It’s difficult to savage a film for leaning into what it is – summer escapism.
There are other aspects of “Twisters” to take issue with, however, like the fact that it’s a sequel that comes nearly three decades after its predecessor. That means there’s no Helen Hunt as Jo Harding, despite an in-film tease that perhaps her character will eventually make a cameo. Bill Paxton, who played her estranged spouse, died several years back.
Of course, that means it’s not a sequel but instead a reboot, which means same plot, new cast. Still, were it not for the original, there would be no new film.
Screenwriter Mark L. Smith, working from a story by Joseph Kosinski, finds territory to delve into the world of tornado chasers and include a heaping dose of drama. With the drama, however, comes plot issues that require a leap of faith.
“Twisters” follows Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones), an ambitious Oklahoma-based weather scientist and Ph.D. candidate who seemingly comes up with a method for collapsing tornadoes. In the midst of attempting her method – in the belly of a tornado – she loses three close friends, including her boyfriend.
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Fast-forward five years, and the only other survivor of her effort, Javi (Anthony Ramos), contacts her where she’s working in New York City in the hope she will use her expertise as a chaser to help him in a venture he sells as an opportunity to map tornadic activity and help with predicting it.
She reluctantly joins his team after his hard sell, but there is something personal at stake − she needs to get over her survivor’s guilt.
Their situation is complicated by a rival chasing team led by Tyler Owens (Glen Powell of “Hit Man,” “Top Gun: Maverick”). That ragtag group appears to be in the game for the wrong reasons and serves as competitive fodder for Kate and Javi.
During the approximately two hours of screen time, we’re taken through the characters’ assorted issues and motivations, none of which is enough to carry the film on its own.
The suspicion from this corner: This film was made simply as a way to capitalize on a prior property that did surprisingly well. The original didn’t have high expectations, and when it exceeded those expectations, it led to changes in how movie studios conducted business. Before “Twister’s” May 10, 1996, release date, the summer movie season didn’t begin until Memorial Day weekend.
The reality for “Twisters,” however, is that it’s more reliant on the amusement park ride vibes it projects. It feels more like an immersive experience than an emotional one. Indeed, with an enhanced thundering sound, the audience is thrust in the middle of a storm in more than a few scenes.
Director Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”) uses that to great effect, although there are moments when the film overwhelms due to how he chose to shoot it.
Ultimately, he crafts a breezy, entertaining film in “Twisters” that provides the expected cliches. Should you see it? Depends on what you’re in the mood to watch.
Reach George M. Thomas at gthomas@thebeaconjournal.com
Review
Movie: “Twisters”
Cast: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney
Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung
Running time: 2 hours, 2 minutes
Rated: PG-13 for intense action and peril, some language and injury images.
Grade: C+
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