REVIEW: “Twisters” (2024)

As a huge fan of disaster movies and a longtime admirer of Glen Powell’s acting abilities, I was thrilled to learn that he would be starring in “Twisters,” the long-awaited sequel to the iconic 1996 film “Twister.” Having seen Powell’s electrifying performance in “Top Gun: Maverick” and his promising roles in upcoming remakes, I was eager to see him take on a new challenge.


Glen Powell’s dazzling stardom revives an older film in “Twisters.” You may remember that he played a key role in reviving “Top Gun” in 2022. Reports indicate that he has already agreed to star in the remakes of “Backdraft” and “The Running Man.” However, before tackling those upcoming projects, Powell focuses on “Twisters,” a follow-up to the 1996 disaster movie success “Twister.”

An intriguing young actress, Daisy Edgar-Jones steals the spotlight from Powell’s unexpected wattage surge in “Twisters.” Though her role lacks depth (a bad pun, I know), she embodies her character with genuine emotion and authenticity. Her chemistry with Powell is undeniable – their pairing is captivating, even if not quite reaching the heights of Hunt-Paxson’s charm. It’s unfair to compare, given the distinct goals of this sequel.

Lee Isaac Chung, the director of “Twisters,” previously known for “Minari,” collaborates with Mark L. Smith on the script. Although this film doesn’t include any recurring characters from the 1996 original, it employs similar storyline elements. However, it offers a unique taste and avoids being just a repetition. With an impressive budget of close to $200 million, Chung and his team have crafted captivating, large-scale spectacles tailored for the summer blockbuster experience.

REVIEW: “Twisters” (2024)

Edgar-Jones portrays Kate Cooper, a meteorologist specializing in tornados at the National Weather Service’s New York City office. Previously, she was an enthusiastic storm tracker from Oklahoma. However, five years ago, a miscalculation during one of their chasing expeditions resulted in the tragic deaths of three of her closest friends and colleagues. Overcome with guilt, Kate relocated to the city and cut ties with her family and acquaintances back home. Yet, the anguish of that difficult decision continues to linger within her.

One day, unexpectedly, ex-team member Javi (Anthony Ramos) from Kate’s science group pays her a visit. He and his team at Storm Par have engineered a scheme using retired military technologies to produce three-dimensional scans of tornadoes. By analyzing this data, they aim to improve the accuracy of tornado forecasts. To accomplish their goal, Javi requires Kate’s expertise in tracking tornadoes and positioning sensors near them. After some hesitation, Kate eventually consents to help.

Kate teams up with Javi and his crew in Oklahoma during a “once-in-a-lifetime” tornado outbreak. Enter Glen Powell as Tyler Owens, an arrogant tornado chaser from Arkansas who boasts the title of “Tornado Tamer.” His team and he chase tornados not for research purposes but to fuel his popular YouTube channel with over a million subscribers. Predictably, their groups clash as they race to reach the storms first.

REVIEW: “Twisters” (2024)

Starting from the very first instant he appears, Powell exudes captivating energy and charm on the screen. His acting skills are impeccable, showcasing the traits that have earned him a significant following in Hollywood. He embodies the charisma of a cowboy with an easygoing allure. What sets him apart, however, is his humility and ability to poke fun at himself. The movie “Twisters” presents some amusing situations at the expense of his character, and Powell relishes these moments, making him a standout performer who can convincingly portray both intense and subdued roles.

As a film enthusiast, I’d put it this way: In “Twisters,” there are some delightful side characters who manage to steal the spotlight despite having limited screen time. The quirky and energetic team led by Tyler, played by Brandon Perea, Sasha Lane, Tunde Adebimpe, Harry Hadden-Paton, and Katy O’Brian, brings a lot of fun and engaging performances to the table. Maura Tierney shines as Kate’s mom with some well-written scenes. And even Henry Cavill’s (future Superman) portrayal of Javi’s business partner is noteworthy. Sadly, these characters don’t get enough development in the script. However, the talented cast does an excellent job of bringing them to life and making them memorable.

I had the pleasure of watching a film that served as a thoughtful continuation rather than a strict sequel to an old favorite of mine. Instead of forcing a closely related continuation after nearly 30 years, “Twisters” captured the essence of the original while forging its unique path. It wasn’t a complete reinvention, but it showcased some notable differences that made it stand out.

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2024-07-19 17:56