Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 Stars)
Released 07-19-2024
Watched 07-19-2024
Reviewed 07-20-2024
Watched in the theater Using Cinemark Movie Club
"I'm not back!"
“Twisters,” directed by Lee Isaac Chung, stands as a thrilling testament to the legacy of its 1996 predecessor, “Twister.” As a standalone sequel, it respects the original's spirit and brings a fresh, exhilarating perspective to the storm-chasing genre. The film’s star-studded cast, including Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, and Maura Tierney, delivers stellar performances, breathing life into a gripping narrative filled with both action and emotional depth.
The story follows college student Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), who encounters a catastrophic EF5 tornado in Oklahoma along with her storm-chasing team. The initial tragedy sets a somber tone as Kate loses several colleagues, including her boyfriend Jeb (Daryl McCormack). Fast forward five years, and we find Kate working at a NOAA office in New York City. Her old teammate, Javi (Anthony Ramos), lures her back into the field with a new tornado scanning system, reigniting both professional ambitions and unresolved personal conflicts.
Chung masterfully balances the intense, edge-of-your-seat storm sequences with heartfelt character moments. The dynamic between Kate and the audacious YouTube storm chaser Tyler Owens (Glen Powell) adds a compelling layer to the narrative. Their evolving relationship, from initial skepticism to mutual respect and partnership, provides a solid emotional core amid the chaos.
The film’s visual effects are nothing short of spectacular. Shot on 35mm film, “Twisters” captures the awe-inspiring yet terrifying beauty of tornadoes with a level of realism that immerses the audience in every scene. The use of practical effects, coupled with state-of-the-art CGI, ensures that the storm sequences are both believable and breathtaking. The cinematography, especially during the climax, where Kate drives into the tornado’s center, is a visual feast that leaves viewers in awe.
Adding to the immersive experience, watching “Twisters” in a theater equipped with D-Box seating, XD sound, and visuals is a must. The motion-enhanced seating syncs perfectly with the film’s high-octane action, making you feel every jolt and shake as if you were right there in the eye of the storm. The XD sound system envelops you in a rich, dynamic audio landscape, crystal-clearly capturing the roaring tornadoes and subtle nuances of the dialogue. This combination elevates the viewing experience to new heights, ensuring that “Twisters” is not just seen but truly felt.
However, “Twisters” does more than dazzle with its visuals. It subtly addresses the impact of climate change without being preachy, allowing natural disasters to reflect our world’s growing environmental challenges. Chung’s nuanced approach ensures that the message is clear yet unobtrusive, aligning with his belief that cinema should reflect reality without becoming didactic.
The supporting cast, including Anthony Ramos as Javi, Maura Tierney as Kate’s mother, and Harry Hadden-Paton as journalist Ben, deliver strong performances that enhance the film’s depth. The ensemble’s chemistry is palpable, adding authenticity to their interactions and the unfolding drama.
While the science behind the tornado-busting experiments might stretch credibility, it’s important to remember that “Twisters” is designed to entertain, not educate. The film succeeds as a high-octane disaster flick, complete with moments of triumph, despair, and hope. It’s a rollercoaster ride that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
In conclusion, “Twisters” is a worthy successor to the original “Twister,” blending nostalgia with modern cinematic techniques to create a thrilling, emotionally resonant experience. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a newcomer to the franchise, “Twisters” is a must-watch that promises to leave you both breathless and deeply moved.
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