Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

Top Gun: Maverick (2022), an American action drama directed by Joseph Kosinski, tells the story of United States Navy Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Despite his impressive career as a test pilot and numerous accolades, Maverick’s repeated insubordination has hindered him from advancing in rank. Fortunately, his former TOPGUN rival, Admiral Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, who now commands the U.S. Pacific Fleet, often comes to his aid to prevent him from being grounded. However, Rear Admiral Chester “Hammer” Cain steps in and cancels Maverick’s “Darkstar” scramjet program in favor of funding drones. Undeterred, Maverick takes matters into his own hands and successfully pushes a new flight plan to achieve high-hypersonic speed and meet the program’s objectives. Unfortunately, during the flight, the prototype is destroyed when Maverick exceeds Mach 10. Once again, Iceman saves Maverick’s career by assigning him to NAS North Island for his next mission. However, Hammer warns Maverick that with advancements in technology and aircrafts becoming more advanced than ever before, crewed fighter planes may soon become obsolete.

The Navy has been given the mission to destroy an unauthorized uranium enrichment plant, located deep in a canyon and guarded by SA-3 Goa surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) and what seem to be fifth-generation Sukhoi Su-57 fighters. Maverick comes up with a plan involving two pairs of F/A-18E/F Super Hornets for the attack. However, despite his desire to join the mission, he is instead assigned to train a group of elite TOPGUN graduates handpicked by Air Boss Vice Admiral Beau “Cyclone” Simpson. Their dislike for Maverick’s unconventional tactics puts him at odds with them, but through impressive dogfighting skills, he earns their respect. Among the trainees are Lieutenants Jake “Hangman” Seresin and Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, who have their own personal clash due to differing attitudes towards flying. Maverick also reunites with his former girlfriend Penny Benjamin, confiding in her about a promise made to Rooster’s late mother that he would not become a pilot. Unaware of this promise, Rooster resents Maverick for hindering his career and blaming him for his father’s death.