Twisters: A Big, Dumb, Fun Summer Blockbuster
I never thought I’d be saying this about a movie called Twisters, but here we are. This big, dumb, fun summer blockbuster is precisely the sort of film that movie stars and summer blockbusters were invented for. And, make no mistake, it delivers on its promise of big, silly, cinema.
The Plot Thickens ( Sort Of )
Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones) used to be a talented storm chaser. Then, disaster struck, and she lost some friends in a tornado accident. Years later, Kate is out of the game, working in New York City, when Javi (Anthony Ramos) tracks her down. After a stint in the military, Javi’s gone to work tracking storms for a high-tech company, using new technology that can study tornados like never before. Kate’s initially resistant to his overtures, but eventually, she agrees to join him.
Storm Chasing Sans Frontières
Heading to Oklahoma, their first attempt at launching Javi’s tech goes poorly. Kate’s out of practice, still scarred, and annoyed by the casual storm chasers that litter the landscape now. Enter Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a seemingly reckless social media superstar who tames storms for his YouTube channel. Kate and Tyler butt heads at first, but as she becomes curious about who’s funding Javi’s work, she also sees how Tyler and his team have more to them than meets the eye.
A Star-Studded Cast Shines
Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell anchor the flick with major charisma. Edgar-Jones, in particular, has a screen presence that suggests the A-list. Powell, already a star, adds layers to what could have been a shallow role, and the pair have terrific chemistry. Anthony Ramos, as Javi, is a steady presence throughout.
Visually Stunning but Lacking Substance
Director Lee Isaac Chung makes a big leap up from Minari, scale-wise, and shows a solid feel for blockbusters. The screenplay mostly does the first film again, only bigger, but Chung manages to keep you invested in the characters. The effects are solid, and the pacing is largely effective, making this a big, silly, bit of fun.
Tornadoes in Oklahoma: a force to be reckoned with
Conclusion
Twisters is hardly reinventing the wheel, but it’s closer to a remake than a sequel. By not overtly going that route, it manages to avoid some unnecessary associations. What we have here is just a big, silly, bit of fun. This kind of dumb-in-a-good-way blockbuster is the sort of summer entertainment that delights audiences on a hot summer day. With the heat outside, stay cool in a theater with this weather-centric adventure.
