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Marvel

Thor: Love and Thunder

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: July 9, 2022
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2022

Review

Saturday afternoon I went along to see the latest Marvel offering, which was the next instalment in the Thor series. Marvel Studios rarely put a foot wrong and while I’m a fan who is pretty much committed to seeing each new film produced, Thor: Love and Thunder seems to miss the target. While it is certainly not the worst of the films in the MCU, it’s far from the best.

In these situations, I go back to the thought of was there a story worth telling here and unfortunately, I don’t think there was. It felt like another film used as a steppingstone to introduce additional characters into the universe which is quite a shame.

My biggest issue with Thor: Love and Thunder is that there was just too much going on and I was left a little confused and uninspired. As not all the stories combined into one narrative, it just felt as if we didn’t get to fully explore any storyline to its full potential.

While I appreciate the change in direction that Taika Waititi brought to Thor: Ragnarok, for me the quirky charismatic fun films that we’ve come to love Waitiki for, is a mismatch for Thor. I think there are other characters in the MCU that could have benefited more from his style.

This is probably going to sound a little silly, but I thought the balance of humour to drama was way off. It really felt like there were too many jokes being crammed in and I’m sorry to say not all were laugh out loud moments. It was a quantity over quality feeling. I have two issues with this.

Firstly, because the balance was off, the more serious moments didn’t land the gut punch of emotion that could have been achieved. There were a few scenes that didn’t hit me as much as I thought they would have and should have.

Secondly, Marvel Studios appears to be going more in this direction across the different films. The issue isn’t so much bringing humour in. I’m a big fan of comedy and I know they are comic book films and should be light-hearted. It’s just that in doing so there runs a risk of each film losing a bit of an edge as to what makes them all different. It almost feels like they are going for the approach of bringing more appeal rather than servicing the niche that the different characters bring. I hope I’m wrong.

On the positive side of things Christian Bale and Natalie Portman both stand out in this film despite their competing storylines. Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie is a great character who unfortunately fell into the background but is still enjoyable. Also keep an eye out for several Australian actors and comedians in the background scenes of New Asgard – the bonuses of filming in Australia! The soundtrack is a banger heavily featuring Gun N’ Roses which fits to the tone of the film that was delivered.

Maybe I’m just a fan suffering from a little Marvel fatigue. Coupled with coming off great successes of ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’ and ‘Moon Knight’ that I really enjoyed, I’m a little flat.

If you enjoyed Thor: Ragnarok I think you’ll like this one too.

Rating:  Alright

Action

Top Gun: Maverick

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 5, 2022

Review

It’s been 36 years since the original Top Gun and after a few delays its long awaited sequel is now in cinemas. I’m going to make a bold statement and say that this is one of the rare occasions where the sequel might actually be better than the original. Gasp!

Before going to see Top Gun: Maverick I did a little refresher and watched the original (you can read that review here), so as I write this review it is fresh in the mind.

One of the dangers of doing a sequel so long after the original is repeating the same formula and storyline where there is really no point in having the sequel in the first place. I had this feeling with Mary Poppins Returns but not with this film. While there are a number of similarities with the original, I found the story worth telling and that it was enjoyable.

The opening sequence is pretty much a copy of the original film down to the font used in the opening credits, the score, the opening text explaining what Top Gun is, and the jets taking off and landing on an airship carrier. I think this serves as some nostalgia for old school fans while giving new fans an invitation in. There are some differences with angles used which I am guessing comes down to what cameras were available in the 80s compared to now.

The last time we saw Maverick he had his pick of any posting following the success of the final dogfight he was in and he decided that he was going back to Top Gun to be an instructor. When this film starts we don’t get a “x many years later” or explanation of what has happened in that time but clearly things didn’t go to plan and it’s not long before we see that Maverick hasn’t changed his ways that much. He loves being a pilot but the risks he takes are more related to his team than personal issues.

