Top Gun (1986)

Danger Close

Last episode, we talked about a military aviation film. It had some pretty great aerial scenes, the best Cessna vs motorcycle race we have ever seen, and a fun soundtrack! But not nearly as good as the one for the film we are covering today (although apparently some in the audience will debate this point).

This movie was released the same year as Iron Eagle, was WAY more successful, and ironically spawned fewer sequels. We are of course talking about Top Gun, and this time around we have a special guest; you have probably heard something that we learned from him on the show, our regular researcher Richard Stephens!

Released in the spring of 1986, Top Gun had a slump for the month after release but went on to be the box office champ for the year and gave Tom Cruise the boost he needed to become a bona fide star.

The story follows a group of exceptional Naval aviators focusing on hotshot Maverick and his quest to be the best. Given the chance to train at the United States Navy Fighter Weapons School, a.k.a. Top Gun, Maverick and his radar intercept officer Goose (Anthony Edwards) do their best to beat out the competition under the command of Viper (Tom Skerritt). But when tragedy strikes, Maverick is shaken to his core and must find a way to overcome his doubts.

This episode has lots of nostalgia, some hot takes, and, well, you will just have to listen to see how we all feel about this classic 80s action film!

Next Episode: Veteran Interview

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