This is an absorbing, enjoyable read.

I (and I daresay many others in the UK) have always regarded Top Gun as something of a guilty pleasure rather than something to be taken remotely seriously (certainly not the absurd position that it's anti-war). I recently wrote this piece on the original film, if you're interested. I certainly don't consider it a masterpiece, but it has a great soundtrack and aerial sequences, plus the Cruise/Kilmer rivalry is fun to watch. All that said, it is militaristic and often feels like a recruitment ad.

Regarding the second film, it's actually for the most part an improvement on the original (my review is here, if you're interested). For one thing, it's lot less gung-ho, in that for the entire film, the dangerous mission ahead looms large, with death as a distinct possibility.

I also rather take issue with Tony Scott being tarred with the same brush as Michael Bay. He has directed some terrific films - True Romance, Crimson Tide, Man on Fire, Enemy of the State, etc.

Also, my children have seen both films (they've seen the first several times), and so far don't show signs of being more gung-ho. Just saying. ;)

Also also... For me personally, nothing is more guaranteed to get me to watch a film than someone telling me I shouldn't be watching it. :)