Carson Kelly Blogs

  Written by Carson J. Kelly | Originally Reviewed May 22, 2022 Some films transcend genres, going beyond the sum of their parts, and in doing so, tap directly into our cultural soul. Top Gun: Maverick is one such film, a modern classic that doesn't just pay tribute to its 1986 predecessor but builds upon it in ways that feel powerful, relevant, and deeply emotional. As a long-time fan of action cinema and legacy sequels, I can say with complete confidence that this was a special film, one that easily joins my personal list of all-time favorite movies. It’s rare to find a film that accomplishes what Maverick does: honoring the past while propelling a beloved franchise into a bold new future. It’s even rarer to find one that captures the hearts of both new audiences and longtime fans without sacrificing a shred of authenticity. For me, Top Gun: Maverick was a perfect film, and in this review, I’ll take you through the reasons why. The Legacy of Maverick: A Story Decades in th...

  Originally written on: May 20, 2022 By Carson J. Kelly “I feel the need… the need for speed.” Some films define an era, shape a generation, and leave an unmistakable echo in the halls of cinematic history. Top Gun , released in 1986 and directed by the late Tony Scott, is exactly that type of film. With Tom Cruise’s breakout performance as the brash, confident naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and a soundtrack that refuses to age, Top Gun doesn’t just entertain it soars . Though I originally wrote this review on May 20, 2022, decades after its release, the emotional weight, stylistic bravado, and sky-blazing energy of Top Gun are still as exhilarating as ever. This film, with all its charm, adrenaline, and cool-factor, truly ranks as one of the greatest pieces of 1980s American cinema and one of Tom Cruise’s most iconic performances. 🎖️ The Maverick Spirit: A New Era of Cool When Top Gun hit theaters, it didn’t just showcase Navy jets it introduced a new archetyp...