Top Gun: why the hype?

The sequel (reboot?) to the original Top Gun will be in theaters soon. And since my local Red Box didn't have much choice, I went for this supposed classic movie. I don't understand why...

"Maverick" is a genius but reckless fighter plane pilot. After a rather dangerous (practice) maneuver, he is sent to Top GUn, an elite pilot program for the best of the best. His cockiness is playing against him...

Notwithstanding how badly this movie aged ("overly" white, accessory female characters), I just can't understand why it was so talked about. The scenario is paper-thin and characters don't evolve that much. Maverick's backstory (heroic father who died in dubious circumstances) is too generic to be interesting. And while they do try to insert a strong female character (a professor), she easily falls in love with Maverick - although it was unknown during their first encounter.

The only explanation for the success I can see are the numerous shirtless scenes - in the shower or elsewhere. Yes, most of the actors are eye-candy, but this is not Magic Mike. Also, I do admit that the fighter sequences look very realistic and not being made in front of a green screen.

But other than that, I can't recommend this movie. There's no story to speak of and everything is an excuse for spectacular flight sequences or see handsome guys without a tshirt.

Final rating: 2.5/5; at least "the enemy" is not explicitly the USSR. Although they use MiGs...