Twisters (2024)
Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung
Premise: A sequel to the 1996 film. A meteorologist (Daisy Edgar-Jones) assists an old friend (Anthony Ramos) chasing tornadoes in Oklahoma. She meets a brash team of do-it-yourself storm chasers led by a charismatic social media star (Glen Powell).
What Works: The original Twister was co-written by Michael Crichton who had a talent for creating plausible science fiction and matched technology and nature with empathetic characters and involving drama. Those qualities are also found in Twisters. Kate is a talented storm chaser who lost her friends in a tornado and she’s got something to prove. Returning to Oklahoma, Kate encounters Tyler, a charismatic storm chaser and shameless self-promoter. Kate and Tyler are initially at odds with each other but they eventually find a common cause. Actors Daisy Edgar Jones and Glen Powell have an easy on-screen rapport that’s very likable. There is a romantic tension between Kate and Tyler but the filmmakers never quite give in to it; the romantic tension is interwoven with a growing mutual respect for each other’s talents and we’re led to believe that the characters might share a romantic and professional future. The supporting characters are colorful and distinct especially the members of Tyler’s team. The science of Twisters is fiction but as in Jurassic Park and The Andromeda Strain the concept is presented with enough detail and intelligence to make it plausible and the exposition is delivered in a way that’s understandable to a general audience. Like its predecessor, the draw of Twisters is the action set pieces which are quite thrilling. The filmmakers also pause to acknowledge the devastation that the tornadoes have wrought on people’s lives. Along with the care taken with the characters, these touches add humanity to the film which makes the stakes interesting.
What Doesn’t: When Twisters is in action mode the movie is a lot of fun but whenever the movie slows down its narrative weaknesses start to show. The underlying narrative structure of the sequel is quite similar to the original 1996 picture, with a lot of the same character motivations and plot beats. Twisters includes quite a few supporting characters and subplots and the filmmakers struggle to keep everyone occupied. Kate realizes that the startup company she’s assisting is financed by a real estate mogul with less than honorable intentions. Nothing much comes of this revelation. Tyler works with a team of storm chasers and his entire persona is built around his online show in which he streams himself doing ridiculous stunts with tornadoes but throughout the middle of the movie Tyler abandons his team to hang out with Kate.
Bottom Line: Twisters is a fun action picture and a worthy follow up to its predecessor. The storytelling is strained in places but this is satisfying summer popcorn entertainment.
Episode: #1006 (July 28, 2024)