No matter what you think of Tom Cruise as a person, he consistently makes interesting, action-packed movies. “Top Gun: Maverick” is no exception. The first one came out in 1986, so the sequel was over 35 years in the making! I saw the original back in the day, but to be honest, didn’t remember what it had been about. It doesn’t matter because any questions you might have are probably answered in this movie! Anyway, “Top Gun: Maverick” is top-notch entertainment and is a definite sign that movies are bouncing back. Tom Cruise reprises his role as the unconventional pilot Pete Mitchell, nicknamed Maverick, who this time around is being tasked to train other top guns to undertake a very dangerous mission. Jennifer Connolly is Penny Benjamin, the woman that he never seems to quite be able to commit to. Miles Teller is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of “Goose” Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), who died in an accident in the original. He has a grudge against Maverick, because of that. The issues will become clear as the movie unfolds. There is a poignant appearance by Val Kilmer, whose real life health problems mirror those of his character. This is a very fast paced, high energy action packed movie from beginning to end. I enjoyed every minute even when I knew exactly what was going to happen, it didn’t matter. I think you will enjoy this movie whether you are a fan of the first movie or have never even heard of Tom Cruise! DO NOT wait until this is on television. You will not want to miss the breath taking action and sweeping cinematography on the big screen. And having Hans Zimmer and Lady Gaga involved with the music isn’t bad either. If I could do it, this movie would rate two gold apples!
Snowpiercer
I haven’t been very inspired to create blog posts lately due to the fact that I haven’t seen the inside of a theatre since March. I know, I know, you can see quality movies on various streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu or Disney Plus; but it really isn’t the same. In these strange days of COVID-19 and social distancing, it just isn’t possible to see a newly released movie in an actual theatre. So instead, I thought I would talk about shows I have recently seen on the small screen that surprised me. This week, let’s talk about ‘Snowpiercer.’ The premise of this dystopian show is that the Earth is suffering from a seemingly irreversable ice age caused by man-made global warming. Temperatures are so extreme, people can not survive outside. The humans that remain live on a 1000 car super train that circles the globe and can never stop. The train is self-sustaining, with cars devoted to raising cattle and growing food, as well as schools, museums and even brothels. Most of the people on the train have paid to live in first or second class accomodations or were hired to live in third class and do most of the labor on the train. The hair in the ointment is a group of squatters who stormed the train right before it took off and eek out a grim living in the tail end of the train. It turns out one of these “tailies” use to be a police detective (Daveed Diggs from ‘Hamilton’), who is given unprecedented access to the first class world when one of their passengers is gruesomely murdered. This show is a fascinating look at how we humans can create a world and home for ourselves anywhere, and how we sometimes bring our prejudices and failings with us. There are several mysteries that are uncovered as the series evolves, and a big cliff hanger that makes me look forward to the next season. If you like dystopian movies, Daveed Diggs, Jennifer Connolly, or even trains, you will probably enjoy this one.