About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a former storm chases haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado during her college years who now studies storm patterns on screens safely in New York City. She is lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos) to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. There, she crosses paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), the charming and reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures with his raucous crew, the more dangerous the better.
Twenty-eight years after the original Twister (1996) blew audiences away, the sequel, simply titled Twisters, takes us back into the heart of storm-chasing with a fresh perspective and a whole lot of heart. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, known for his moving work in Minari (2020), this film manages to capture the thrill of the chase while delving into the complexities of human relationships amidst chaos.
Daisy Edgar-Jones shines as Kate, a meteorologist haunted by a past tragedy, and Glen Powell brings a charismatic swagger as Tyler, a social media-savvy storm chaser. Their chemistry crackles on screen, offering a dynamic that’s both endearing and captivating. The supporting cast, including Anthony Ramos and Maura Tierney, add depth and complexity, creating a well-rounded ensemble that keeps you invested in their individual journeys.
The visual effects are a marvel to behold. The tornadoes are terrifyingly beautiful, showcasing the raw power and destructive nature of these natural phenomena. The film’s immersive sound design further enhances the experience, making you feel like you’re right there in the thick of the storm. However, the visual spectacle doesn’t overshadow the emotional core of the film. Chung masterfully weaves together themes of loss, redemption, and the unyielding spirit of scientific discovery.
The plot, while predictable more times than not, is still engaging. The characters’ motivations are clear, and their personal struggles add a layer of depth to the high-stakes action. There are nods to the original film, including a heartwarming cameo by a familiar face, that will surely delight fans of the franchise.
Twisters may not reinvent the wheel, but it does offer a refreshing take on a familiar genre. The film’s exploration of science, grief and resilience, coupled with its stunning visuals and compelling performances, make for a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original or a newcomer to the world of storm chasing, Twisters is sure to leave you breathless.
Experiencing Twisters in a brand new format (to me) called ScreenX, definitely gives an added level of thrills and chills in a slightly different way that say IMAX or the Epic Experience. This offering was very immersive with its 270 degrees of chaos closing in you you. You can learn more about this amazing technology by following this link if you’re interested.
In conclusion, Twisters is a worthy successor to the 1996 classic. It’s a film that’s both thrilling and heartwarming, a testament to the power of human connection in the face of overwhelming odds. It may not be perfect (far too heavy of a Country music soundtrack for me, personally), but it’s a wild ride that will leave you on the edge of your seat and tugging at your heartstrings.
Twisters blows into theaters everywhere starting Friday, July 19th with early showtimes Thursday evening. In this case, bigger may be better, so consider forking over a few extra bucks to experience this in the largest format available to you.
