Twisters (2024)

Twisters is positioned as neither a sequel nor a reboot of Twister (1996), but let's be real—it's an enjoyable old-fashioned disaster movie that leans heavily on its predecessor, despite what the producers might claim. The film tries to strike a balance between honoring the original and carving out its own identity, but it often feels like it’s treading very familiar ground.

The story kicks off with Edgar-Jones starring as Kate Cooper, a former storm chaser who has been haunted by a devastating tornado encounter during her college years. This backstory is delivered through a terrific, action-packed prologue that sets the stage for her character’s journey. Kate has since traded the adrenaline of chasing storms for the safety of studying storm patterns from behind screens in New York City. This career shift reflects her desire to maintain a safe distance from the chaos that once nearly claimed her life.

Watch : Twisters (2024)

However, Kate’s past catches up with her when her friend Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, persuades her to return to the storm-ravaged open plains. Javi needs her expertise to test a groundbreaking new tracking system that promises to revolutionize storm prediction. This setup pulls Kate back into the world she thought she had left behind, setting the stage for the film’s central conflict.

Out in the field, Kate’s path crosses with Tyler Owens, portrayed by Glen Powell. Tyler is a charming yet reckless social-media superstar who thrives on the thrill of chasing storms and broadcasting his dangerous adventures to his raucous crew and followers. His character brings a modern twist to the storm-chasing narrative, highlighting the current obsession with social media fame and the lengths people will go to achieve it. Tyler’s daredevil antics and disregard for safety provide a stark contrast to Kate’s cautious and calculated approach, setting up a dynamic that drives much of the film’s tension.

The decision to have Lee Isaac Chung, the Oscar-nominated writer-director of Minari, helm this project is intriguing, to say the least. Chung’s previous work is rooted in intimate, character-driven stories, and his involvement in a big-budget disaster film might seem out of place. The only apparent connection to the action genre is the single episode he directed of The Mandalorian. Despite this, Chung plays it safe, sticking closely to the formula that made Twister a hit. This adherence to the original’s blueprint results in moments where Twisters feels more like a rehash than a fresh take. For instance, the film swaps out the iconic drive-in movie theater scene from Twister for a baseball game, but the sense of déjà vu is inescapable.

One of the most noticeable letdowns of Twisters is the CGI. Oddly enough, the special effects seem to have regressed since 1996. The tornadoes and destruction, which should be the film’s main visual attractions, often look like obvious computer graphics. This stark contrast to the more practical effects used in the original film is disappointing. There’s a certain charm and terror in seeing real objects being flung around, and the reliance on less convincing CGI undermines some of the film’s intended impact.

Despite these flaws, Twisters delivers on its promise of being a fun summer popcorn movie. It’s not the groundbreaking disaster film that some might have hoped for, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be. The film succeeds in providing an entertaining escape, filled with the kind of tension and spectacle that make disaster movies a beloved genre. The chemistry between Edgar-Jones and Powell adds depth to their characters, and their evolving relationship provides a human anchor amidst the chaos of the storms.

The film also touches on themes of confronting past traumas and the allure of thrill-seeking in the digital age. Kate’s journey from fear to empowerment, and Tyler’s eventual recognition of the value of safety and responsibility, add layers to the otherwise straightforward plot. These character arcs, while somewhat predictable, give the audience something to invest in beyond the immediate thrill of the chase.

In conclusion, Twisters may not break new ground in the disaster movie genre, but it effectively captures the spirit of its predecessor while updating the narrative for a modern audience. Its nods to the original Twister will please longtime fans, while newcomers can enjoy the film as a standalone adventure. With its mix of action, drama, and just the right amount of nostalgia, Twisters earns its place as a worthy successor, even if it leans a bit too heavily on the formula that came before. Four stars—because sometimes, a little bit of the familiar is just what we need for a good time at the movies.