Twisters (2 1/2 stars out of four)
1997’s “Twister” is a great disaster spectacle, a true summer popcorn movie. I’ve returned to it
numerous times over the years, and as a result I had reasonable hopes for this summer’s
sequel, “Twisters.”
My hopes were only partially realized.
On the surface, Lee Isaac Chung’s “Twisters” is a fun action piece that is light on brains and
heavy on contemporary country music. But once you start analyzing the film the way those
little flying sensors analyzed the tornado in the first film, things get a little shaky.
The new movie acts as a soft reboot of the franchise, following the storm-chasing adventures of
an unlikely group of characters. The story follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a young but gifted
meteorologist who is reeling in the aftermath of a tragic experiment that cost the lives of
multiple team members, including her boyfriend. Five years down the road, she is brought out
of hiding by an old friend named Javi (Anthony Ramos), who has secured private corporate
sponsorship for his research. With Kate’s help, he hopes to finally realize their altruistic
aspirations.
Kate and Ravi descend on Oklahoma to investigate some historic tornado activity, where they
encounter Tyler (Glen Powell), leader of a team some describe as “hillbillies with a YouTube
channel.” Tyler’s crew seems less interested in meteorology, and more interested in creating
high-octane social media content. Naturally, Kate takes an instant dislike to him, and as he’s the
most recognizable actor in the cast, it isn’t hard to guess where this dynamic will lead.
The love-hate tension plays out alongside questions such as the true intent of Ravi’s investors.
But the whole thing is mostly designed to take a back seat (or a bunker seat?) to the CGI
tornado spectacle, which to its credit doesn’t always look like it was built in a computer.
Having watched the original film in the days leading up to the press screening, it’s hard to argue
that “Twisters” raises the visual effects bar; if anything, it leaves you more impressed at what
filmmakers pulled off nearly 30 years ago. It also leaves you wondering if we’ve made any
progress in the science of disaster prevention; based on what we’re seeing onscreen—always a
dubious prospect—the 2024 storm chasers are fighting a battle that’s mostly unchanged.
What has changed is the emphasis on activism, which feels more amplified and even preachy
compared to the 1997 film. “Twister” did a great job of weaving thoughtful moments and
scenes in between all the chaos, but “Twisters” has a very 21 st -century vibe when it comes to its
social objectives. (It also has a knack for clunky writing, such as an awkward explanation of
tornado ratings—intended for the audience—which makes absolutely no sense in the context
of one meteorological expert lecturing another.)
Then again, the notion of “expert” feels kind of suspect as well. Unlike the 1997 film, which
focused on a pair of veteran storm chasers, the “Twisters” cast is young enough to make the
film feel like a “Twister” prequel. The twenty-something Edgar-Jones in particular only looks
about 18, even after the makeover that’s supposed to put her five years past college
graduation.
A decent twist partway through the film gives the plot some life, and on its own it’s a
serviceable escapist summer adventure. But following in the path of what some consider the
greatest disaster movie ever made, “Twisters” just has a way of reminding viewers of how good
that first movie really was…from Helen Hunt’s strong female lead to the emotional tension to
its raw energy. “Twister” wasn’t a brilliant film by any means, but it was really good.
Twisters” is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of destruction and profanity.