Movie Review: Twisters
Twisters: A Whirlwind of SFX and Dumb Fun
In a cinematic landscape that is overly saturated with moral preaching and audience guilt tripping narratives, "Twisters" offers a refreshing, if somewhat brainless, respite. Directed by Lee Isaac Chung, this loose follow-up to the 1996 movie "Twister" harnesses the power of cutting-edge special effects to deliver a visually stunning and entertaining experience, albeit with a plot that if you think about is ridiculous.
Disaster movies of the 90s
From the very first scene, "Twisters" makes its intentions clear: this is a film designed to dazzle and mirrors the originals with a harrowing close call for our main character. The special effects, are nothing short of spectacular. Each tornado that rips through the screen is rendered with astonishing realism, pulling viewers into the heart of the storm. The sequences blend chaos with thrilling action and really good sfx, with debris swirling in a dance of destruction that is both terrifying and mesmerising. If watching on an IMAX screen it’s probably incredible to experience, unfortunately the screen we saw it on was pretty small.
One of the most refreshing aspects of "Twisters" is its straightforward approach to its subject matter. In an era where many weather-related movies come with a heavy-handed message about climate change, "Twisters" chooses a different path. It doesn't preach or attempt to guilt the audience about environmental issues. Instead, it focuses on the sheer thrill and spectacle of nature's fury. This decision to sidestep the climate change discourse allows for a purely escapist experience, and isn’t that what a summer blockbuster should be all about? Dumb fun!
The plot, which revolves around a group of storm chasers trying to understand and predict the behaviour of tornadoes, and how to ‘tame’ them is undeniably daft. However, this is precisely where "Twisters" finds its charm. The film embraces its ridiculousness with a knowing wink, inviting the audience to suspend disbelief and simply enjoy the ride.
Leading the cast is Daisy Edgar-Jones as Kate Carter, a former storm chaser haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado. Her performance is earnest and energetic, perfectly suited to the film's over-the-top tone. Glen Powell, portraying Tyler Owens, brings a charismatic presence that helps carry the film. When we first meet him he’s your sterotypical yeehawing irritating cowboy but as the movie progresses and he comes to understand Kate he becomes increasingly likeable.
One of the film's greatest strengths is its ability to balance intense action with moments of levity. There are numerous laugh-out-loud scenes, many of which involve the ragtag team of storm chasers who accompany Kate and Tyler. Their banter and camaraderie provide a welcome counterpoint to the film's more serious moments, ensuring that the pace never drags.
A Summer Blockbuster
While "Twisters" is unlikely to win any awards for its screenplay, it excels in delivering what it promises: dumb fun. The action sequences are thrilling, the special effects are top-notch, and the overall experience is one of unadulterated enjoyment. It's the kind of film that begs to be seen on the biggest screen possible, with a bucket of popcorn in hand and a willingness to let go of logic for a couple of hours.
"Twisters" is a whirlwind of entertainment. Its plot may be stupid, but its heart is in the right place. If you’re looking to escape the real world for a few yours and lose yourself in a spectacular storm of cinematic silliness, "Twisters" is a good choice.
