How Top Gun: Maverick Perfected the Death Star Trench Run
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- Star Wars Perfected Blockbuster filmmaking with its climactic Death Star Trench Run, and for 45 years, every other Star Wars film and Blockbuster has tried and failed to top that legendary sequence. That was until Top Gun: Maverick Arrived.
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0:00 Intro
3:11 Death Star Copycats
6:44 Mission: Impossible
11:37 The Three Stakes
18:28 The Magic
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So true what you shared at the end there; "Maverick" proves that audiences want good stories with lovable characters, not half hearted attempts at catering to nostalgia.
this. a someone with no nostalgia or knowledge about topgun, this movie was assible. it was clear in what it wanted to say and good characters.
It’s a flick that has reverence for the original, but recognizes its flaws and isn’t interested in just playing the hits.
When I saw top gun maverick in the theater the first time I realized it was like the trench run too, but I immediately was okay with it since the trench run was inspired by the WWII dam buster raid and just like you’ve spelled out here that the writing is really well-done it totally works.
Plus it also has similar parallels to Operation Opera that took place in 1981
I love that every video essay on top gun maverick has a variation of saying that it's Hollywood at its greatest, and it's a breath of fresh air compared to the corporate nonsense we've been getting from Disney/Universal
it's Pikachu surprise face isn't it lol
people want heroes and good people to be thr fo us..
I think it’s worth mentioning that the Star Wars french run is based on the dam attack from the 1955 film “the Dam Busters” even down to lines of dialogue ripped from the original. WW2 films were are prominent influence on George Lucas. Interestingly the Dam Busters is more similar to Top Gun Maverick in that if focus entirely on setting up the mission and training for it to show the stakes and difficulty, although unlike Top Gun it is based on real events.
Also the dam attack was a real event that happened in ww2
Yeah its important to emphasise that this is not ‘ripping off’ star wars. But come on ive seen WW2 Mission films like this before its not something Star Wars came up with AT ALL. I’m sorry but while Star Wars is definitely influential, it by no means invented this movie structure.
Personally I saw Top Gun: Maverick and felt it was quite similar to this movie 633 Squadron, that entire is about the training and build-up to a WW2 mission in a Norwegian factory set in the middle of some mountain range near the coast, which can only be approached by weaving through a valley, and after bombing the pilots are forced to pitch up to extreme degrees in what they emphasise is extremely hard to do. This Nazi-held factory is producing a bunch of stuff important to the war-effort, and the bombers have to evade AA attacks in this ‘trench run’. Now, do i think the directors watched this? Probably not unless there’s some over-dedicated war-movie fans but it goes to show that this structure is nothing unique to Star Wars
I wouldn't say Top Gun's mission was completely fictional. Operation Opera back in the 80's had a similar mission.
Top gun’s french run
The influence of WW2 films is seen in Star Wars in the way X wings, TIEs, Millenium Falcon et al move like aircraft would through an atmosphere. The physics of spaceflight - without an atmosphere - is very different
Great take on Maverick/New Hope parallels. When done well, it’s an homage. When done badly, it’s a rip off. Top Gun Maverick seemingly walked that tight rope really well.
Films&Stuff: *makes a video*
Everyone: *The Return of the King*
I keep forgetting I'm subscribed to this guy.
Same!😂
Same bro
yeah me too lmao
I just checked, and was shocked to find out that I am as well.
This movie was also to me what the sequel trilogy could have been because it doesn’t throw the lead of the older film away. I mean obviously it’s Tom Cruise here but the sequel trilogy really should have held the legacy characters to a greater degree of respect and treated them the way Maverick did: give them something useful to do and a character arc
The difference is that the Star Wars sequels takes aging and the inevitable passing of time seriously, whereas Top Gun Maverick is a boomer fantasy about still being hotter, smarter, and more badass than the millennials even in your 60s
@@Ryuk45 😂😂😂 WHY IS THAT SO TRUE
@@Ryuk45 🤡
@@Ryuk45 And despite this, a "grounded in reality" movie still managed to be better than a space opera in this aspect.
