I've been a "Top Gun" fan for 37 years, watched in the theater and bought the DVD. It is true, I am a U.S. Navy Veteran's son and movie buff. Top Gun: Maverick is the best sequel to a Hollywood movie in many years. When I heard about it coming out I couldn't pass up seeing it.
The opening scenes are Classic Maverick in the cockpit with the afterburner on. The story was strong as were the characters interpersonal competitive spirits, in the cockpit and in the local pub. Nothing cheesy about this film at all.