Twisters Review: A Spectacular Throwback to the Blockbusters We Love

Twisters Review: A Spectacular Throwback to the Blockbusters We Love

As a longtime gamer and movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Twisters” is a thrilling and nostalgic rollercoaster ride that takes us back to the era of blockbuster movies where weather spectacles were the epitome of action. Having grown up watching “Jurassic Park” and “Twister,” I was immediately drawn in by the promise of a modern take on the classic tornado disaster movie.


Around two decades after “Jurassic Park” revolutionized the big-budget film in 1993, Jan de Bont, a cinematographer turned action director, presented an unprecedented movie experience: “Twister.” This film brought lifelike and terrifying tornadoes to the screen, transforming extreme weather into exhilarating action for generations. Since then, no other film has managed to replicate that level of weather spectacle, as CGI became the norm in weather-related disaster movies. However, “Twisters,” directed by Lee Isaac Chung, successfully captures the essence of the classic disaster blockbuster we’ve yearned for since the ’90s.

Title “Twisters”: A follow-up to “Twister” in title and idea, yet with only minimal narrative links to its prequel. The core elements of “Twisters,” nevertheless, trace back to the original. The story initiates similarly to “Twister,” featuring a devastating tornado that claims the lives of people close to the protagonist. In this instance, it’s Kate Carter, portrayed by the captivating Daisy Edgar-Jones. Kate and her young weather enthusiasts are attempting an experiment meant to prevent tornados and safeguard people. Unfortunately, they underestimate the power of the storm, resulting in the deaths of three team members.

Five years have passed since I last faced the wrath of Tornado Alley. Out of the blue, Javi, the other survivor from that fateful day, reached out to me with an intriguing proposition. He wanted me to join his well-funded operation in Oklahoma, where we could harness data to protect people during the ongoing generational tornado outbreak. I was sold on the idea of keeping lives safe, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there were hidden motives at play.

Twisters Review: A Spectacular Throwback to the Blockbusters We Love

The movie “Twister” stays true to its identity and never attempts to be something else. It embraces the quirky and absurd elements that made many iconic blockbusters from three decades ago so entertaining. Undeniably, there’s a destructive storm system sweeping through various towns, leaving them in ruins within just a few days. Unsurprisingly, our protagonists are the most legendary figures to have built their careers on YouTube. And yes, for reasons unexplained, rockets are launched into tornadoes.

Mark L. Smith’s script is filled with amusing and captivating sequences. Chung skillfully manages each scene, making them exciting and chaotic. The frequent depictions of muddy Oklahoma roads dotted with speeding trucks keep you hooked with their unique perspectives. The tornadoes are not just spectacular but also incredibly thrilling, delivering an exhilarating cinematic experience. Having personally experienced the devastation caused by tornadoes, I can attest that no scene in this film pushes boundaries too far.

In addition to delivering an impressive spectacle that rivals a blockbuster movie, the film “Twisters” boasts an engaging cast whose performances breathe life into their characters. Each actor skillfully brings something unique to the table, making these characters stand out from others in films. Brandon Perea and Sasha Lane, reminiscent of Philip Seymour Hoffman’s captivating performance in the original, effortlessly steal the limelight. Tunde Adebimpe offers a subtly humorous portrayal that will leave audiences talking long after the credits roll, while Anthony Ramos anchors every scene with his ability to evoke emotion and keep us fully invested.

In “Twisters,” Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell shine brilliantly in their roles. Powell’s allure and ability to captivate audiences is no secret, with Tyler’s entrance in the massive red pickup truck leaving a lasting impression. However, it’s Edgar-Jones who steals the show by the film’s end. Her portrayal is not extravagant or attention-grabbing but rather, balanced, allowing other cast members to thrive in their larger-than-life roles. She serves as the calming center amidst the chaos, guiding the rest of the cast towards their best performances.

Just like the iconic movie “Twister” and numerous other blockbusters from that time, this film carries a profound yet compact message. It offers an exciting and amusing experience, which “Twister” does not lack. However, what sets it apart from its contemporaries is the hidden gem of optimism it presents. This film explores the theme of finding hope amidst uncontrollable circumstances and encourages embracing that hope when skepticism arises. Often, we dismiss the notion that our actions can make a difference. “Twister” defies this belief and forcefully shoves it aside; its core message is clear: “Hope is genuine, hope is essential, and hope is incredibly cool.”

As a gamer, I’ve found myself in a realm where optimism seems increasingly absurd. But Twisters, with its wild weather, star-studded cast, and an irresistible playlist of chart-topping tunes, serves as a gentle reminder that even in the most uncertain times, hope keeps us going. It’s the summer blockbuster we’ve yearned for, filled with thrilling twists and turns.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Twisters is now playing in theaters everywhere.

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2024-07-19 04:09