Twisters Review: If You Feel It, CHASE IT!

A beautiful shot, well written, whirlwind of fun.

Any fan of weather related disaster films should be well aware of the original Twister film, mixing in real life science with silly sequences and moments fitting only for the big screen. From flying cows to the idea that the tornados actually chase Helen Hunt, it's one of those over the top films that captures our hearts and imaginations and lives on as a cult classic. Twisters, the newest film in what may now become a potential franchise, is a rare sequel that relies on very little from the original film while honoring what worked. The charm of the lead characters, the thrill of tornado chasing, and the real human element from the destruction that follows the weather phenomenon; It is because of these things that Twisters is a fun ride from beginning to end with loveable characters, intense action sequences, and a lack of over the top silliness.

This new story follows Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate, a storm chaser who is developing a technique that could disrupt a tornado and potentially save lives. After a tragic encounter with an EF-5, a massive tornado, Kate gives up chasing and works for NOAA as a weather analyst. When a former teammate Javi returns to make her an offer, she returns to the field to continue her research. As soon as she gets back on the field she gets tangled up with youtube influencer Tyler Owens, played by Glen Powell, who is about creating an entertaining spectacle for his viewers. Kate is initially apprehensive to get close to Tyler, but the two begin working together to finish her initial research and to learn as much as they can about tornados so they can help prevent future disasters, all while avoiding a historical outbreak of deadly Twisters. 

It is apparent that Oscar nominated director Lee Isaac Chung opted to focus the story and create a serious, stand alone film without the need of relying on the first Twister film. None of the characters are tied to the original films group, with the possible exception of a blink and you’ll miss cameo from the late Bill Paxton’s son working at NOAA. The film does utilize the Dorothy V machine, a callback to the original film, but other than that there were no noticeable connections to the first film, and to this film's benefit. There is no specter of legacy characters holding the story back, instead fine tuning what worked in the first film: lovely goofball chasers with big hearts and eager to help the people left in the wake of a tornado's destruction. 

The two new leads Kate and Tyler have amazing chemistry, if just a bit cliche. Kate writes Tyler off as a jackass in it only for the fame but they slowly warm to each other as they begin to understand their motivations. Glen Powell plays up the southern jackass to create a believable adrenaline junky, while flashbacks of Kate remind us of who she was before the opening tragic events that make her aloof and reserved. Together they bring out the humanity of each other, sharing a passion for weather and the people it affects. While the rest of the cast begin as simple fodder for the film, both their large personalities and their compassion make us root for each character to survive and accomplish their goals by the end. Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, carefully navigates the spurned love interest/former friend with a gentle touch, never feeling forced and always coming across with sincerity. There are only a few major cliches such as the asshole scientist who disregards Kate’s years of experience, or the suit wearing mustache twirling cowboy who has nefarious reasons to sponsor the competing team. There are also the usual idiots who don’t listen to logic and are there only to be cannon fodder for the storm. But the film doesn’t dwell on these characters and instead keeps focus on the rescue missions of the focal team. 

There are plenty of shots that are absolutely gorgeous, from the beauty of the clouds to the rolling hills of the midwest. Director of Photography Dan Mindel is known for some big epic movies such as Star Wars and Pacific Rim, and he uses his eye for scope very well in this film. There are some intense scenes that take place in a wind farm where blades are falling around our leads, and a tornado forms over a rodeo that feels both exposed and claustrophobic. Quiet moments such as when Kate uses a dandelion to help determine the location of the next outbreak are beautiful shots with a background of blue skies, large looming clouds, and green hills that will leave you in awe. 

I found Twisters to be a stunning film in both its quality and its independence from its source material. It is a rollercoaster ride from beginning to end, but gives itself enough air to allow us to get to know the lead characters better. It takes itself seriously without losing the charm and fun of the original. It is well crafted, well acted, and beautifully shot, and it will blow you away. 

One final note: Twisters has a soundtrack that is better than it has any right to be. From Shania Twain, Luke Combs, and Miranda Lambert, there are some absolute bangers that will make you want to download immediately. Go watch this film, and then enjoy the soundtrack afterwards.

Pros

• Loveable characters

• Beautiful Shot

• Intense Action Sequences

• Standalone without nostalgia bait

• Excellent soundtrack

Cons

• Cliche antagonist

• Background characters lack logic during crisis

Overall Score: 8/10