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Love it
or hate it
3D films are here to stay. With digital downloading both illegal and
otherwise
being the main cause of decline in cinema revenue, the multiplex has
needed a
new toy to fight back. While some see it as a gimmick, others also
enjoy the
eye-popping visuals and somewhat more intense experience that
explosions flying
at your face can bring. It was only a matter of time before studio
heads
started to reissue old favourites like the Tom Cruise “classic” Top Gun (1986). Cinematic revenue at a
fraction of the cost is a no brainer and an absolute certainty in
Hollywood. So
is it worth it? Does a fresh-faced, young cocky Tom Cruise need to be
experienced in three dimensions while also being the size of a
building? You
already know the answer: Definitely not.
Top Gun earned
nearly 200 million at the box office
in the USA alone upon its 1986 release. With a budget of only 15
million, this
is impressive by any standard. The film has gone on to become not so
much a
cult classic, but a much loved and viewed film of the time. Produced by
Jerry
Bruckheimer and the late Don Simpson (notorious cocaine fiend and co
producer
of Flashdance and Beverly Hills Cop),
this film really
serves to demonstrate a look that was to become signature for the two,
especially Brukheimer. He has gone on to become one of the biggest
producers
not just working currently, but all time. Rich coloured lenses direct
from beer
commercials, cameras sitting in petrol fumes and vertigo inducing
cinematography are all signature features in both Simpson/Bruckheimer
pictures.
Anyone seen The Rock? How about Bad Boys? Transformers? The list goes
on and
it’s written in a gold plated pen. Top
Gun was the beginning of this formula: Egotistical men acting
cocksure to
the point of stupidity, girls who seemed assertive but had skills at
flirting
more than acting and big expensive explosions. The latter of these key
formula
points being the most important and ever impressive.
This
brings us to Top Gun’s story. Cruise
plays hot-shot fighter pilot “Maverick” or “Mav” as
he often gets affectionately called. Along with his friend “Goose”
(played by a
pre ER Anthony Edwards) he is accepted
into the Top Gun program. The program is an elite fighter pilot
training course
where the instructors (Kelly McGillis) are prone to sleeping with their
students and crimping their hair to look like its been raining with
gale force
winds outside. Val Kilmer should also get an honorable mention for his
work as
the character of “Iceman”. Kilmer brings a set of amazingly toned abs
to the
piece as well as a haircut you could probably cut grass with. Further
stretching his acting loins, the more than capable actor also offers a
long
stream of pouting poses that the modern girls of Instagram would
positively die
for. Along with Goose and Mav (also featuring some other forgettable
piece of oiled
up man gristle) they share the most homoerotic piece of beach
volleyball ever
committed to a film of this type. You can be my wingman indeed.
Top Gun is not
loved for it’s in-depth story or
acting prowess. It is loved for exactly what it is; an over the top
action film
with a ridiculously awesome 80’s soundtrack (we are looking at you
Kenny
Loggins). The film does look good in 3D but with the print being so old
it just
can’t live up to todays standards. Without question there is some
stunning
aerial cinematography and the film is edited well in the action
sequences. From
the opening titles this film feels outdated and played out and strictly
for the
fans only. This formula has been done
and copied by not just those working within the project but many to
follow. With
Cruise’s public image not being the most favoured, it’s a surprise that
this
film was dug up and restored in 3D. Those wanting a nostalgic kick,
rent the
DVD or just go watch Jurassic Park 3D instead. The roaring T-Rex makes
for much
better viewing than a two story, 3D close up of Cruise’s cheesy grin
and crooked
nose.
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