The Wasteland Reviewer

Twisters (2024) Written Review

Are you ready for more tornadoes and legacy sequels? Coming off the award season darling, Minari, director Lee Isaac Chung brings audiences back to the flat plains of Oklahoma and into the path of the storms. The original Twister is a crown jewel of disaster movies and made a big splash in the mid-90s. This latest edition in this flourishing franchise takes things to a whole new level with big and crazier tornadoes and such. The effects have improved a lot from the 90s and that gives Twisters a leg up in the action, visuals, and effects department. Get ready for a take on the straightforward and fresh narrative of this new effort. 

How does Chung and his team make Twisters stand out from other disaster movies? As stated before, the animation will be getting all the attention, which has not always been the case. The original film goes a long way with spectacle and effects. Twisters has the comfort and flexibility of the latest effects, and they are used effectively to create thrilling moments. The actual tornadoes look amazing, and it gets even crazier when flames, electricity, and rain gets involved. There are multiple set pieces that really hit with an emotionally charged opening sequence and a rodeo gone wrong, both delivering some of the most thrilling moments in the film. The final act set piece certainly packs a punch as well, but the CGI town elements don’t fully deliver in between some of the bigger and more impressive weather focused effects. The score and music also tie things together well. Benjamin Wallfisch’s score is surprisingly dynamic and emotive and the other music captures the atmosphere and adventurous tone of the film. 

Does the story match the impressive spectacle that Twisters delivers? Obviously, most audiences are here just for the tornados, but Joseph Kosinski’s story and Mark L. Smith’s screenplay offers up some strong elements in terms of a story as well. Kate, our protagonist, loses a lot in the name of her research to tame tornados and must rediscover her passion for weather and trying to save lives. There are budding romances with a charming salt-of-the-earth storm chaser (Glen Powell) and her former friend and colleague who drags her back into the hunt (Anthony Ramos). These three central characters have depth, motivations, and layers that are not totally expected. Outside of them, most of the other characters are fun or unlikeable (whichever best services the story). There are important themes that are explored with the ethics of storm chasing as well as how storm data can be leveraged in both meaningful and manipulative ways. The beats are expected and overly predictable, but the ride is just too much fun and thrilling to ignore. There are even some effective elements of real science that keep things interesting, and you just might learn a thing or two. 

Does the cast stand out in a meaningful way through all the effects, noise, and spectacle? Edgar-Jones is saddled with the emotional core of the film, and she carries it well. Her performance is a wonderful balance of vulnerability, trauma, passion, and curiosity. The most impactful emotional moment leans heavily on Edgar-Jones, and she never falters. The chemistry between her and Glen Powell is quite impressive as well. Powell is insanely charming, and he has plenty of confidence and screen presence. There is a sense of danger that makes his character, Tyler Owens, so cool. But there is something underneath the service that adds layers to Owens with Powell’s performance expertly tipping the hand. Ramos is the third wheel of sorts for the film, and he can balance a lot of complex and contradictory feelings with such poise. Throw in a whole ensemble of effective supporting characters and you have such a great foundation to carry this spectacle. 

Is Twisters a long-awaited sequel that was worth the wait? Many people were probably not expecting a follow-up to Twister, but this is certainly a pleasant surprise. The special effects are impressive, and the scale of the spectacle is something that needed to be seen on the big screen. The biggest surprise of all is that this film has some quality story and themes to go along with it. The power trio at the top of the bill elevates the human drama in ways that make this an engaging and moving experience in some unexpected ways. The narrative is predictable for sure and some of the climax does meet the rest of the effects in quality, but this is a new flick that is a must see on the big screen.