"Hot Shots!" - Still Holds Up!

Okay, so I rewatched "Hot Shots!" the other night, and I totally forgot how hilarious it is. Like, seriously, the Zucker brothers are comedy geniuses! I know, I know, it's an oldie (1991!), but it's still so funny. For those who don't know (where have you been?!), it's a basically a parody of "Top Gun" but way goofier. Charlie Sheen as Topper Harley is iconic. The scene where he's trying to meditate in the dojo, and then he starts sword fighting with himself and ends up hacking up his own clothes? I was crying laughing! And Valeria Golino (Ramada Thompson) is gorgeous and surprisingly funny. Plus, Lloyd Bridges as Admiral Benson… omg. "I have flown upside down in a MiG!" and the whole bit with him hitting himself in the head? Classic! Some of the jokes are definitely... dated. I mean, the Saddam Hussein stuff is a little cringe now, but overall, the physical comedy and the sheer absurdity of it all still works. It's just pure silliness! Also, it has a random cameo by a young Bill Irwin, which I didn't even realize was him until I looked it up. Look, it's not Shakespeare or anything, but if you're looking for a movie to just turn your brain off and laugh, "Hot Shots!" is a solid choice. It's available on a bunch of streaming services, so give it a watch! 4/5 stars from me. Don't forget to watch "Hot Shots! Part Deux!" for more laughs!