As a fan of the 1996 film, Twister, I eagerly anticipated how the sequel, Twisters, would capture the thrilling and nostalgic essence of its predecessor. The original was a groundbreaking film that combined state-of-the-art special effects with a gripping story of storm chasers confronting nature’s fury. It showcased the destructive power of tornadoes, while highlighting the indomitable human spirit and the bonds forged in danger. Twister left a significant mark on the disaster movie genre, and there is hope that Twisters will honor its legacy while introducing fresh excitement and innovation.
When I was younger, I was deathly afraid of tornadoes, often canceling plans and sheltering in place during tornado watches. This fear was so intense that I would have nightmares about mythical dragons destroying everything around me, which I later realized symbolized my fear of tornadoes. However, the 1996 film transformed my terror into fascination, leading me to marvel at the natural phenomena that cause these storms.
While I’m not inclined to chase tornadoes, I have developed a keen interest in understanding them.
As YouTuber Ryan Hall says, “Be Prepared, Not Scared,” a mantra that helped me turn fear into informed preparedness. Twister didn’t just entertain me; it educated and empowered me, changing my perspective on one of nature’s most fearsome forces.
Twisters, directed by Lee Isaac Chung (Minari), follows the story of Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a college student-turned-weather expert, who is haunted by a traumatic storm encounter from five years ago. Kate’s friend, Javi (Anthony Ramos), approaches her to join his team to test a new radar system they are developing. On their first day of trials, they cross paths with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a famous YouTuber known for his high-risk storm chases. Initially working at odds with one another, they soon find themselves needing to collaborate as a tornado outbreak begins, realizing that relying on each other is crucial to saving lives.
Tyler has a recurring mantra throughout the film: “If you feel it, chase it.” This phrase resonates deeply within the narrative.
Kate and Tyler possess an innate ability to identify the perfect storms, relying on their extensive experience and unique instincts. As the film progresses, they develop an attraction to each other, engaging in a playful “cat and mouse” dynamic. Tyler feels the connection and is drawn into pursuing Kate. They represent two sides of the same coin, with a palpable chemistry that captivates the audience. We root for them to connect on a deeper level, but the thrill of the chase is equally compelling.
There is a concern with this film, though. Twisters glamorizes the storm chaser lifestyle, with Tyler portrayed as a larger-than-life character making decisions that, in reality, could be fatal or cause severe injury. While much of the science in the film is mostly accurate, it suggests that anyone with a vehicle and a weather app could replicate what Tyler and his team can do. Given today’s climate, where even common-sense activities often require caution labels, I feel the film should include a disclaimer. “If you feel it, chase it” should be used with caution.
Given the film is centered around tornadoes, you would expect the special effects to be stunning in Twisters. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. While there are occasional moments of spectacular visuals, the tornadoes mostly look unrealistic.
In one scene, the cloud tops of a tornado implode in a way that seems like a sped-up, reversed time-lapse shot, resulting in a cartoonish effect that clashes with the rest of the scene. Although some shots, such as a tornado engulfed in flames, are amazing to see, there are too many other moments where the special effects fall short. In fact, the original 1996 film had better effects than this updated sequel.
Despite its strong acting, the subpar visual effects make me give Twisters four out of five stars. The special effects certainly detract from what could have been a perfect score. However, the on-screen chemistry between Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell is so compelling that it overshadows these shortcomings. With such outstanding leads, the rest of the cast shines, contributing to a narrative that is fun, flirty and fearless.
The film might need a cautionary note for aspiring storm chasers: “If you feel it, chase it” might be better suited to passionate love stories, rather than reckless tornado pursuits.