Films like these are called legacy sequels, made 30 years after the original. It didn't work well for Indiana Jones, and Star Wars had some problems, but this one is a surefire hit.
It's a big powerhouse of a movie with plenty of fast planes and Tom Cruise star appeal. I don't normally like action scenes but enjoyed these ones, mostly as I was able to tell what was going on.
The story is that Maverick is forced to go back and train the next generation of cocky young pilots. This time there's two women pilots too. All the young bucks are referred to several times as 'the best of the best' but this is clearly not so, as early on Maverick mercilessly beats all of them in a simulated dogfight. Then he does a sort of plane assault-course much quicker than they can.
I have only a few gripes. There is a rather artificial plot-device that they have to fly super-fast to avoid being detected, but the only reason they are at risk of detection is because of their own bombs (which they could drop a bit later).
There is also a reckless lack of safety gear. Not in the planes, but on motorbikes (no helmet) and sailing ships (no life jackets). I know these guys are crazy sons-of-guns but why not minimise the risk where possible? I sympathise with the Miles Teller character, Rooster, who prefers flying at a more sensible speed and getting there safely. I thought his conservative approach would come into the finale, but the ending was still very satisfying.
Director Joseph Kosinki has delivered on the promise of Oblivion (classic Cruise). This is a film to see in the cinema.