Seriously man…thanks for making this video! I never get tired of Maverick video analysis
The intro edit to maverick at 1:45 gave me chills
Could you imagine if the attack on Starkiller base failed?
Not only would it be a good subversion of our expectations, it would cement the First Order as a threat, secure the Resistance’s position as the scrappy underdog, & set up Starkiller Base as the reason no one wants to stand up to the First Order
Great analysis! Those parallels are really funny, but work for the storytelling.
Side note: like you, I’d become disillusioned with the Disney+ shows, but I gotta say Andor is incredible and very much worth watching. Just incredibly well written, excellent pacing, compelling, relatable characters.
Andor is the first show from them where I’m like “oh okay this is their prestige show so far.” Loving it.
Personally, up until the last episode I found it boring. That last one was pretty good, but I don't think it was amazing. So far I think Mandalorian is better, but anyway these two are the only SW shows that are not complete turds.
Maverick is in my top 10 favorite movies of all time List.
Such a badass movie from beginning to end.
Poe was originally supposed to die. That’s why he has no arc; they never planned for one.
If there's one thing I've learned from Tom Cruise's recent filmography, it's that lacking a concrete plan isn't an excuse for unsatisfying storytelling.
They never planned ANYTHING for those movies other than how to make easy $
@@FilmsStuff Not having a plan for the story isn’t an excuse for bad storytelling, but the two are definitely correlated. If you never planned for an arc, plot twist, or climax of a story, chances are you didn’t leave enough support clues for the audience to be satisfied at the end result. Oftentimes, this leads to backtracking the script and adding the clues in post production. Problem with this is when you’re writing a story with multiple interwoven plotlines where massive changes on one plotline inevitably retcon the other in some way and lead to a messy story. Same also happens with franchise sequels. If you didn’t do enough world building or give clues leading up to a sequel or an overarching plot, it’ll be very hard to create a cohesive story that spans over multiple installments (like Marvel). The thing about Top Gun was that it didn’t really need a sequel and didn’t lead a lot of clues hinting at one. However, it did leave some questions at the end with Rooster and Maverick that had enough material to make a movie on when combined with the rival respect plot, the numbered days of human pilots, and a New Hope inspired mission.
When you said “There are no memorable maneuvers” in reference to TFA, I immediately thought of *that* maneuver in Maverick, the one that brought about the most glorious f-bomb in film history.
14:44 you missed the nicest part of "talk to me dad." Because Maverick is then the one who talks to him. Making Mav the surrogate father.
A person’s spirit isn’t guaranteed to be passed on to their descendants but can manifest in someone unrelated. The same can be said for films
I had no idea that Top Gun: Maverick did a Star Wars. I am happy I did not notice this during the movie because I was so glued to the big screen the entire time. I just simply enjoyed it from start to finish. Cried so much with tears of joy! It is truly a masterpiece, even if it took inspiration or copied cat other movies like Star Wars. The execution of this movie was so brilliant, I wish movies would be more like this than what is commonly coming out. Obviously it not easy to make a masterpiece, but movies could try a little bit harder in my opinion.
I can’t lie 2022 Top Gun is a “Perfect Movie”
Romance subplot was completely unnecessary
@@laserbeamlightning not unnecessary. She gave him the motivation to get back out there after he was shitcanned by John Hamms character. She also represented his character development and maturity.
Wow. This video was a piece of art.
Very well done, and right on the money. Maverick showed what a movie can be when put in the right hands, and the sequel trilogy clearly showed what happens when passion is replaced by profit margins and agenda.
I wish we could get back to just telling amazing and inspiring stories.
This video is criminally underrated
I'm really looking forward to watching this. I just haven't seen the movie yet.
Another noteworthy example from a video game I believe also perfected the 'Trench Run' attack style is the famous final battle of a classic arcade combat flight video game series "Ace Combat 04: Shattered Skies". The Ace Combat series has always been famous for popularizing the Death Star Trench Run formula and incorporating it into several of its iconic levels, the most famous of which is arguably the Battle of Megalith, the final battle of Ace Combat 04.
