The Plane-naissance: How Aviation-themed Entertainment Soared to New Heights
From Maverick to Masters of the Air, aviation-themed movies and TV shows have captivated audiences and become a staple of Dad Entertainment.
Over the holidays, the highly anticipated film “Ferrari” failed to make a mark at the box office, leaving Dad Cinema enthusiasts disappointed. However, this setback shouldn’t overshadow the thriving world of Dad Entertainment, particularly in the realm of aviation-themed movies and TV shows. From the success of “Top Gun: Maverick” to the riveting miniseries “Masters of the Air,” the plane-aissance has taken flight, captivating audiences with high-flying action and compelling storytelling.
The Rise of Dad Entertainment
In recent years, Dad Entertainment has experienced a resurgence, with movies and TV shows catering to the interests of fathers. While genres like racing movies have struggled to attract audiences, aviation-themed films have proven to be a hit among Dad Cinema lovers. The success of “Ford v Ferrari” and the critical acclaim of “Top Gun: Maverick” demonstrate the appeal of high-octane action and nostalgia for iconic brands like Ferrari.
Maverick’s Triumph and the Plane-aissance
“Top Gun: Maverick” emerged as a note-perfect legacy sequel, paying homage to the original film while showcasing Tom Cruise’s daring stunts in actual fighter jets. The film not only garnered critical praise but also became the highest-grossing movie of 2022, defying the dominance of superhero films. Maverick’s success marked the beginning of a plane-aissance, with subsequent aviation-themed movies and TV shows taking off.
From Devotion to Plane: Expanding the Plane-aissance
Following the success of “Top Gun: Maverick,” the plane-aissance expanded with films like “Devotion,” a Korean War biopic centered on Navy pilots, and “Plane,” a Gerard Butler-led action thriller set in the Philippines. These movies embrace the nostalgia of ’90s action films while delivering thrilling aviation-centric narratives. The plane-aissance also made its way to television with Apple TV+’s “Hijack,” a gripping series set aboard a hijacked plane heading to London.
Masters of the Air: The Epitome of Plane-aissance
The pinnacle of the plane-aissance is the Apple TV+ miniseries “Masters of the Air.” Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the series serves as a companion piece to “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” focusing on the U.S. Air Force’s 100th Bomb Group during World War II. With a talented ensemble cast and a budget exceeding $200 million, “Masters of the Air” delivers breathtaking aerial combat sequences and heartfelt camaraderie among the airmen.
Balancing Horror and Wholesomeness
While aviation-themed entertainment provides thrilling action, it also explores the horrors of war. “Masters of the Air” portrays the harrowing experiences of the Bloody Hundredth, emphasizing the dangers faced by B-17 Flying Fortress pilots during daylight bombing raids. Despite the intense combat scenes, the series maintains a wholesome Dad TV touch, showcasing the camaraderie among the airmen and the meticulous details of plane operations.
Conclusion: The plane-aissance has been a monumental period for aviation-themed entertainment, captivating audiences with exhilarating action, nostalgia, and heartfelt storytelling. From “Top Gun: Maverick” to “Masters of the Air,” these movies and TV shows have provided a feast of Dad Entertainment, satisfying the cravings of fathers everywhere. While the future of the plane-aissance remains uncertain, its impact will be remembered as a thrilling ride that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. So let’s applaud the plane-aissance and enjoy the landing.