Cruise returns for a run as ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Above : Tom Cruise stars in “Top Gun: Maverick,” which opens Friday. (Photo/Paramount Pictures)

In so many ways, 1986’s “Top Gun” is the perfect Hollywood film.

It’s loud, brash, testosterone-laced, jingoistic, full of fighter-jock action – and it stars Tom Cruise , then still in his mid-20s and just on the verge of becoming the planet’s biggest movie draw.

None of that makes it a great film, of course. But for a film that has grossed more than $357 million, it makes it a film that can’t be ignored.

What’s surprising is that it’s taken all these years – 36 or so – for anyone to come up with a sequel. But that sequel, which had been delayed by the pandemic, opens on Friday.

Its title: “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Directed by Joseph Kosinski , and based on a team-written script, the movie concerns Cruise’s character – Pete “Maverick” Mitchell – who has been assigned to train a group of naval aviators in advance of a special mission.

Based on the trailer below, the film is reminiscent of the original – in theme and tone – even if Cruise, at 59, is a bit old to be playing any naval aviator, especially one flying jets.

But … whatever. That’s Hollywood.

In any event, the critics are raving:

Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune wrote, “It may help to have hated the original, but I liked this one, even though it’s not so very different from the first.”

Charlotte O’Sullivan of the London Evening Standard wrote, “I folded my arms and prepared for the worst. Two hours later, I was scribbling down words like ‘Whoa!,’ ‘Exciting!’ and ‘Bullseye!!’ ”

Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “If you haven’t been to the movies in a while, ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ is a way to get back in. It’s pretty much what ‘going to the movies’ is all about.”

Expect the film to play at every theater in Spokane, several times a day. It’s even scheduled to open at the Magic Lantern (go figure).

Another movie scheduled to open: “The Bob’s Burgers Movie.” Based on the long-running Fox Broadcasting series, the animated film is co-directed by series creator Loren Bouchard and Bernard Derriman.

I’ll update as the week progresses.