Talk to me, Goose! Thoughts on Top Gun (1986)

Alright, alright, alright. Let's talk Top Gun. Been rewatching it and DAMN it still holds up, even if it's pure 80s cheese. I'm talking the original, not the need for speed part 2. I'm a sucker for a quotable movie, and this one's got 'em in spades. "I feel the need, the need for speed!" obv iconic, but also Mav's whole 'negative, Ghostrider, the pattern is full' bit? Perfection. But here's my question for y'all: Is Maverick actually a good pilot, or is he just reckless and lucky? Like, he pulls off some crazy maneuvers, but he also gets Goose killed. I know it's a movie and everything, but rewatching it as an adult, I'm not sure I'd want him covering my six. Anyone else ever think about this? Or am I overthinking a movie where volleyball is serious business? Also, I gotta say, Iceman is a total bro. You start off thinking he's a jerk, but by the end, "You can be my wingman anytime" genuinely gets me. Val Kilmer absolutely crushed that role! But yeah, back to Mav: redeemable or just a hotshot who got lucky? What say y'all? One last quick thought. How many people actually yelled "Great balls of fire!" after this movie came out? I'm guessing a lot. Anyway, discuss!