In the mid 90s there was a surge in films sporting advances in cinema and special effects. One film rose above the others and took the world by storm. Twister, released in 1996, the film was nominated for Academy Awards and took out a BAFTA for Best Visual Effects. It also became one of the highest grossing films of its time. Almost 30 years later, a new film is spinning into theatres – Twisters.
Written by Joseph Kosinski with a screenplay by Mark L. Smith and directed by Lee Isaac Chung, this new film is much like the original. Although there are no direct character connections to the first film, Twisters is considered to be a standalone sequel. Having enjoyed Twister as a kid and rewatching it recently ahead of the new release, I was not going to pass up on the opportunity to see this new and exciting disaster film.
In search of a new way to save people from the increasing threat of tornados, Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a scientist and meteorologist, may have just cracked the code to stop a tornado in its tracks. However, after facing a tragic loss, Cooper finds herself in an unlikely setting behind a desk. It is when a blast from her past, when her old college friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos) comes knocking that Cooper rediscovers her passion for storm chasing.
With new technology and a questionable bankroll behind him, Javi enlists Cooper’s unique skill to hunt down these dangerous twisters in Tornado Alley. But they have some competition on their side with a pretty faced, live streaming YouTube sensation Tyler Owens (Glenn Powell) and his team of equally crazy colleagues. Owens is a quintessential Twister Cowboy whilst Cooper is cautious and calculated, the pair find themselves in a race after the storms. However, Cooper soon realises that she might just be on the wrong team. This makes for some interesting twists as the film unfolds. Yes, there is a twist in Twisters, who’d have thought?
Twisters is an enjoyable film. There is plenty of action to keep you on the edge of your seat and just enough depth and meaning to keep you interested. The film is almost identical to its predecessor, and that is not a bad thing. I loved the original film, and this standalone sequel is just as good, but is it better? Possibly because I found it somewhat predictable, I’d say it isn’t, however I still thoroughly enjoyed the new characters in the franchise.
Daisy Edgar-Jones is great as Kate Cooper, she is traumatised by her past, but slowly grows back into the storm chasing pro that she was when she was younger. Edgar-Jones works well with both her on screen counterparts in Anthony Ramos and Glenn Powell. I mean, it would be hard not to, both are talented actors.
Anthony Ramos puts on a good show as the manipulative and somewhat devious Javi. He struggles between what he needs to do and what he feels is right. His time with Cooper only pushes his moral compass back on course.
Before I get into the delight that is Glenn Powell, I want to mention his rag-tag bunch of misfits in his character’s storm chasing crew. Much like in the original, they are all in it for the love and excitement of the storm. There are so many to mention, but a key callout would have to be his live streaming sidekick Brandon Perea as Boon. Also, credit to Harry Hadden-Paton who portrays the London reporter Ben who has some good funny moments.
The comedy continues at the hand of Glenn Powell. I don’t know what it is about this man, but I have enjoyed everything he is in. His comedy isn’t even intentional, I just found myself laughing at his swagger and his ridiculously perfect smile. His portrayal of the Tornado Wrangler, Tyler Owens is fantastic and just like how I would picture a crazy YouTube superstar chasing tornados. His chemistry with Edgar-Jones is effortless, natural and the slow burn as their characters warm up to each other is superb. Powell’s character Owens is the perfect mix of a Rodeo Cowboy and thrill-seeking storm chaser.
Technically, Twisters is a great film, the sound and special effects in addition to Dan Mindel’s cinematography make it an enjoyable experience. The social media ‘influencer’ spin on Owens’ crew was very clever. Live streamers always want to create hype, and this choice in narrative allowed the actors to really lean into the fun side of each of their characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed Twisters. Is it worth a trip to the cinema? Hell yeah! You don’t want to watch this one on the couch, it deserves a big screen! Luckily, it comes out in cinemas this week! So, don’t waste time and run to see Twisters before it evaporates.
Twisters is exactly what you want from a disaster flick. Plenty of large cinematic sounds and special effects with just enough substance to get you through. Plus, with the change in our planet’s climate, this work of fiction is sadly not far away from being a reality.
Twisters is in cinemas July 11.