A retired tornado chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.
I remember seeing “Twister” in theaters in 1996. While the characters and dialogue were not particularly memorable, the action sequences were exceptional, skillfully directed by Jan de Bont, who had previously helmed the 1994 action film “Speed,” starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. The cutting-edge CGI tornadoes were the film’s standout feature, eclipsing all other elements.
“Twisters” adheres closely to the original’s narrative framework, pitting two rival storm-chasing teams in Oklahoma against each other as they seek to deploy a revolutionary new tracking system capable of mitigating tornado disasters. Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a meteorologist who relocated from Oklahoma to New York City five years earlier following a tragic incident, is enticed back to Oklahoma by her former friend Javi (Anthony Ramos), now leading a storm-chasing outfit financed by dubious corporate interests. They possess advanced scanning technology that can generate 3D images of tornadoes, but its effective utilization requires dangerous proximity to the twisters. Kate, renowned as a “Tornado Whisperer,” agrees to participate under the condition that the technology will be wielded for the greater good rather than corporate profiteering.
The teams cross paths with their competitor, Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), and his motley crew of storm chasers, who document their exploits for their YouTube channel. As the narrative unfolds, Kate gradually regains her confidence and can objectively assess Javi and Tyler’s perspectives as storm chasers. However, when an F5 tornado imperils their community, they must set aside their differences to ensure the townspeople’s survival.
“Twisters” closely emulates its predecessor, boasting superior CGI effects. Director Lee Isaac Chung injects greater dramatic depth and character development than the original. Daisy Edgar-Jones capably shoulders the emotional burden of her role, undergoing a credible transformation from melancholy to fervent storm chaser. Her on-screen chemistry with Glen Powell is palpable, yielding some of the film’s most amusing moments, often in conjunction with Kate’s mother, Cathy (Maura Tierney).
“Twisters” functions more as a standalone film exploring the same themes as the 1996 original, albeit with novel characters nearly three decades later. While I had hoped for a cameo from the original cast, their absence allows the franchise to introduce fresh narratives, characters, and potentially, a future crossover akin to “Jurassic World: Dominion.” While “Twisters” is unlikely to garner accolades for its performances or dialogue, its purpose is to provide an enjoyable cinematic experience, which it accomplishes.
In Theaters Friday, July 19th