‘Twisters’ is a Whirlwind of Charisma, Country, and Crowd-Pleasing Fun
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By Elliott Cuff
Twisters, the standalone sequel to the 1996 hit disaster film Twister, opens wide in theaters today. Here are 5 spoiler-free takeaways about this exceptional action thriller.
Movie Star Credentials
Glen Powell was born to be a movie star, and if that wasn’t already made clear by the success of Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and this summer’s Hit Man, Twisters all but rubber-stamps that cold hard truth. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anthony Ramos each bring heart and emotional depth to their respective roles, and the supporting cast of recognizable faces all excel too, but Powell is the whirlwind of charm and charisma at the center of the storm. Long may he continue to be our modern-day McConaughey.
If You Can Feel It
For as much as Lee Isaac Chung tried to prioritize using practical effects throughout Twisters, such as using massive jet engines to provide an authentic windswept experience for the actors, the spectacular CGI stands out as an impressive feat. Every instance of disastrous weather looks and feels powerful, awe-inspiring, and terrifying in equal measure. In the age of visual effects-heavy summer blockbusters, general audiences may have stopped appreciating large sequences of CGI action, but it’s difficult to ignore how palpable Twisters makes each thrilling storm feel.
If It Ain’t Broke
Jan de Bont’s Twister is often earmarked as a fan favorite of the ‘90s, despite not being quite as strong as many of its genre contemporaries, particularly because of how absurd and yet absolutely fun it was. Chung’s Twisters doesn’t attempt to overhaul the formula and carve out a new direction for the standalone sequel. Instead, it stands squarely in line with the original, featuring interesting characters with compelling backstories and emotional depth. But more than that, it remembers to be a fun, crowd-pleasing experience that audiences can enjoy seeing on the big screen.
Feelin’ Country
Who’d have thought that country rock music would pair well with storm chasing? Twisters has a rocking soundtrack that features some of the biggest names in the country rock space, and it uses music extraordinarily well to set the tone. If the Oklahoma setting and Glen Powell’s team of Arkansas renegades weren’t already enough to sell you on the movie’s country credentials, the feel-good soundtrack more than does the job.
Devastating Impact
One aspect that set the original Twister apart from the spate of other disaster movies released during its era was how it took the time to highlight the devastation that tornadoes can cause, not just to buildings and infrastructure but also to people’s lives. Chung’s Twisters doubles down on that message, providing awareness while emphasizing the importance of helping each other during times of loss and hardship. Twisters carries the spirit of Twister forward, and that would make Bill Paxton proud.
Elliott Cuff is a writer, journalist, and film enthusiast. Follow him on Instagram @elliottlovesmovies.