Top Gun is style without substance. It has crafted action, but a generic script. The protagonist, Maverick, is a hotshot who plays by his own rules. He has something to prove and suffers losses, but never grows as a character. Instead, formulaic plot points and shallow drama simulate thematic progression. This also applies to the contrived romance. The awkward chemistry and unrealistic dialogue play out like an uninformed fantasy rather than an authentic courtship. Cruise just isn't as charming as the script intends. Both his stiff acting and the forced material are to blame there. Overall, Top Gun's emotions are manufactured cliches.
Conversely, Top Gun is technically proficient. Its flight visuals are cohesive and engaging, utilizing various mounted camerawork. Its editing is well-paced and energized during action. The aircraft sound design is realistic, detailed, and immersive. Meanwhile, the music is dated and overdone, but fairly iconic nonetheless. Plus, the production design is elaborate and believable (using real fighter jets, bases, and gear). Finally, the effects stand out because the authentic pyrotechnics and stunts maximize excitement. Therefore, Top Gun is ultimately polarized. The emotions don't work, but the action does. Thus, viewer enjoyment will depend on what they value.
Writing: 4/10 Direction: 7/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 6/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 8/10 Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10.
Conversely, Top Gun is technically proficient. Its flight visuals are cohesive and engaging, utilizing various mounted camerawork. Its editing is well-paced and energized during action. The aircraft sound design is realistic, detailed, and immersive. Meanwhile, the music is dated and overdone, but fairly iconic nonetheless. Plus, the production design is elaborate and believable (using real fighter jets, bases, and gear). Finally, the effects stand out because the authentic pyrotechnics and stunts maximize excitement. Therefore, Top Gun is ultimately polarized. The emotions don't work, but the action does. Thus, viewer enjoyment will depend on what they value.
Writing: 4/10 Direction: 7/10 Cinematography: 7/10 Acting: 6/10 Editing: 7/10 Sound: 8/10 Score/Soundtrack: 8/10 Production Design: 8/10 Casting: 8/10 Effects: 9/10
Overall Score: 7.2/10.