Twisters, the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 blockbuster Twister, has arrived on the big screen, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for the critically acclaimed Minari, the film follows the story of Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a brilliant and fearless meteorologist haunted by a tragic past event in the field.
The plot revolves around Kate’s ambitious plan to “kill” tornadoes by releasing a chemical substance into their path, to save lives and communities. Joined by her project leader, Javi (Anthony Ramos), Kate is drawn back into the storm business, but their plans are disrupted by the arrival of Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a charismatic and reckless storm chaser seeking fame and thrills for his popular YouTube channel.
The film’s strength lies in its spectacular visual effects, which bring the towering, menacing tornadoes to life with a level of sophistication that was unimaginable in the 1990s. ‘If Twister’s effects were cutting-edge for its time, this new film demonstrates how much more sophisticated the technology has become nearly three decades later. Those towering, menacing funnel clouds are endlessly enrapturing,” writes the reviewer from Screen Daily.
While the plot may follow a familiar formula, with the clash between the responsible scientists and the thrill-seeking YouTube, the movie delivers a series of thrilling set pieces that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. From twin tornadoes to fire-filled twisters, the film’s action sequences are a true spectacle, with the reviewer from The Guardian noting that “the tornado in the movie serves as a metaphor for the climax, hinting at underlying romantic tension.”
The chemistry between the lead actors is another highlight of the film. Daisy Edgar Jones, known for her acclaimed performance in Normal People, brings a compelling intensity to her role as Kate, a character haunted by her past and driven by a desire to save lives. Her on-screen rapport with Glen Powell’s Tyler, the charismatic storm chaser, creates a palpable tension that adds an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
However, the film is not without its flaws. Some reviewers have noted that the character development and the romantic subplot feel a bit underbaked, with the Guardian reviewer stating that “Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her role in ‘Normal People,’ still awaits a substantial big-screen character that matches her talent.” Additionally, the film’s pacing can be a bit sluggish at times, as it tries to balance the spectacle of the storms with the more grounded character arcs.
Despite these minor issues, Twusters is a thrilling and entertaining addition to the disaster movie genre. The film’s commitment to delivering a visually stunning experience, coupled with the charismatic performances of its lead actors, make it a must-see for fans of the original Twister and anyone who loves a good old-fashioned summer blockbuster.
As the reviewer from Emire Online puts it, ‘Twisters wears its Big Summer Movie heart on its sleeve. The score is rousing and righteous, the star power at times overwhelming to look at directly……Twisters effectively throw every other adrenaline-pumping cinematic tool in its bolted-down wheelhouse at you.”
So, whether you’re a longtime Twister fan or simply looking for a fun and thrilling movie-going experience, Twisters is a solid choice that delivers on the promise of its predecessor, while also offering a fresh and visually stunning take on the classic tornado-chasing story.