Real F/A-18s, real Gs, faces distorted by actual physics — the biggest practical-photography statement Hollywood has made in decades, wrapped around a mission structure so classical it should be taught in Latin. Thumb up. For the airplanes, officially.
The manifesto already entered this film into evidence: roughly a billion and a half dollars with theaters on a ventilator, and Spielberg conceding on camera that Cruise saved the entire theatrical industry. This review is merely the thumb catching up to the scholarship. Thumb up, arm fully extended.