In that battle, the protagonist of the game has to race against time to destroy key targets of the impregnable fortress Megalith, pulling several trench runs through its tight tunnels within the infrastructure, all the while you hear chaotic and urgent radio chatters of the ground assault team within the fortress as they struggle against enemy forces within to try and clear the path for you - the pilot - even as they're rushing to their deaths, yet they push on against the odds anyway because without their help, you (the protagonist) wouldn't be able to accomplish the objective.
Said objective is trying to prevent the fortress's superweapon: a large ICBM hidden within the heart of the fortress - from launching and causing chaos to the world, not to mention a collection of smaller warheads that are currently devastating a wartorn continent in the meantime. The protagonist and his ground force allies have to give everything they had to destroy the superweapon before it can damage the world any further.
The stakes are already high enough as you - the player - have witnessed throughout the game's storyline that shows the horrors of war and how it affected both sides of the conflict and the civilians that are caught in the crossfire. You KNOW that you can't let this devastation continue any longer. The bloodshed must end here and now. And if you cannot stop this superweapon from firing, then the conflict shall never end. That is why this final mission is so important to us narrative-wise. This isn't just the final battle of a war, it's a battle that may or may not decide the fate of an entire continent, and everybody involved in the mission knows that failure is not an option. Anything less than a victory that ends with you - the pilot who made the impossible possible - coming home alive is unacceptable. This is emphasized even more by the heartfelt pre-mission hangar speech by your commander and the magnificent background soundtrack 'Megalith - Agnus Dei' by Keiki Kobayashi as well.
Before Top Gun: Maverick perfected the formula once more, there was Ace Combat, and so far no games have mimicked a Death Star Trench Run style attack better than it.
It was such a smart move - so many sequels are just retreads of the original movie. In this case they retread a different great movie (and obviously put their own spin on things), I'm surprised it doesn't happen more
Welcome back Films&Stuff, we sure missed you!
To be honest, I have always wanted to see a modern fighter jet trench run! I always loved watching videos of them run through Star Wars canyon
good to have you back baby ❤️❤️
Love you Bailey!
Wonderful essay. I just discovered your channel and now you’re my favorite film critic in quite a crowded field. Props.
Nicely explained and compared to Star Wars, seeing actors pulling real Gs is thrilling to watch.
I think the real issue is one of technology. Back in the early 80s when Star Wars came out , you couldn’t play video games or VR games to create the thrill of the trench run. The original Star Wars was the first time that the average person could feel such an intense simulation in their everyday lives. But a lot of things have changed over the last 40 years, and with everything from Star Fox to Star Tours able to simulate the feel of the trench run, it isn’t as unique anymore. So no movie will recreate the feel because we have moved on from theaters being the only place to get that feel.
Just don’t tell IMAX that. 😏
Excellent vid Jonathan, missed your vids a lot (you were the person that got me interested in video essays like this in the first place). Never thought about the parallels between this and OG Star Wars. But it's inherently deeply rooted Maverick's simultaneous critique and hope for modern cinema
Great breakdown.. we had a discussion at work where I brought up the exact same point re: Poe being the Ace pilot of the crew. Also, let's not ignore the boardroom/marketing writing of 'Force Awakens' . i.e. Exec: What's cool about Star Wars?? - HOTH! Ooo! The Death Star!!! - Let's put them together = Starkiller! Exec: You get a raise!!! In 'A New Hope', I know how the trench run ends - but I can re-watch that over and over AND still be there, rooting and hoping for Luke to make it. Excellent filmmaking. Excellent Essay!
Another good Trench Run is from "Midway," when the dive bombers have to hit the Japanese carriers. We see the Japanese as professionals, and the AA fire starts long before they fly straight into it.
We have waited 1 year for this. Thank you.
Man I've said it before and ill say it again you are truly gifted. I would pay for your content in a heart beat. You easily have the best of video essays on CZcams! I hope one day you can make this your full time profession.
