It is almost 30 years later, but we finally have a follow up to Twister. But make no mistake, Twisters is a sequel in name only. The two movies occur in the same universe, and there are things that tie the two together (such as Dorothy making an appearance), but these are completely new characters and a new(ish) story. If you’re looking for a continuation of any character’s story from Twister, you won’t find it here. But much like the original, Twisters is a fun time at the theatre.
While Twisters is its own story, it offers much of what made the original such a fun movie. It’s big and loud and does not pretend it is anything other than pure entertainment. The story is a little on the silly side, but then so was Twister. In fact, the story is mostly the same in both. Here we have a couple competing storm chaser teams; one with serious scientists, and the other with a bunch of knowledgeable misfits (and I say that lovingly). Then, chaos ensues. If you’ve seen Twister, you can always guess where this movie is headed.
This time around we have Daisy Edgar-Jones (Kate) and Glen Powell (Tyler) in the lead roles, both of whom are great. She’s the one with the natural gift for tracking storms, while also being the one haunted by her past. He’s the maverick, storm-chasing YouTuber who may be a little reckless but is well meaning. It’s like they took the roles played by Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, mashed them together, then split them apart again with the characters traits allocated a little differently. Anthony Ramos is also great as an old colleague of Kate’s who pulls her back into the storm chasing world. You do not get much from the other characters though, which is a shame. I would have liked a little more. But I guess that would have just taken time away from the spectacle.
And Twisters is indeed a spectacle. You’re going to want to see this one on a big screen with a good sound system. This is a disaster movie, and it is meant to be big and and loud. The action sequences are thrilling and plentiful, and the visual effects are terrific. The twisters and the ensuing destruction are all very well done and entertaining as can be. But it was the sound design that really put it over the top. When that tornado starts you want to be feeling it in your seat, and I certainly did. Twisters may not be the most original story, but it certainly delivers on what you’re there to see.
Overall, Twisters was a lot of fun. It may not be too original, but I sure enjoyed it. And there’s something to be said for sticking with a formula that works. Sure, there are a couple issues, but you shouldn’t spend time thinking about that. Twisters is the type of movie where you need to turn off your mind and enjoy the ride. I know I did. I definitely recommend seeing it (unless you did not like the original). And please note that I did see plenty of opportunities to insert “blow/blew me away jokes” here, I just chose not to. But please feel free to insert your own if it helps.
Have you seen Twisters? Are you planning to? Let me know your thoughts in the comments.