“You don’t run from your fears. You ride ‘em.”
I should caveat this review by stating upfront that this is a standalone sequel. Which means that Twisters, while existing in the same universe as the 1996 film of the same name (minus the “s”), it has little or no narrative connection to its predecessor. And yet, I found many parallels between this film and its predecessor, which gave it the feel of a modern-day retelling rather than a sequel. This is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if you loved the original film. In that case, these similarities may invoke feelings of nostalgia. Then again, it could also feel like a cut-and-paste job. For me, I err on the side of nostalgia, as while I did detect multiple similar themes, they seem more like homages than reproductions. This film also serves as a good follow-up for Daisy Edgar-Jones after her leading role in Where the Crawdads Sings. Then there is Glenn Powell, who right now is inescapable with notable performances in Top Gun: Maverick, Devotion, Anybody But You, and most recently Hit Man, all films that he’s done in the last two years. Rounding out the cast, we have Anthony Ramos (Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), Kiernan Shipka (The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Daryl McCormack (Peaky Blinders), and most notably for me, the soon-to-be Superman, David Corenswet in a very un-Clark-Kent-like role.
First parallel: both Edgar Jones’ Kate Carter and Helen Hunt’s Jo Harding experienced tragic circumstances and loss as result of tornadoes, which went on to shape their lives. However, where they differ is in the effect that situation had on them. Where Hunt’s Harding became a driven tornado-obsessed meteorologist leading a team of storm chasers, Edgar-Jones’ Carter is wrecked with survivor’s guilt and hesitant to resume her former storm-chasing escapades. On balance, I think I prefer the latter to the former. It provided a layer of depth to Edgar Jones’ overall character thanks to the way that she conveyed the character’s hesitation to return to the field, and years-long scars gave her a challenge to overcome.
Also, while the film does not feature any original characters, it does feature some original equipment: Dorothy. Along with keeping the Wizard of Oz motif established in the first film, Twisters leverages the Dorothy Doppler to introduce some updated technology intended to revolutionize tornado early warning system. Taking it a step further, the film also introduces a radical theory on how to affect the intensity of a tornado. And while it is explained in a manner which required very little suspension of disbelief, not sure I’d be willing to bet my life on it like our protagonist does. Interestingly enough, this theory also appears to have roots in the original film, albeit via a proposed sequel idea. Apparently, Helen Hunt pitched her version of a Twister sequel which featured inventions to stop tornadoes.
Now let’s talk Glen Powell. Twisters marks his second time starring in a sequel released decades after its predecessor. Building on the cocky demeanor seen in both Top Gun: Maverick and Anybody But You, Powell gives a more-than-meets-the eye performance this time out of the gate. This is set up with his character dual-hatting as both an academic and an internet personality. Also, I enjoyed the spirit of competition brewed between Powell’s Tyler Owens and Edgar-Jones’ Kate Carter. Naturally, this eventually started to evolve into flirtation. Fortunately, the film slightly sidesteps this stereotypical trope. Just barely.
Completing the trio is Antony Ramos, who is the character with the most redemptive arc in the film. His character walks that good-intentions-paved road a bit, and while he has s few missteps and is a rival for Powell’s Owens, he is still likeable. This is courtesy of Ramos easygoing demeanor and the humility he infuses into the role. Taking nothing away from Powell’s character, I think I would have preferred to see Ramos’s character play a more prominent role. I think it would have better help to differentiate from the enemies-to-romance trope.
If you have a choice, I recommend seeing the film in Dolby to take full advantage of the technical advances of the film, particularly the special effects. For its time, the original film was a excellent depiction, and Twisters continues that standard with a worthwhile experience. Further honoring the original film, Twisters was entirely shot on Kodak 35mm film on location in Oklahoma. According to the director, a large part of that decision came from wanting to capture the natural, vibrant colors of the state. And my final interesting fact and homage to the original film: James Paxton, the son of the dearly departed Bill Paxton, appears during the rodeo scene as the angry hotel guest. So be sure to be on the lookout for him.
