Key Takeaways:
– Twisters, a quasi-sequel to the 1996 movie Twister, features the raw talent of rising stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell.
– Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, Twisters carries the legacy of the original but manages to stand on its own.
– The movie presents convincing performances, thrilling visuals, and engaging character dynamics.
– Although it doesn't quite match the classic feel of the original, Twisters offers a decent dose of summer entertainment.
Who remembers the classic storm chasing movie Twister back in the summer of '96? Its sound quality, eye-catching visuals, and rock-solid cast made it an enduring favorite for many. Now, decades later, we have a worthy successor: Twisters. Directed by Minari's Lee Isaac Chung, this quasi-sequel brings together two rising stars, Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones.
Twisters differs from the usual legacy sequels in a good way. You won't feel lost if you have not seen the original. Yes, some might argue this lack of a direct connection doesn't honor the original's legacy. But Chung has worked his magic on a screenplay by Mark L. Smith, based on a story by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski. The result? A unique narrative experience that works just fine.
Our leading lady, Daisy Edgar-Jones, is Kate in Twisters. Kate is a storm chaser who has packed her bags after a tragic incident that killed her team members. However, she is lured back into the storm chasing world by her former colleague, Javi, played by Anthony Ramos. Their mission is to deploy a revolutionary tracking system. Here's where our other star, Glen Powell, enters the scene as YouTube sensation Tyler Owens.
One brillant twist that Twisters adds is developing Tyler's character into a hero rather than an antagonist. Although brash and somewhat unconventional, Tyler shows a heart of gold. On the other hand, Javi's character becomes somewhat suspicious, especially when he joins forces with a conceited storm chaser played by future Superman David Corenswet.
No disaster movie is complete without impressive visuals. The original Twister set a high bar when it came to Special Effects. Twisters attempt to raise the bar even higher with multiple twisters, and even a fiery tornado. Unfortunately, it falls a bit short. It doesn't manage to create the kind of unforgettable imagery the original did — remember the flying cow or theatre screen being torn apart?
Don't be too quick to judge, though. The film compensates with some delightful snippets from ordinary American life. Authentic small-town settings devastated by the Twisters provide a realistic backdrop for the action. Director Chung cleverly includes a rodeo segment which adds a different flavor to the action-packed movie.
However, the film misses the spark of a blossoming romance between Tyler and Kate. Despite obvious chemistry, their characters barely show any physical affection. A hint of romance could have added an extra layer of emotional depth to the film.
Despite this small hiccup, Twister does well as a summer blockbuster. Powell and Edgar-Jones' performances are complemented by a supporting cast that includes Sasha Lane and Harry Hadden-Paton. The pace is perfect for a disaster movie, and the film works primarily because of Powell's true movie star appeal. Although Twisters might not reach the classic status of the original, it's definitely worth watching.
Even if Twisters can't quite replicate the magic of the original, it certainly brings some exciting, new elements to the table. Come rain, shine, or Twister, this film is an adventure that's worth the ride! So go ahead, grab your popcorn and get ready for Twisters! After all, who doesn't love a good storm chase?
