Photo by ‘Twisters’ Movie Review: A Summer Blockbuster that Will Blow You Away
Growing up in Tornado Alley, I had a real fear of what the weather could do. But something about the original ‘Twister’ movie, released in 1996, ignited a fascination and love for Mother Nature that I still have to this day.
Small towns in Oklahoma are often in the path of these powerful storms.
Now, nearly three decades later, the long-awaited sequel ‘Twisters’ hits theaters, promising to ignite that same excitement and wonder for a whole new generation.
A Near-Perfect Summer Blockbuster
As someone who has seen ‘Twister’ countless times and considers it their favorite film of all time, I was so excited to be invited to an advance screening of ‘Twisters’, and let me tell you it is a near-perfect next chapter in the storytelling set by the original.
The new film ups the stakes and danger, making you wonder if anyone in this film is safe from ’the suck zone’.
From the very first scene, ‘Twisters’ grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The special-effects company, Industrial Light & Magic, returned and perfectly captured the complexities and different ways a tornado can look and behave. This new film takes that and ups the stakes and danger, making you wonder if anyone in this film is safe from ’the suck zone’.
More Damage and Destruction than the Original
While the original mainly places its tornadoes out in open fields with only the town of Wakita and a drive-in movie theater taking a hit, ‘Twisters’ focuses a lot more on the impact on these small communities throughout Oklahoma. The new film ups the damage and destruction felt, while also highlighting the altruism of the characters and citizens both in the path and wake of these storm systems.
The film showcases the vastness of Oklahoma’s landscapes, making me want to book a trip back home to see it all in person again.
Where the Score Falls Flat, the Soundtrack Picks It Up
The only aspect of ‘Twisters’ that disappoints me is the score by Benjamin Wallfisch. Mark Mancina’s score for ‘Twister’ is iconic and is one of my top five favorite film scores.
However, the soundtrack picks it up and made me fall back in love with country music. I enjoyed that the filmmakers hired various country music artists to write all-new original songs for this film, using the songs in varying degrees from action scenes to heartfelt moments.
Final Thoughts
Overall, ‘Twisters’ is a gripping roller coaster of a film that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This movie has to be seen on the big screen and is a true return to form for the summer blockbuster. Whether you’re a fan of disaster movies or just looking for an adrenaline rush, ‘Twisters’ delivers.
The original ‘Twister’ had a major presence in Orlando with its own attraction at Universal Studios Florida from 1998 until 2015.