I'm very glad I have notifications 'on' for this channel. Every video this guy has uploaded is extremely informative and well done. The current state of cinema probably hasn't given him much to talk about since many shows/movies are pretty uninspired. I'm glad he did top gun though. I saw it in theaters as well and it game me chills like I hadn't got for a very long time. Great video
Hangman... he's Han, man.
A new video from... "Films&Stuff"? Now, that's a name I haven't heard for a long time. A long time.
Great video - glad you're back!!
Awesome analysis 🔥
Vader: "Who's the better pilot? You or me?"
Luke: "I'm about to take you out of the Dark Side, let's not ruin it"
Very insightful video! 👏👏👏👏
The trench run was inspired by the real life event as portrayed in the movie Dambusters. Maverick is also an homage to Dambusters, 633 squadron, Bridges at Toko Ri, all done long before Star Wars. Maybe you should have done some additional research on aviation movies that actually inspired the trench run. Also Maverick has embedded in it a lot of beats from the first Top Gun. Some character beats also echo ones in Top Gun. I love the first movie and Maverick was a sequel I didn’t know I wanted. Especially given how we have seen franchises destroyed like Star Wars and Star Trek which I’ve basically dusted my feet of. I don’t even watch the originals anymore, and I saw the first one in 77. Star Trek to me is basically the original series and it’s movies, all of the Alex Kurtzman crap has even destroyed TNG.
Excellent stuff!!
Maverick made me care in a way I didn't expect to be possible. It's the same trick Creed managed. The original material never connected, but the smart telling of stories made them matter, retrospectively. And yet I still have no interest in boxing or fighter planes. It's remarkable what good cinema can do.
Brilliant stuff
Amazing video
I'm probably going to get burried for this. Great action sequence, for sure. I was super turned off by all the member berries earlier in the film though, so I don't think I really cared by the end. Like, I GET IT, it's Top Gun. I can't be the only person that got turned off by Maverick doing a reach around on the original Top Gun.
Top gun Maverick fucking slaps
Great video
wow - he's back!
At least they finally did make a good star wars story with andor, but otherwise I agree and this is a good analysis
Did you accidentally forget your password? lmaooo
Glad to have you back man!
Check out this old war movie with actor Cliff Robertson. 633 Squadron. It's the death star run in like 1964. Theme has been around a long time
When we saw Star Wars in 1977, everybody said 633 Squadron / Dambusters rip off.
@@richardvernon317 I wonder if Lucas did it intentionally or subconsciously
Seriously thanks for pointing this out. Thought i was the only one and ofc ppl want to claim Star Wars cuz its one of the most famous movies but holy shit Top Gun: Maverick is very much similar to the 633 Squadron movie, and not in a bad way, but definitely more similar to that film than it is to Star Wars. I mean the set-up and basic parameters for the mission and challenges, the whole movie being a build-up to the mission. But you know what. 633 Squadron is a great movie to homage nowadays. Seem most ppl don’t remember it anyways
Bravo!!! Is it weird that I got kinda emotional? Lmao
I learned something !
Let's also not forget that Top Gun Maverick does one thing that modern movies don't do:
It doesn't waste your time.
one thing is, top gun is focused on one due or due mission. I always hated the several fights happening at once thing Hollywood does. focusing on one specific group n mission and not thr external people.
I think that's why video games are so successful cause we are so focused on the mission
almost as this movie knows the power of buildup
Would have loved for the Force Awakens to kill Poe and for the "trench run" to fail and take the story in a different direction, once viewers expectations were challenged.. Shifting their focus from what they expected to be padding with a known conclusion to something else.
death star trench run is already perfect but this is a good video
Top Gun 2 was the best Star Wars in years, easily.
The only issues with Maverick is, from someone who knows a bit about fighter pilots and their jobs, it's harder to suspend disbelief in Maverick compared to the true fantasy setting of SW.
Theres SO many things that would never happen in Maverick. But in SW, it's a fantasy movie so there are easy explanations.
