THE SHELF-LIFE OF HOTNESS

Listening to the radio in my car today, I heard “Take My Breath Away” by Berlin, and huge 1980s hit from the hit movie Top Gun.  Over the last six months there has been exciting news that Tom Cruise and Jerry Bruckheimer will soon return with a sequel, so the song got me thinking.  Top Gun #2?   Great! 

But wait.  Part of what was great about the first one was an early career appearance by Meg Ryan as Anthony Edwards’ adorable wife, and a star-making performance by Kelly McGillis as the sexy base instructor who became Cruise’s main squeeze. So, in TG2 will we see Meg or Kelly?  I would bet not; they are both in their late fifties.  We know that Tom (age 53) will still be an overconfident and sexy Maverick 30 years later. What new young actress will he be courting in this movie?

Here is what is so unfair about life, and especially so in the movies.  Women’s shelf-life of hotness lasts only a few minutes, while their ex-husbands remain attractive for decades longer and can keep trading down to younger and younger women. George Clooney and Tom Cruise and others go on and on playing romantic male heroes. Yes, occasionally a flock of Brits will gather in a story about old folks romance, usually set in a retirement home.  I love Maggie Smith and Judy Dench, but the grim reaper seems to hover and it's all a bit depressing, isn't it?

The problem isn’t just cultural, it is biological; scientists tell us it is an evolutionary process related to reproduction, survival of the species, blah, blah, blah…..

Caitlyn Jenner aside, mostly we can’t fight biology.  But I can try a different tact at least when it comes to Top Gun #2.  Here’s a message for Justin Marks, the screenwriter:  Give the hot love story to a new young flyboy.  Lots of hot young actors out there.  Pick two. Give Meg Ryan a mature role as her character might have become after being widowed at such a young age.  Kelly McGillis could still be an instructor, maybe one having PTSD from a tour in Afghanistan.  Surprise us with a mature subplot – let Maverick have a wife of 30 years that he is still in love with.  Now that would take our breath away.