We know what you’re probably thinking: no, there aren’t any flying cows in Twisters. There are cows, but they stay firmly grounded.
However, don’t let that concern you, as Twisters is still a solid film.
Set 28 years after the iconic ’90s hit Twister, this standalone sequel brings storm chasers back to the big screen. While the absence of airborne cattle might be a letdown for some, the film is crafted with genuine respect and affection for its predecessor.
The film’s appeal may vary depending on your nostalgia for the original, but Twisters delivers where it matters most: with thrilling, large-scale action sequences that are both wet and windy.
After a gripping opening scene, the story follows Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) five years after a major life event. She’s left storm chasing behind for a quiet life in New York City until her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) approaches her.
Javi needs Kate’s expertise in storm patterns to test a revolutionary tornado tracking system that could save lives. Reluctantly, Kate returns to the field and encounters Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a storm-chasing social media sensation known for his charisma and recklessness.
Tyler’s team thrives on pushing the limits of storm chasing for viral fame. Soon, Kate, Tyler, and their teams find themselves in the midst of multiple severe storm systems.
Since the film is titled Twisters, it’s expected to feature more than one tornado.
If you’re concerned that Twisters might just be an attempt to outdo the original, rest assured it’s more than that. The film includes several tornado scenes with varying levels of danger, but director Lee Isaac Chung and writer Mark L. Smith haven’t lost sight of the human element that made the original memorable.
Without the connection to the original, the film takes its time to build up its main characters. Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones don’t venture far from their usual roles—he’s the charming all-American hero, she’s dealing with past trauma—but their chemistry makes their transition from rivals to friends, and possibly more, engaging.
Given recent real-life tragedies, Twisters also thoughtfully addresses the impact of tornadoes on local communities. While it doesn’t delve deeply into these themes, it portrays them with more sensitivity than its predecessor.
This aspect is where you might wish the film had spent more time, as the story elsewhere feels fairly predictable. Aside from one clever twist regarding the true nature of the ‘heroes’, the plot unfolds as anticipated and takes a while to reach its conclusion.
Ultimately, you’re not watching Twisters for intricate plot twists. The real draw is the spectacle, which it delivers on impressively.
Sticking to practical effects enhanced with digital elements, Chung and his team make sure the storms feel real and heighten the tension and excitement, particularly in the climactic scenes set in a cinema—a nod to the original film.
The film’s set pieces have a nostalgic, old-school feel, complemented by Dan Mindel’s striking cinematography. He captures the chaos of Twisters with clear, widescreen visuals, ensuring you always know what’s happening despite the on-screen destruction.
While you might question the safety of the main characters given the peril they face, the film still manages to evoke concern for some of the supporting cast, like Brandon Perea’s memorable Boone.
Overall, Twisters is a well-crafted, effective summer blockbuster that entertains with its spectacular visuals. Fans of the original will find plenty of references, though the film might not fully captivate everyone.
3 stars