The 1996 blockbuster Twister left an indelible mark on the disaster movie genre, not just for its groundbreaking special effects but also for its heart-pounding portrayal of nature’s fury. With the announcement of a 2024 sequel, titled Twisters, the excitement was palpable among fans of the original. The new film promised to revisit the world of storm chasers, harnessing two decades of advancements in technology and storytelling to create a thrilling experience. Given the legacy of the original, Twisters had big shoes to fill. Would it live up to the expectations or succumb to the winds of nostalgia? In this review, we explore Twisters (2024), breaking down its strengths and weaknesses while ensuring that the core of the story remains unspoiled.
Twisters (2024) plunges viewers back into the high-stakes world of storm chasers, where the forces of nature are both the antagonist and the spectacle. The film retains the original’s intense atmosphere, where the looming threat of tornadoes creates a relentless sense of urgency. However, this time, the stakes are higher, the storms are deadlier, and the personal stories intertwined with the meteorological chaos are richer and more complex.
The narrative builds on the foundation laid by its predecessor, yet it evolves, incorporating modern scientific advancements and a deeper exploration of the human condition. While the original Twister was a straightforward disaster flick, Twisters aims to be more than just a thrill ride; it seeks to be a character-driven drama that happens to be set against the backdrop of one of nature’s most terrifying phenomena.
One of the most striking aspects of Twisters is its visual grandeur. The film leverages the latest in CGI and practical effects to create tornadoes that are not only realistic but also deeply terrifying. The attention to detail in these sequences is remarkable, from the way debris is hurled around to the eerily calm eye of the storm. The use of IMAX cameras for many of the action scenes enhances the immersion, making the audience feel as though they are right in the path of destruction.
The film’s depiction of various types of tornadoes—ranging from small, yet unpredictable, funnels to massive, city-destroying behemoths—is a testament to the filmmakers’ commitment to authenticity. The climactic scenes, in particular, are a visual tour de force, where the full power of nature is unleashed on the screen in a way that has never been seen before.
Unlike many disaster movies, where characters often feel like mere pawns to the spectacle, Twisters takes the time to develop its protagonists. The storm chasers in this film are not just thrill-seekers; they are driven by personal motivations and past traumas that make their actions meaningful. This depth adds a layer of emotional resonance that was somewhat lacking in the original.
The film also introduces new characters who are well-rounded and have their own arcs. Their relationships—whether strained, familial, or romantic—add complexity to the narrative and give the audience more to invest in than just the impending tornadoes. The interactions between the characters are genuine and often poignant, grounding the film in human emotion amidst the chaos.
Twisters goes beyond the Hollywood glamorization of storm chasing, offering a more authentic portrayal of the science behind it. The film consults real meteorologists and storm chasers to ensure that the jargon, equipment, and procedures depicted are accurate. This attention to detail not only enhances the film’s credibility but also educates the audience about the real dangers and challenges of chasing storms.
The depiction of the technology used by storm chasers—such as drones, mobile radar units, and sophisticated weather prediction software—is both accurate and fascinating. The film doesn’t shy away from showing the less glamorous aspects of storm chasing, such as the long hours of waiting, the tense moments of decision-making, and the ethical dilemmas faced by the chasers.
The score, composed by a veteran of the industry, is another standout element of Twisters. The music underscores the tension and drama without overpowering the scenes. It weaves in motifs from the original film, providing a sense of continuity, while also introducing new themes that reflect the film’s more mature tone.
The sound design is equally impressive. The roar of the tornadoes, the crackle of lightning, and the creak of bending metal are all rendered in exquisite detail, creating a visceral experience for the audience. The use of surround sound in theatres ensures that viewers are enveloped by the storm, heightening the sense of danger and immediacy.
While Twisters is undeniably a disaster movie, it doesn’t shy away from exploring deeper themes. The film touches on the impact of climate change, the ethical implications of storm chasing, and the human desire to confront and understand the uncontrollable forces of nature. These themes are woven into the narrative in a way that feels organic rather than preachy, offering viewers food for thought long after the credits roll.
One of the main drawbacks of Twisters is its pacing. While the film excels during its intense storm sequences, the quieter moments in between can sometimes feel slow. The filmmakers’ attempt to build character depth and explore complex themes is commendable, but it occasionally comes at the expense of momentum. Some viewers may find these slower sections to be a bit of a drag, particularly those expecting a more straightforward action-packed experience.
The film’s middle act, in particular, suffers from this issue. After a thrilling opening and before the climactic final act, the narrative takes a dip in energy as it delves into the characters’ backstories and the science behind the storms. While these scenes are necessary for the overall story, they could have been tightened to maintain the film’s tension.
While the CGI in Twisters is undeniably impressive, there are moments where the film’s reliance on digital effects becomes apparent. Some of the more complex tornado sequences, while visually stunning, lack the tangible realism that made the original film’s practical effects so impactful. In certain scenes, the CGI feels almost too polished, pulling the viewer out of the immersion.
Additionally, the sheer scale of some of the tornadoes borders on the fantastical, which, while visually exciting, might strain the suspension of disbelief for some viewers. The film could have benefited from a more balanced approach, mixing practical effects with CGI to create a more grounded visual experience.
Despite the film’s efforts to inject fresh ideas into the narrative, Twisters occasionally falls into familiar disaster movie tropes. Some plot points, particularly those involving character decisions and relationships, can be somewhat predictable. While these moments don’t detract significantly from the overall experience, they do make the film feel a bit formulaic at times. For fans of the genre, these tropes might be more forgivable, as they are often part of the appeal. However, for viewers seeking a completely fresh take on the disaster movie formula, Twisters might not fully satisfy in this regard.
While the main characters are well-developed, some of the supporting cast members are not given enough screen time to fully shine. These characters, who have the potential to add additional layers of depth and diversity to the story, often feel like they are there simply to fill out the ensemble. This is particularly noticeable in scenes where their backstories are hinted at but never fully explored. As a result, the emotional impact of certain scenes is lessened because the audience doesn’t have as strong a connection to these characters. A more balanced distribution of character development could have elevated the film’s emotional resonance.
Twisters is a film that largely plays it safe, sticking closely to the formula established by the original. While this approach will likely please fans of the first film, it also means that the sequel doesn’t take many risks or push the boundaries of the genre. There are moments where the film hints at new ideas or innovative approaches, but these are not fully explored.
For example, the film touches on the potential of new storm-chasing technologies and the ethical dilemmas they raise, but these themes are not as thoroughly examined as they could have been. Similarly, the film’s exploration of climate change feels more like a background element rather than a central theme. A bolder approach to these aspects could have made Twisters stand out more in a crowded genre.
Twisters (2024) is a worthy sequel to the original Twister, delivering the visual spectacle and intense action that fans of the genre crave. Its strengths lie in its stunning visual effects, character depth, and authentic portrayal of storm chasing, all of which combine to create a thrilling and emotionally engaging experience. However, the film is not without its flaws. Pacing issues, an over-reliance on CGI, and some predictable plot points prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessor.
Despite these shortcomings, Twisters is a film that will likely satisfy both fans of the original and newcomers alike. It successfully builds on the legacy of Twister, offering a modern take on the disaster movie formula while staying true to the elements that made the original a classic. For those seeking a thrilling ride through the heart of the storm, Twisters delivers in spades, even if it doesn’t completely rewrite the rulebook. I would give Twisters (2024) a 7.5 out of 10.
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