“Top Gun: Maverick” (***1/2 out of four) was a soaring sequel to the 1986 blockbuster classic about the ongoing aerial adventures of Pete Maverick (an ageless Tom Cruise) who is called back to Top Gun to lead a group of young misfits (Glenn Powell, Miles Teller, Monica Barbaro, and others) but has to come to terms with his past and his own daredevil tendencies. A rare sequel that not only does justice but equals the original, with exhilirating aerial fight scenes, some strong character development, and genuine emotional punch in its interplay and character relationships (with particular nods to Val Kilmer’s returning Iceman and Teller who plays Goose’s son). Final 45 minutes will have you on the edge of your seat. Bullseye!