Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Here's the rare sequel that actually justifies its existence. Top Gun: Maverick delivers genuinely thrilling aerial sequences (they really put those actors in F-18s!) while telling a surprisingly mature story about aging, mentorship, and reconciliation.

It's not a kids' movie—people die, the stakes are real, and the tension doesn't let up—but for tweens and teens ready for PG-13 action, it's a masterclass in how to make a blockbuster that respects its audience. Maverick is flawed, vulnerable, and genuinely trying to be better, which is refreshing.

The film sparked a real resurgence in interest in aviation and military service, and honestly? The practical effects and cinematography are so stunning they're almost educational. Kids will want to understand how flight works after watching this.

It's long at 131 minutes, but the pacing keeps it from dragging. This is one of those rare films that works as both entertainment and a springboard for meaningful conversations about duty, legacy, and what it means to face your mortality. Just make sure your kid is ready for combat deaths (not graphic, but present) and sustained intensity before you press play.

Age Fit

Best for ages 11-12+ who can handle sustained tension and combat deaths. Teens and adults will appreciate the emotional depth and craftsmanship. Too intense for younger kids who aren't ready for real stakes.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

Models mentorship, teamwork, and overcoming past mistakes. Maverick trains younger pilots with genuine care, showing emotional growth and vulnerability. The film emphasizes cooperation over ego, loyalty to comrades, and reconciliation. Some military violence and occasional mild language keep it from the highest scores, but the emotional core is healthy and the pacing is excellent—fast but not chaotic.

Imaginative

72

Stunning practical aerial cinematography that genuinely inspires awe and curiosity about aviation and physics. The mission planning sequences invite strategic thinking. However, it's a sequel following a familiar formula—underdog team, impossible mission, redemption arc—so originality is moderate. It doesn't invite creative expression or building, but it absolutely sparks wonder about flight and engineering.

Safe

70

PG-13 action with expected military violence—jets explode, some characters die in combat (not graphic but emotionally impactful), and there's peril throughout. A brief bar scene and some romantic content (kissing, implied past relationship) but nothing explicit. Strong language is minimal. For a military action film, it's remarkably restrained—no gore, no gratuitous content. Kids expecting a Marvel-style romp might be surprised by the real stakes and deaths, but it's not shocking for the genre.

Enriching

75

Explores themes of legacy, mentorship, facing mortality, and the tension between duty and personal relationships. Shows a protagonist grappling with aging and relevance in a changing world. The film respects military service without glorifying war mindlessly. Teaches perseverance, the value of experience paired with innovation, and reconciliation. Highly entertaining with genuine emotional depth and technical excellence that demonstrates real skill and craftsmanship.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Stunning practical effects and real aerial footage that'll have kids (and adults) Googling 'how to become a fighter pilot'
Actually good storytelling about mentorship, taking responsibility for past mistakes, and the value of experience—not just explosions
Models healthy masculinity: vulnerability, emotional honesty, teamwork over ego, and genuine care for others
The mission planning sequences are surprisingly engaging brain candy about strategy and problem-solving
Incredibly watchable for a 2022 film—modern pacing, gorgeous cinematography, and doesn't feel dated at all

⚠

What to Watch For

Combat deaths happen—not gory but emotionally real; characters you care about face genuine mortal danger
Some mild language and a romantic subplot with kissing (brief bar scene)
The intensity is sustained—this isn't light viewing, and younger/sensitive kids may find the stakes stressful
Military heroism is front and center; good for discussions about service, sacrifice, and when violence is justified

Conversation Starters

"What do you think makes someone a good teacher or mentor? How was Maverick different from other instructors?"
"If you had to do something really dangerous to help people, how would you prepare? What would scare you most?"
"The movie shows older people still being valuable and capable. Why do you think some people assume older means 'done'?"
"Maverick made some big mistakes in his past. How do you think he made up for them? Can you always fix your mistakes?"
"What's something you'd want to be so good at that you'd practice for 30+ years?"

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Top Gun Maverick