By Elliot Lines July 16, 2024
Natural disaster movies are a constant in the action genre, and over the years have provided plenty of thrills. During the 90s we were blessed with the likes of Armageddon, Dantes Peak, Outbreak, and of course the predecessor to this film, Twister. We've moved on from the tornado chasing with the late Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, onto a new instalment. Twisters, directed by Lee Issac Chung (Minari), starring Daisy Edgar-Jones (Fresh) and Glenn Powell (Top Gun: Maverick), is an absolute blast, paying homage to the original while telling its own story amongst the chaos of chasing down tornados.
Synopsis
Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
Review
Growing up, natural disaster movies were always a fascination, and I'd quite comfortably sit down and enjoy the heart pounding effect they'd have on me. Twister (1996) became one of my favourite films to re-watch, and at the time of release became one of the years biggest blockbusters. With the amount of "re-makes" and "sequels" we've had in recent times, it was was surprising that it took 28 years for this to be made, but it's safe to say that Twisters has been worth the wait.
When Lee Issac Chung was attached to this film, it was always going to be interesting to see how the director of the quiet yet beautiful Minari, would translate his directorial powers to a big screen blockbuster such as this. First and foremost Twisters looks incredible. Just like the first film it is all out action, and seeing the power of the tornados rip through people's lives is shown on a grand and epic scale. There is a variety of action scenes throughout, from catastrophic tornado destruction to smaller tornados with a fireworks show to accompany, all of which leave an impact on the characters, leading to the natural development. Twisters begins with a scene that really sets the stakes for these characters for the rest of the film. It shows where Kates trauma comes from, and that's something that she carries throughout, and is a big part of her character development.
Daisy Edgar-Jones plays Kate Cooper, a tornado chaser haunted by her past, while Glen Powell plays Tyler Owens, a storm chasing YouTuber. The two at first seemingly couldn't be far enough apart, however the effortless progression of the film brings them together and builds their characters to a place where their relationship feels genuine. The actors' chemistry is electric right from the get go. Tyler is this loud social-media star, and Kate a quiet scientific boff, but she immediately puts him in his place gathering his attention. Her character has this traumatic past that she has to overcome which is at the center of the movie, but Tyler's the one that seems to evolve the most and develop throughout the movie (However as we know social-media personalities aren't always a real representation of said person).
Where Twisters is able to stand on its own, there are still small connective tissues that tie it into the first film. For fans of the 1996 blockbuster there are scattered tributes for us to enjoy, whether that be in the form of a return for Dorothy or a quote thrown in at just the right moment. This is a nice touch, showing that the original was still in the mind while making this film.
So far in 2024 there have been few success' in the blockbuster category, however this is about to change. Buckle into your seat, and get ready. This is a wild thrill ride, challenging its predecessor on almost all fronts. Action packed with two charming leads, Twisters is the absolute must see blockbuster this summer.
Star Rating
Twisters releases in cinemas July 17
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