Twisters (2024)

Listen to this post:

What defines a summer blockbuster? Is it the heart-pounding action, stunning special effects, or an exhilarating story? Twisters answers this question by delivering a truly memorable example. This standalone sequel offers more than just thrills and tornadoes; it injects a thrilling disaster element missing from recent films. A pure escape, perfect for beating the summer heat, Twisters cranks up the classic elements we loved back in Jan de Bont’s 1996 film, delivering a gripping mix of disaster spectacle and summer blockbuster excitement.

via YouTube

The story centers on Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a talented meteorologist with a storm-chasing past. Lured back to Oklahoma by her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos), Kate joins Storm Par, his mobile tornado radar company, to test a revolutionary tracking system. Initially dismissing Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a social media storm chaser, as all bravado, Kate discovers his team uses merch sales to aid victims, a stark contrast to Storm Par’s investor who profits from ravaged land. As the storms escalate, the trio and their teams struggle to survive, with their mission focused on Kate’s experiment to weaken the increasingly powerful tornadoes.

Twisters taps into a familiar formula, capturing the essence of the storm-chasing experience while injecting fresh elements to keep the story engaging. This sequel builds on the classic template of characters battling powerful tornadoes, but the stakes are heightened by significantly improved visual effects. The tornadoes themselves are monstrous, even more destructive than in the original, thanks to advancements in special effects technology. Cinematographer Dan Mindel and director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) establish a striking visual tone, showcasing the beauty of central Oklahoma’s landscapes – from its majestic fields to charming towns. This heightened realism intensifies the tension and makes the storms feel terrifyingly real, creating an edge-of-your-seat viewing experience.

The film breathes new life into the classic formula, particularly through the standout performances of Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell. Edgar-Jones brings depth and expertise to Kate, a character reminiscent of Helen Hunt’s iconic role. Meanwhile, Powell infuses Tyler Owens with an infectious energy and charm, channeling Bill Paxton’s charisma. His captivating screen presence and genuine charm make him a star on the rise. The duo share undeniable chemistry, which elevates familiar tropes, making their romance feel fresh and engaging. Tyler pushes Kate to grow, adding layers to their blossoming relationship. Subtle nods to the original film, like Kate’s outfit and Tyler’s red truck, further strengthen the connection to the 1996 classic while establishing a fresh path for the saga.

In contrast, Javi, introduced to round out the trio, feels more like a plot device than a fully realized character. While he connects Kate and Tyler, his primary role is to expose the film’s critique of capitalism. Witnessing Storm Par’s profit-driven tactics, particularly their investor’s land grabs after disasters, Javi embodies the clash between genuine aid and financial gain. Though his sudden shift might feel unearned, Javi highlights a harsh truth that often occurs in real life: “help” in the face of tragedy can prioritize profit over people. This critique adds surprising depth to the film, making Twisters more than just a thrill ride. It delivers the spectacle while also prompting us to think about the exploitation of weather-related disasters.

Twisters offers the quintessential summer movie blockbuster experience: heart-pounding action, stunning visuals, and an engaging narrative. It revitalizes the disaster genre with memorable performances and a thought-provoking layer of social commentary. By amplifying the thrilling elements of the 1996 classic and adding modern touches, Twisters entertains and provokes thought – a perfect summer escape that’s a whirlwind of fun, guaranteed to leave you on the edge of your seat.