Twisters
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
★★★
Byline Universal Pictures; Warner Bros. Pictures; & Amblin Entertainment
Caption (from left) Tyler (Glen Powell) and Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) in Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung.
Copyright © Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and Amblin Entertainment
Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters, the much-anticipated follow-up to his Oscar-winning Minari (also shot in Oklahoma), attempts to rejuvenate the disaster film genre with mixed results. This sequel to the 1996 classic Twister brings an intriguing premise, updated for today’s generational audience, and a strong cast but ultimately falls short of delivering its predecessor's emotional and suspenseful impact. With stunning visuals, uneven character development, and an overabundance of tornadoes, Twisters provides a thrilling yet ultimately frustrating cinematic experience.
The film centers around Kate Cooper, portrayed by Daisy Edgar Jones, a meteorologist haunted by a devastating tornado encounter from her past. After being convinced to return to Oklahoma by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos), they begin working on a new storm tracking system that could change the game for meteorologists. Along the way, she encounters Tyler Owens, a charming yet reckless social media storm chaser played by Glenn Powell. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler, and their respective teams find themselves in a life-or-death struggle as multiple tornado systems converge over central Oklahoma.
Visually, Twisters excels. The special effects are nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the terrifying beauty and raw power of tornadoes with breathtaking realism. Each storm is rendered with meticulous detail, from the swirling debris to the menacing funnels, providing a visceral thrill for viewers. However, this visual prowess becomes a double-edged sword. Unlike the original Twister, which carefully built suspense by gradually revealing the tornadoes, Twisters features its storms almost constantly. This continuous display dilutes the fear factor, making the tornadoes feel more like a backdrop than an imminent threat. By the time the film reaches its climax, the audience is more desensitized than terrified, diminishing the overall impact.
That is not to say the original was groundbreaking by any means. Twister was a disaster B-movie through and through, yet it knew exactly what it was. Twisters, however, tries to be of the same ilk as its predecessor, while also attempting to have more weight, but ultimately falls short of seeing either story path to its fullest potential.
The performances are another area of mixed results. Glenn Powell shines as Tyler Owens, injecting his character with his dependable charisma and energy. His portrayal of a social media superstar chasing storms for likes and followers adds a contemporary twist to the narrative, reflecting modern-day obsessions with online fame. Powell’s charm and reckless abandon make his character memorable and engaging, even if the script sometimes veers into predictability. Unfortunately, Daisy Edgar Jones’ Kate Cooper is less fortunate. Despite Jones’ undeniable talent, her character is underdeveloped, with a backstory that feels more hinted at than fully explored. This lack of depth limits Jones’ ability to fully connect with the audience, making her emotional journey less compelling. Anthony Ramos’ Javi also suffers from clichéd writing, offering little beyond the stereotypical tropes of the pining best friend. However, there are some welcome cameos from Maura Tierney and Oklahoma’s own Darryl Cox, that breathe life into the film.
The film’s plot and pacing further contribute to its shortcomings. While the storyline attempts to weave personal drama with high-stakes action, it struggles to strike a balance. The emotional beats lack the poignancy and subtlety of Minari, often feeling forced and contrived. The frequent appearance of tornadoes, while visually impressive, disrupts the narrative flow, leading to a climax that fails to deliver the expected thrills. The final scene, in particular, is disappointingly anticlimactic, leaving viewers with a sense of frustration rather than closure.
In conclusion, Twisters is a visually stunning yet emotionally uneven film. Lee Isaac Chung’s direction brings a unique touch to the disaster genre, but the movie ultimately lacks the tension and depth that made the original Twister a classic. While Glenn Powell’s performance stands out, the film’s overreliance on visual spectacle and underdeveloped characters prevents it from achieving its full potential. Fans of the original may find themselves yearning for the suspense and thrills that Twisters strives for but ultimately misses.
