Twisters (2024)
The 1996 blockbuster “Twister” captivates with its almost childlike charm. It’s a monster film where the antagonist is a tornado, indifferent to the people pursuing it. Unlike a zombie, a tornado doesn’t harbor grudges or hunger. Its movements are unpredictable, yet its actions are consistent: it forms, wreaks havoc, and then dissipates.
This sets the stage for the real drama, which lies in the human experience. “Twister” excels in this area, infused with a healthy dose of mid-90s clichés and an impressive supporting cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alan Ruck, Jami Gertz, and Todd Field, who would later direct “Tár.” The film’s lasting appeal as a classic is largely due to its frequent airings on cable TV, where it’s easy to jump in at any point and grasp the storyline. The estranged couple, played by Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton, chase after a tornado, aiming to deploy a cleverly named device called “Dorothy” to better understand the storm and save lives. There’s no need for complex backstories or intricate lore.
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and “Twisters,” marketed as a stand-alone sequel to “Twister,” faces a more challenging landscape. The age of straightforward original blockbusters has long passed, overshadowed by superheroes and expansive franchises. While “Twister” has its loyal fans, the only element “Twisters” shares with its predecessor is the tornado itself.
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Tornadoes have changed significantly over the years. After watching “Twisters,” I checked my phone and found a message from my mom, who lives in an area typically known for heavy snow rather than tornadoes. To my surprise, the National Weather Service was alerting residents about thunderstorms, flash floods, and yes, tornadoes.
While “Twisters” doesn’t mention “climate change,” anyone experiencing severe weather can attest to the increasing intensity of these events. This hurricane season is expected to be particularly severe. If you traveled during Memorial Day weekend, you likely felt the impact firsthand. Nowadays, tornadoes often appear in clusters, which is why the film's title is in the plural form.
While weather-related inconveniences are one thing, the reality is that tornadoes and other extreme weather can completely upend lives. “Twisters” focuses more on this aspect than its predecessor did. It tells the story of entire communities losing their homes, lives, and livelihoods due to unpredictable and relentless weather. The film also highlights those who benefit from this increased risk, from investors to social media influencers. “Twisters” aims to connect with a wide audience, and for the most part, it succeeds.
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At the heart of “Twisters” is Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a meteorologist haunted by the memories of a tornado encounter from her past, much like Helen Hunt’s character in the original film. Now working for the National Weather Service in New York City, she has developed an uncanny ability to predict tornado behavior: their paths, when they might strengthen, and crucially, if there’s a chance to counteract them.
When her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) reaches out, urging her to join him in tracking tornadoes for a new, potentially life-saving initiative, she hesitantly agrees to head west. Javi, originally from Florida and a college buddy of Kate’s, is deeply invested in the human impact of severe weather. Upon arriving in Oklahoma, Kate finds the scene for the active tornado season resembles a carnival, filled with tornado chasers. Among them is the overconfident Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), who leads a motley crew that uses drones and fireworks to capture dramatic footage for YouTube. Tyler, who brands himself as the “tornado wrangler” and sells merchandise, comes off as a cowboy wannabe, and Kate instantly dislikes him.
You can see where this story is headed “Twisters,” penned by Mark L. Smith and inspired by a tale from “Top Gun: Maverick” director Joseph Kosinski, has the feel of a classic 1990s blockbuster. This nostalgic formula is a breath of fresh air, presenting an action-adventure-disaster narrative where everyday individuals strive to achieve remarkable feats.
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This film also has a distinctly modern feel. This can be attributed to the direction of Lee Isaac Chung, known for his previous work on “Minari,” a subtle story about a Korean immigrant family that received six Oscar nominations. While “Minari” and “Twisters” belong to different genres, they both reflect a deep understanding of the American Midwest, particularly the challenges posed by its fierce storms, which is influenced by Chung’s own childhood in rural Arkansas. It’s difficult to think of a director better suited for this story, as he skillfully focuses on the survivors while still capturing the excitement of the adventure.
The excitement in “Twisters” is largely thanks to its standout 2024 element: Glen Powell, the actor everyone is buzzing about this year. It’s easy to see why; this marks his third major film release this year, following the hit romantic comedy “Anyone but You” and the successful Netflix film “Hit Man.” Powell often appears to be enjoying himself, but in “Twisters,” he sometimes seems to be in a different film altogether. His character, a tornado wrangler, embodies a blend of modern cowboy and romantic hero, starting off as a bit of a jerk before revealing his kind heart.
In contrast, Edgar-Jones comes across as somewhat dull, lacking the spark needed to match Powell’s energy. Their chemistry feels underwhelming, especially when Maura Tierney appears as Kate’s mother, which highlights the disparity. It’s also worth mentioning that Ramos, despite limited screen time, brings a lot of charisma to his role. Edgar-Jones’s performance feels a bit restrained, leaving us mostly anticipating Powell’s next appearance.
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The mismatch in casting affects "Twisters," causing the film to drag at times. You can easily picture a different actress in Kate's role someone with more energy and comedic talent who could create a better dynamic with Powell. However, that doesn’t mean "Twisters" is a failure. It’s packed with entertaining and occasionally humorous moments, along with enough suspense to keep you engaged.
There’s also a deeper layer to consider. A pivotal scene reveals that this is intended to be a monster movie, telling the tale of a threat that is both predictable and enigmatic, requiring a hero to confront it. In "Twister," the storm was simply a phenomenon to chase, with hopes of predicting its behavior through science. In contrast, "Twisters" shifts the focus from merely forecasting the monster's trajectory something science has largely mastered to actively battling it, neutralizing its power. The question of whether such a struggle is futile looms large.
This notion is genuinely unsettling, even if you’re not receiving tornado alerts while watching. If we can’t combat climate change, can we at least manage its effects? And if we can, who stands to gain? Who will exploit our changing weather, and who will bear the consequences? The apocalyptic themes in "Twisters" resonate more deeply. While the tornado serves as a metaphor for a larger issue, the storm itself and the destruction it causes are very real.
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