Twisters lands in Australian cinemas this week, nearly 30 years after the previous instalment in the Universal Studios franchise. Here’s hoping that this new film isn’t just a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but instead a worthy successor to its blockbuster predecessor.
My experience with the original Twisters is pretty minimal. I saw the film years ago when I was young, but I didn’t retain much. I actually have more fond memories of the theme park ride at Universal Studios Orlando, where my parents and I used to vacation. Even with my minimal knowledge of the film, I was still super excited for this adrenaline-pumping disaster film.
After viewing Twisters, the most surprising element to me was how good the story was. It had some unexpected twists (pardon the pun) that kept me hooked. The plot developments were genuinely unpredictable. This depth in the storytelling was refreshing in a genre often criticised for prioritising spectacle over substance.
Visually, Twisters is a marvel. The VFX and sound design are top-notch, creating an immersive experience that made me feel like I was caught in the eye of a tornado. The detailed depiction of the twisters, combined with heart-pounding sound effects, resulted in a truly visceral experience. This is a film that demands to be seen in cinemas to fully appreciate the scale and intensity of the natural disasters it portrays.
The action sequences are nothing short of exhilarating. The stakes are high, with moments that made me genuinely question whether all the characters would survive. This sense of uncertainty added to the thrill.
One thing the film doesn’t shy away from is how unapologetically American it is. It celebrates all aspects of American culture with scenes involving fireworks, baseball, rodeos, and a great country music soundtrack. This cultural embrace added authenticity and a charm that will likely resonate well with American audiences, especially during their summer blockbuster season.
As far as the characters go, the standout performance was easily Glen Powell. He delivers a flawless performance as Tyler Owens; the seemingly obnoxious thrill-seeking YouTuber with a hidden heart of gold. His character arc is both entertaining and endearing, adding humour and humanity to the intense storyline.
However, Twisters is not without its flaws. Daisy Edgar-Jones’ (Where The Crawdads Sing) character, Kate Carter, unfortunately falls into the “Mary Sue” category of tropes – she is portrayed as a genius who can do no wrong and is loved by everyone she meets. This lack of character dimension is a missed opportunity for a more nuanced portrayal. Despite this, the film benefits from a strong ensemble cast that helps ground the story and add a sense of realism.
Twisters is an adrenaline-fueled crowd-pleaser that delivers thrilling action and engaging storytelling. Its impressive VFX, high stakes, and cultural authenticity make it a perfect American summer blockbuster. While not without its flaws, the film’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-watch – especially on the big screen
8/10
