When Twister released in 1996, it was destined to be a classic. It’s surprising that nearly 30 years have passed before we eventually got a sequel to the sleeper hit. Finally, in 2024 we get Twisters, which fans of the original should be pleased with. It doesn’t feel quite as charming as the original, but it does a lot that fans are sure to enjoy.
There’s only a very loose connection to the original film, that’s basically just the presence of the Dorothy tornado tech. However, Twisters plays out almost like a remake. The beats are virtually identical to the original Twister, similar to the comparison between Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, and Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens. Twisters feels like a modern take on the original, which is what should put a smile on the faces of fans.
The main character in Twisters is Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a storm chaser with new technology that could relieve the devastation of tornadoes before it even happens. She mimics the role of Dr. Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) from the original. Playing opposite Kate is Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a popular YouTuber who chases storms for the thrills and YouTube views that go along with it. Both characters are surrounded by a team of storm chasers that assist with their duties.
Where Twisters shines is in the special effects, and the sheer spectacle of what you see on the big screen. Twisters is absolutely a film to watch in the biggest, loudest movie theater you can find. The effects in the original film were state of the art for 1996, and Twisters is very much following in that vein.
Depending on what you’re looking for in blockbuster films, where Twisters lacks is in everything but the spectacle. Character motivations are weak at best, and the “twists” in the plot are fairly obvious and borderline unnecessary. It’s a film that is easily forgettable, and generally lacks the fun characters of the original. However, given the YouTube angle, modern audiences will likely find it just as fun as younger viewers did back in 1996.
Twisters has a little something for people who loved the original, and something to bring in new audiences as well. There isn’t much depth to the film, but if you’re just looking for a good time at the movies, Twisters offers at least that much. There’s a moderate amount of shaky cam work, so anyone who is sensitive to motion sickness, be wary. Otherwise, Twisters is entertaining, if a bit shallow.
About Twisters
Synopsis: A retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist is persuaded to return to Oklahoma to work with a new team and new technologies.
Director: Lee Isaac Chung
Writers: Joseph Kosinski, Mark L. Smith
Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1 Hour, 57 Minutes
Bryan Dawson has been writing professionally since the age of 13. He started his career as a video game writer and has since worked for Random House, Prima Games, DirecTV, IGN, AOL, the British Government, and various other organizations. For GNN, Bryan taps into his passion for movies.