In this film Maverick is ordered back to Top Gun to train the best of the best pilots who have recently graduated from Top Gun for a high risk mission. Something no pilot has ever done before. In the class is Goose’s son, call sign Rooster (Miles Teller) who is the spitting image of his father. Given the history between the two you expect there to be tension however there is more to it than what happened in the original film, which was a good addition. It’s up to Maverick to get these pilots ready not only for a successful mission but to get them home safely.

The flight scenes looked fantastic and I would highly recommend going to see this one at the cinemas with Dolby Atmos for the experience. Again what makes this film a success is the limited use of CGI, it looks real because it is (mostly) real. No the actors aren’t actually flying those planes but gosh do you buy into it. It adds an authenticity which steps it up above your average action flick.

The soundtrack was also much better in the sequel with a bit more variety used and a beautiful original song written and performed by Lady Gaga. And despite me being a little over hearing Danger Zone so many times just a few hours before, I was excited by its return in the film. Used just the right amount of times I must say!

So while there are a lot of similar scenes between the two Top Gun films there is enough difference in the story to make them separate and worthy. Both are excellent action films that you’ll have a lot of fun watching.

Don’t think. Just do.

Rating:  Good

Action

Top Gun

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Date watched: June 4, 2022
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2022

Review

This isn’t my first time watching Top Gun but it has been quite a long time between viewings. I felt it was a fitting time for a re-watch given the long waited sequel is now out in cinemas.

My memories of Top Gun was the soundtrack, aviators, volleyball, and the iconic quotes it produced. I think it’s done pretty well pop culture wise to still be relevant and I was delighted to relive a decent film.

Its a fairy simple story using a proven film formula that is executed really well. That’s why I think the film still lives up against today’s standards and is a such a favourite for many movie-goers.

What I think works best about Top Gun is that it was inspired by real US navy program and a range of experts were used on the film which gives it an authenticity. Laying on top of this the factitious character of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell and his character journey from film start to end gives the audience someone to rally behind and brings enjoyment in what is a solid action film.

Top Gun wouldn’t be what it is without Maverick and you can’t have Maverick without Tom Cruise. While not one of my favourite films of his, there is no doubt that he is the star of the film. He has such an on screen presence taking you on the journey with him.

When we meet Maverick and his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) Goose (Anthony Edwards) we can see what a great team they are and the potential they have, particularly Maverick. They manage to scrap in an admission into Miramar’s elite Fighter Weapons School known to its flyers as “Top Gun” and the film takes place over the training and graduation period of that program. During this time Maverick needs to learn some lessons about himself, working as a team, fighting his instincts vs the navy’s expectations, and his relationship with his father that has been holding him back. As if that isn’t enough, throw in a romance with one of his instructor’s (Kelly McGrillis), a rivalry with a fellow flyer in his class (Val Kilmer) and a personal tragedy.

These types of films feel the need to include a romance story which I’m not the biggest fan of however as I get a little older I’m not getting as bothered by. The storyline between Maverick and Charlie is just enough I think without distracting from the other aspects of the film and does give motivations to the character of Maverick to learn some of those lessons mentioned above. I actually liked the chemistry between the two and the build up of the will they / won’t they paid off with their first kiss. Apparently Cruise had a line in that scene, forgot it and went for the kiss. The director liked it and kept it in. Given that I was practically yelling at the tv to “kiss the girl”, it was probably the right move!

Apart from Tom Cruise, the other reason we love Top Gun is for the fighter jets! The scenes of the fighter jets in the air not only provide great entertainment value but also balance the light and dark within the story. As soon as those planes are in the air, you can feel the tension change which is a great use of changing tones between scenes. Coupled with the score you get a sense of what each flight might add to the story because just as in real life, not every flight is the same.

As for dislikes, I can’t believe I’m about to say this but the Kenny Loggins hit “Danger Zone” was used way too many times and if I don’t hear it for a few days I think I’m going to be ok. The same could be said for “Take My Breath Away”. It was a little like, guys there are other songs.

Top Gun is a fun action film and a decent one at that.

You can be my wingman anytime.

Rating:  Good