Twisters Review: A Mind-Blowing Disaster Movie

Twisters Review: A Mind-Blowing Disaster Movie

I’ve been a longtime fan of disaster movies since I first saw the original “Twister” back in 1996. The thrill of watching Mother Nature unleash her fury on unsuspecting towns and communities has always captivated me, leaving me on the edge of my seat with bated breath. So, when I heard that a sequel was in production, I couldn’t contain my excitement!


As a fan, I can’t help but feel that filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung drew inspiration from James Cameron’s playbook when proposing the idea for “Twisters“: he cleverly transformed the word “Twister” into “Twisters,” and then appended an “$” sign to the “S.” This innovative title signals a new disaster movie, which serves as a sequel to the iconic 1996 production helmed by Jan de Bont. Chung, who previously garnered critical acclaim with Minari, makes a bold leap from a budget of $2 million to an impressive $200 million. Frankly, I’m astounded that this visionary director is responsible for “Twisters,” and I mean that in the most complimentary way possible.

Chung seems to have spent his entire life directing major motion pictures, making it hard to believe this is his debut work on a large-scale Hollywood production. The outcome has been nothing short of amazing. The movie “Twisters” stands out as an exceptional follow-up, delivering all the thrills of a summer blockbuster. This film has instantly captivated audiences, offering a cinematic experience like no other in 2023. With its epic action scenes and breathtaking visual effects, it brings back memories of the disaster movies popular in the ’90s. Featuring new talent and advanced technology, “Twisters” is a worthy continuation of the original, and I personally believe it surpasses the first installment. Prepare to be astounded.

Universal Pictures delivers a major summer blockbuster each July. In 2022, it was “Nope,” and in 2023, “Oppenheimer” took over. This year, we’re treated to “Twisters.” Initially, this film underwent several transformations. At one point, it was slated as a remake; later, plans included a sequel that would eliminate Helen Hunt’s character. However, Chung became involved, and the project evolved into a standalone continuation. The opening scene of “Twisters” recalls the technology that Hunt and Bill Paxton’s characters were developing in the original film. Subsequently, we have an innovative movie that shares many similarities with the 1996 production but has been modernized for contemporary audiences.

As a gamer, I’d describe it like this: The opening scene of Twisters hooks me right in. I meet the fearless storm chaser Kate Cooper, portrayed by Daisy Edgar-Jones. Her initial action sequence is nothing short of breathtaking and leaves me invested in her character. It sets the stage for who she will become. Years have passed, and Kate has sworn off storm chasing for a safer career. But just as I thought things were calm, her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) bursts onto the scene with an urgent call to action. At first, I resist, but the screenplay masterfully builds tension, making me question if Kate should heed this call. Eventually, she does – and it turns out that her reason for avoiding the chase is exactly what pushes her back into the storm’s path, making for a compelling and engaging journey.

After that, we encounter our team, comprised of David Corenswet as Scott. Notably, Glen Powell emerges dramatically, with Luke Combs’ music playing loudly in the background – an unforgettable cinematic entrance for the year. Known for his recent breakout roles in Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and Hit Man, Powell joins the scene as Tyler Owens, a well-known social media personality who seeks out storms. Initially, he appears boisterous and flashy, reminiscent of Cary Elwes’ character from the original film. However, Powell skillfully portrays the character, revealing glimpses of humanity beneath his charming exterior.

Growing up in the heart of Tornado Alley, I’ve seen my fair share of these monstrous twisters. The fear they instill is something that sticks with you long after the storm has passed. Movies like “Twister” transport us to the heart of the action, allowing us a thrilling and safe glimpse into the destructive power of these natural wonders.

The wise choice he made is significantly present in the film’s adaptation. The audience experiences the thrill and devastation primarily through the eyes of the characters. Witnessing the wreckage narrowly miss them, and observing the chaos is awe-inspiring. The movie maintains its focus on the people and their stories, portraying both the emotional drama and the destructive power of tornadoes. It avoids senseless action and instead delivers authentic emotions, providing deep moments for the characters without letting them escape the danger for an extended period.

As a passionate gamer and movie enthusiast, I strongly recommend treating yourself to a ticket for Twisters. Trust me, this film will take you on an exhilarating ride from your seat right to the back of the theater. The creators, Chung and Mark L. Smith, have poured their hearts into this project, striking the perfect balance between thrilling action and bone-chilling danger.

SCORE: 8/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 8 signifies “Great” for me as a fan. Although there are some small drawbacks, this grade indicates that the artwork effectively achieves its intended purpose and leaves a lasting impression on me.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Twisters review.

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2024-07-18 00:40