by Rosa Parra

I still remember the first movie I ever watched in a theater – the 1996 “Twister.” I was just eight years old, and I was mesmerized by the tornadoes on the big screen. Since then, it has become one of my favorite films that I rewatch every year. When I heard about the sequel, I was excited! The fact that such a beloved film was getting a sequel almost 30 years later meant I could experience it on the big screen again, evoking a wave of nostalgia.

The sequel titled “Twisters” (2024) is directed by Lee Isaac Chung. It stars Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, David Corenswet and Sasha Lane. The story follows Kate (played by Edgar-Jones), a seasoned stormchaser who is forced to confront her past when she returns to the field after a personal tragedy. Tyler, played by Powell, is a social media sensation whose daring and reckless storm chasing has earned him a large following. Their paths cross as they both face the most intense tornado season yet, and they may need to rely on each other to survive and achieve their common goal.

This is what the summer blockbuster season is all about! “Twisters” is a fun, tense and engaging movie that made me miss these films. Chung brings a more natural look to the screen. It does make the movie look more gloomy and gray, but its depiction is done to the extent that I can somehow feel the breeze and clouds forming. Using natural light was a deliberate choice that made this movie feel like a disaster film.

I slightly prefer this version over the original for the reason that the characters are more substantial. The character development in this film is so strong that it’s hard not to feel connected to them. I connected with Kate as a shy science nerd. Tyler is a character that initially gives off a douchey personality, but as the film unfolds, we see his true nature. I can see how some can identify with him. There is no question that he stole the show. Powell is a star whose on-screen presence is magnetic and his charisma is undeniable. The performances were good all around. Ramos is good as well as Edgar-Jones. Seeing James Paxton–the late-Bill Paxton’s son–in a brief cameo added to the nostalgia of the first movie and is perhaps a strand connecting both movies. Also, if you’re a country music fan, you’re in for a treat.

I can’t argue with those who state this movie is a remake disguised as a sequel because it does follow a similar story and the characters even have shades of Jo and Bill (Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton respectively). Using modern technology to chase more intense tornadoes does enough to distinguish itself from the original film. There are definitely callbacks to the 1996 movie, such as exact dialogue, a red truck (a symbol of the characters’ dedication to their mission) and Dorothy (the device used to study tornadoes), but instead of a love triangle with two women and a guy, here we have two men and a woman. Unlike the first film attempting to send Dorothy with sensors into the tornado to learn how it works, this movie goes the extra mile. It utilizes chemicals that would dissolve the twister. Scientifically speaking, messing with Mother Nature is never the solution, but turning off the brain is required for any disaster movie.

What stayed with me the most wasn’t necessarily the visuals, the score, the soundtrack, the acting or the tense circumstances, it was the intimate moments where humans actively seeked those directly affected by the tornadoes. It is the perfect message that’s needed in this climate (literally). We are better off helping others, and during our most hour of need, it’s a hopeful and kind showcase of compassion that will make the world a better place. This film is a beacon of hope and compassion, leaving the audience with a sense of upliftment.

Overall, “Twisters” is an excellent summer blockbuster that begs to be seen on the giant screen. This tense, entertaining, and engaging movie will leave you yearning for more films like this. Get yourself some popcorn and let this film blow you away.

4/5