Top Gun: Maverick
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Top Gun: Maverick
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) is an action-packed military drama that serves as a sequel to the iconic 1986 film. It follows Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell as he returns to train a new generation of elite Navy fighter pilots for a perilous, top-secret mission, while also confronting his past and an estranged relationship with Rooster, the son of his late friend, Goose. The film is known for its breathtaking aerial combat sequences, strong performances, and themes of mentorship, sacrifice, and redemption. It targets a teenage and adult audience, with its PG-13 rating reflecting intense action, some suggestive content, and strong language.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains frequent and intense aerial combat sequences, explosions, and planes being shot down, which are central to the plot. While lives are consistently in danger and fatalities are implied, there is no graphic blood or gore. A minor physical altercation occurs between pilots with no serious injuries. The plot revolves around a highly dangerous military mission.
The climactic mission involves pilots flying through dangerous terrain, evading enemy anti-aircraft missiles, and engaging in intense dogfights against advanced fighter jets, with the constant threat of being shot down. During a training sequence, a pilot blacks out due to extreme G-forces, sending his plane into a perilous nose-dive before Maverick intervenes.
Profanity
The film contains strong and frequent profanity. Multiple sources report numerous instances of words like 'sh*t,' 'son of a b*tch,' 'd*mn,' 'hell,' and 'a**.' There is at least one use of the 'f-word,' and several uses of 's-words.' Additionally, God's name is used irreverently multiple times.
Scary & Intense Content
The film features constant high-stakes and intense sequences, primarily involving aerial combat and dangerous training. Pilots face life-threatening situations, including extreme G-forces causing blackouts and the constant threat of death during missions. The loud soundtrack, explosions, and sonic booms contribute significantly to the high intensity. The death of a character from cancer and a subsequent military funeral also add emotional intensity.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The movie is recommended for ages 12 and up, with parental guidance. This is due to its PG-13 rating from the MPAA, which cites sequences of intense action and some strong language. Parent reviews further highlight implied sexual content and consistent profanity as reasons for caution, particularly for younger viewers.
Good to Know
The film is a direct sequel that builds upon the themes and characters of the original "Top Gun," making numerous callbacks and providing a sense of nostalgia for fans. While maintaining a similar high-action feel, it is considered more mature in its emotional depth and slightly toned down in overt sexual content compared to its predecessor. A third installment is reportedly in development.
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