But that said, Maverick is the greatest fighter jet film ever and it's not even close.
Btw, Hangman isn't a fan fave LOL. Everyone I know hated him, even after his "redemption". I didn't mind it, it had to happen. But they go overboard on making him too much of a dickhead. My wife couldn't get past it and neither could every friend I saw it with (all guys).
I don't understand why Pixar seems capable of getting at least as many hits as they do misses (when they-- spoiler alert-- focus on story and characters), while the rest of Disney seems happy to churn out almost exclusively shlock and re-hashes that nobody wants and are big steps back.
Back by popular demand
Obi Wan being a Disney+ show is a robbery
You say Death Star Trench Run, I say Ace Combat Final Level
11:55 - did he mean Phantom Menace?
Top Gun Maverick took AN idea from Star Wars you say? - Frank Herbert
I know this is gonna sound silly but I love that you use all the fucking english words. 👍
Maverick makes it work, unlike the nonsensical, lazy copy paste job disneys The Force Awakens did with it
This had 666 likes when I got here. Mine was the 667th. XDDD
Great video. Love this movie! ^^
Disney made derivative works based on star wars, not canon.
I can’t help but think that a remote controlled drone would have been a better fit for the mission. No worrying about g forces affecting the pilots, no worrying about rescuing them if shot down. It proves that general right in the end, if only the elite can match something a drone can do. Great video though!
Ironically, director of this movie was the same director who's directed TRON Legacy...
If anyone wonder how does TRON has to do with Top Gun Maverick and Star Wars? I'll explain...
TRON are often being view as a "Star Wars rip-off" and recently, Disney lack of interest in TRON franchise (I know there's a news about 3rd movie being in development... but there's hardly any news or updates about it) due to now they own "a real Star Wars" (which bought from George Lucas himself) and we all know that how later Star Wars movies tries to copied the Death Star climax of A New Hope but failed to succeed it (as mentioned in this video) until this movie which directed by the same person who's directed a sequel to a 1982 so-called "Star Wars rip-off" that current Disney doesn't care... succeed the Death Star climax over recently Star Wars movies that were made in Disney era...
Putting Disney Star Wars next to good movies is insulting to good movies. They aren’t even in the same universe
Recycling is great for the environment but terrible at film-making. Nostalgia means nothing without a good story, without it you get TFA. Without passion, there is no fire TFA was an exercise of banality but Maverick was everything that cinema was made for.
𝓅𝓇𝑜𝓂𝑜𝓈𝓂 🤪
Wish you would stop calling it " A New Hope "
Over 20 minutes of talking, and not a single use of either the word "dam" or the word "busters."
how dare you compare han solo to hangman. Hangman is underdeveloped and boring to watch, he is there to fulfill his role and nothing else.
This is a great video but Maverick messed up the ending completely because the final battle ends on a deus ex machina. The fifth generation fighter has them dead to rights, then Hangman comes out of nowhere and blows it up. That’s terrible writing. He’s literally a god in a machine and I’m sure the writers knew it with the “this is your savior speaking” line. A way better ending would to have added a second fifth generation fighter and both of them chase down the F14. Maverick goes ballistic and Rooster can’t eject, Maverick apologizes to Goose, the fighter gets the mission lock, then Hangman blows it out of the sky. The second fighter immediately goes after Hangman then Mav, Rooster and Hangman rally and take it out. That way you get to keep all of the emotional beats but not end on a DEM, and Hangman gets his moment instead of just blowing up a pilot that had no idea he was even there. It stresses the notion of teamwork and would have been much more satisfying. Imho.
Sorry, but between the blatant ripoff of the death star run and the "legacyquel" elements, I felt really cheated. So glad I waited for video.
Mavrick was trash-tier. I was offended by how bad it was.
I bet you enjoy Disney Star Wars
Bet you want shitty content spoon-fed to you like a baby, if so just watch your Disney live-action remakes
anime pfp opinion invalid
"perfected"? don't you mean ripped off.
WELCOME BACK!😀😃😄😁
Great video