think, Just Do!"
This line is drilled into the audience's head as much as the pilots throughout the movie starting from the first training sessions that Maverick holds. It was also spoken in the original and it still holds true.
As per Maverick, when a pilot is in the middle of a flight there is very little time and split-second decisions are the difference between life and death. This line ends up becoming one of the funniest quotes in the movie when Rooster throws this advice back in Maverick's face when he demands why he didn't go back to the base.
Remembering Goose
"Talk To Me Goose." "Talk To Me Dad."
This isn't a new line, but it still packs an emotional punch that manages to knock viewers off their feet. Not only is it a remembrance of his best friend, but it's a line that shows how much Maverick cared about and loved his wingman. Moreover, this movie adds to the emotional impact of this iconic line.
Rooster's mannerism in the movie leaves an eerie shadow that looks very much like his father and from the beginning, it's obvious that he and Maverick have some issues to sort out. After watching a very stressful third act and the journey that these two characters go through in the movie, this line very easily elicits goosebumps from its audience, especially after Rooster says, "talk to me dad."