The 1990s were a golden age for blockbuster films, with directors discovering the potential of CGI to create the impossible on screen. Iconic movies like “Jurassic Park,” “The Matrix,” and the original “Twister” set new standards in visual effects and storytelling. Fast forward to 2024, and “Twisters,” the latest sequel, aims to recapture the magic of those halcyon days. With Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones leading the cast and Lee Isaac Chung at the helm, the film promises a nostalgic trip back to simpler cinematic times.
What’s Good: The visual effects department has outdone itself, creating some of the most impressive tornado scenes ever seen on screen. The destruction they leave in their wake is both spectacular and terrifying, capturing the raw power of nature in a way that will leave audiences in awe.
What’s Bad: The characters lack depth and realism, making their motivations feel flat and uninspiring compared to the disaster spectacle around them.
Loo Break: The second act is bogged down with filler scenes that don’t add much to the story and could have been better utilized elsewhere in the film.
Watch or Not?: Yes, this is a fun movie to watch in theaters, even if it isn’t as memorable as its predecessor.
Language: English (with subtitles).
Available On: Theaters
Runtime: 120 Minutes.
Opening:
“Twisters” is a homage to the blockbuster era of the 1990s, where the thrill of CGI-driven spectacles captivated audiences. Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for his critically acclaimed family drama “Minari,” takes a bold step into the blockbuster arena, delivering a film that aims to entertain with its impressive visuals and nostalgic charm.
Twisters Movie Review: Script Analysis
The original “Twister” succeeded because of its well-developed characters, brought to life by the talents of Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. In contrast, “Twisters” falls into the sequel trap of trying to do too much. The script introduces three major characters but scatters their development among a dozen others who contribute little to the plot. This overabundance of characters, lacking meaningful roles or depth, feels like a misguided attempt at diversity rather than a necessity for the story.
The primary characters, Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Javi, long-time friends and storm chasers, are defined solely by their passion for chasing storms. Glen Powell’s Tyler, while charming, doesn’t offer much beyond his charisma. The dialogues are mostly expository or simplistic expressions of the character’s inner feelings, failing to make them feel real or engaging. Consequently, the audience’s emotional investment in these characters is minimal, reducing the impact of the dangerous situations they face.
Twisters Movie Review: Star Performance
The film features a plethora of actors, yet few leave a lasting impression. Notably, David Corenswet, soon to be the next Superman in James Gunn’s DC film, is underutilized in a role that adds nothing to the story. Daisy Edgar-Jones, despite her rising status in Hollywood, struggles to bring gravitas to her character, Kate. Glen Powell shines with his charm, but his character lacks substance. Ramos’s character had potential but is unfortunately underdeveloped.
Twisters Movie Review: Direction, Music
Lee Isaac Chung’s transition from intimate family dramas to large-scale blockbusters is commendable. He successfully translates his storytelling skills to create visually stunning and intense disaster scenes. The visual effects, depicting the storms and tornadoes, are the film’s highlight, delivering the epic scale and danger expected from a movie of this genre. Benjamin Wallfisch’s musical score, while adequate, is not particularly memorable. The imbalance between the impressive VFX work and the weak storyline is evident, suggesting that a stronger script could have significantly enhanced the film’s overall impact.
Twisters Movie Review: The Last Word
“Twisters” is an enjoyable theater experience, but it falls short of its potential due to a weak script and underdeveloped characters. Lee Isaac Chung proves his versatility as a director, excelling in crafting spectacular disaster sequences. Glen Powell continues to demonstrate his star potential, despite the film’s shortcomings. While “Twisters” may not be the standout film of the year, it offers a fun, nostalgic escape for fans of 1990s blockbusters.
Twisters Trailer
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