Movies

Review: ‘Twisters’ chases a blockbuster storm of yesteryear — and may even outrun it

BBG News

As a huge fan of Jan de Bont’s groundbreaking film “Twister” from 1996, I was both intrigued and skeptical when I heard about the long-awaited sequel, “Twisters.” The original movie captured my imagination with its thrilling depiction of tornado chasers and their daring pursuits. However, the subgenre of tornado movies has been flooded (pun intended) with inferior imitations since then. So, I approached “Twisters” with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

Tornados have captivated film audiences since “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939. However, Dutch filmmaker Jan de Bont’s “Twister” from 1996 significantly boosted the allure of tornadoes on the big screen with its thrilling storyline about extreme weather chasers. Now, a new sequel titled “Twisters,” released 28 years after the original, clears the way for other tornado films that have oversaturated the market. It’s not just about the flying creatures but the human experiences unfolding as tornados wreak havoc on the land.

Lee Isaac Chung, the director of “Minari,” takes on a new project titled “Twisters.” This film shares similarities with “Aliens” not only in its title but also in its sequel approach. Like “Aliens,” “Twisters” builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, which were known for their ruthless efficiency. Both films offer wild entertainment and explore new territories within the worlds established in their initial releases, without attempting to replicate them exactly.

In “Twisters,” only the character Dorothy from the original “Twister” film appears, represented as a data collection device. The new characters, however, all share a strong interest in studying storms. Chung and co-writer Joseph Kosinski (Mark L. Smith wrote the script) draw upon the elements that made the first movie successful. They create vibrant characters and focus on two main leads with an intense chemistry that’s as tumultuous as the stormy weather.

Kate (played by Daisy Edgar- Jones), our latest protagonist, has avoided storm chasing since her past, which includes putting her team in harm’s way and experiencing a devastating personal loss during a destructive tornado while still in college. Haunted by her guilt, she flees as far as possible, eventually settling behind a desk at the National Weather Service in New York City.

However, the past doesn’t forget, and it reappears in the form of an acquaintance from the past, Javi (Anthony Ramos). He persuades Kate to collaborate with him on a venture called Storm PAR, which aims to construct portable military-grade radar systems. The objective is to provide more precise storm warnings for real estate developers intending to develop in areas prone to tornadoes.

During a tornado outbreak in Oklahoma, the duo encounters a group of enthusiastic storm chasers and Tyler, a self-styled “tornado tamer” (Glen Powell), who boasts about his daring exploits. He famously drives his armored vehicle into tornados to launch fireworks up the funnel for his online audience. As if that weren’t enough, he also markets T-shirts bearing his likeness and travels with a lively team of storm chasers (Brandon Perea, Sasha Lane, Katy O’Brian, and Tunde Adebimpe) who always seem prepared for a wild adventure.

Tyler’s famous phrase, “If you have the feeling, go for it,” bears an uncanny resemblance to Kate’s connection with storms. While Tyler attempts to control them as a wrangler, Kate aspires to understand and tame them intuitively, using natural signs like dandelion fluff and wind patterns instead of radar. Although their encounters may be prickly, Kate and Tyler share a deeper bond than she does with the Storm PAR team, a clique of PhD-holding meteorologists dressed in polo shirts, led by grumpy data analyst Scott. It’s just a matter of time before the animosity between Tyler and Edgar-Jones (Powell) turns into an alliance or even a romantic relationship.

Chung’s film “Minari” is based on his personal experiences as a Korean immigrant family adjusting to life in Arkansas. He skillfully captures the essence of small-town America and the fear that comes with tornado warnings. The movie’s setting is brought to life through modern country music and a heartwarming perspective on American traditions. In the night sky, the Stars and Stripes gleam as a local rodeo gets underway, only for a tornado to destroy its heart. The driving force behind Kate and Tyler is their determination to protect these communities and their unique ways of living.

“Twisters” explores several plotlines that unfortunately don’t amount to much, such as an uninteresting real estate mystery. It seems Powell’s captivating presence might be responsible for this distraction. However, the movie shines when it zeroes in on Powell and his team of content producers. A contrasting character like Edgar-Jones provides the necessary friction for Powell to truly excel.”

The luminous and dazzling amusement we see needs a solid connection to the ground as well. Chung’s focus on Edgar-Jones’ subtle yet impactful acting provides an unexpectedly emotional foundation for this lighthearted film. The opening scene, with its gut-wrenching intensity, leaves us feeling shocked and moved.

Although “Twisters” from Chung may not completely satisfy our cravings for romance, it more than makes up for it by providing an exhilarating summer blockbuster experience. This movie goes beyond expectations with its deep themes, making it a surprising and superior follow-up to the original.

Katie Walsh is a Tribune News Service film critic.

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2024-07-18 23:03

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