TOP GUN (1986)
MORGAN'S GRADE
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A hip, heart-pounding combination of action, music and incredible aerial photography helped make Top Gun the blockbuster hit of 1986. The film takes a look at the danger and excitement that awaits every pilot at the Navy's prestigious fighter weapons school. Tom Cruise is superb as Maverick Mitchell, a daring young flyer who's out to become the best of the best. And Kelly McGillis sizzles as the civiian instructor who teaches Maverick a few things you can't learn in a classroom. 
Tom Cruise (Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell), Kelly McGillis (Charlotte Blackwood, callsign "Charie"), Val Kilmer (Tom "Iceman" Kazanski), Anthony Edwards (Lt. Nick "Goose" Bradshaw), Tom Skerritt (Mike "Viper" Metcalf), Michael Ironside (Jester), John Stockwell (Cougar), Barry Tubb (Wolfman), Rick Rossovich (Slider), Tim Robbins (Merlin), Clerence Gilyard Jr. (Sundown), Whip Hubley (Hollywood), James Tolkan (Stinger), Meg Ryan (Carole Bradshaw), Adrian Pasdar (Chipper), Randall Brady (Lt. Davis), Duke Stroud (Air Boss Johnson), Brian Sheehan (Sprawl), Ron Clark (Inquiry Commander), Frank Pesce (Bartender), Pete Pettigrew (Perry Sie-denthal), Troy Hunter (Radio Operator), Linda Rae Jurgens (Mrs. Metcalf), Admiral T.J. Cassidy (Himself), Debra Fares (uncredited).
UP THERE WITH THE BEST OF THE BEST.
FACTS PRODUCTION INFORMATION
RELEASE DATE: May 16th, 1986 (USA) DIRECTOR: Tony Scott (Enemy of the State).
BOX OFFICE RESULT: $176.7 million (USA) WRITERS: Jim Cash and Jack Epps Jr.
WORLDWIDE BOX OFFICE: $344.8 million PRODUCERS: Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson.
- There is no such aircraft as a "MiG-28"; the aircraft used were disguised F-5 Tiger II's. ASSOCIATE PRODUCER: Warren Skaaren.
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Bill Badalato.
- During the final furball, Stinger orders, "Ready Willard and Simkin on cats 3 and 4," a reference to dogfight choreographer "Rat" Willard and casting director Marge Simkin. ORIGINAL MUSIC: Harold Faltermeyer and Giorgio Moroder (songs).
DISTRIBUTOR: Paramount Pictures.
- Val Kilmer did not want to be in this film, but was forced by contractual obligations.
QUOTES
Iceman: You two really are cowboys.
Maverick: What's your problem, Kazanski?
Iceman: You're everyone's problem. That's because everytime you go up in the air, you're unsafe. I don't like you because you're dangerous.
Maverick: That's right! Ice...man. I am dangerous.
- Bryan Adams was asked to allow his song "Only the Strong Survive" on the soundtrack, but he refused because he felt that the film glorified war.
- Acttrade: (Val Kilmer): flipping a pen over his knuckles.
Viper: In case some of you are wondering who the best is they are up here on this plaque. (turns to Maverick) Do you think your name will be on that plaque?
Maverick: Yes sir.
Viper: That's pretty arrogant considering the company here, don't you think?
Maverick: Yes sir.
Viper: I like that in a pilot.
- The film won an Academy Award for Best Music, Song ("Take My Breath Away") and was nominated for Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Film Editing.
CRITICAL COMMENTS
"Contrived beyond belief, with dogfights that play like video games, and total lack of sexual chemistry between the two leads...but slickly calculated to please 80s audiences (and fans of ever-smiling Cruise)." -- Leonard Maltin
Slider: Goose who's butt did you kiss to get in here anyway?
Goose: The list is long, but distinguished.
Slider: Yeah, well so is my Johnson.
Iceman: The plaque for the alternates is down in the ladies room.
"Top Gun settles fairly quickly into alternating ground and air scenes, and the simplest way to sum up the movie is to declare the air scenes brilliant and the earthbound scenes grimly predictable." -- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun Times
Hondo: Your ego is writing cheques your body can't cash.
Maverick: You don't have time to think up there. If you think, you're dead. 
Hondo: And if you screw up just this much, you'll be flying a cargo plane full of rubber dog shit out of Hong Kong!
Maverick: Yes sir!
"Still, if you can ignore the jungois and the fact that the story quickly falls into a predictable pattern after the midway point, Top Gun is pretty hard to resist."
-- John Hartl, Film.com
Mike Viper Metcalf: Now I'm gonna sit here and blow sunshine up your ass, Lieutenant.
Goose: We regret to inform you that your sons are dead because they were stupid.
"Cruise keeps the movie at full throttle." -- Peter Gravers, People
Mike Viper Metcalf: Top Gun rules of engagement are written for your safety and for that of your team. They are not flexible, nor am I. Is that clear?
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