In 1996, “Twister” came out starring Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. I LOVED that movie! I think most of us did. I can still remember the flying cow going across the screen! Also, there was a ride at Universal Studies and my brother Aaron loved it! I can remember his excitement as we were kids waiting to start the ride. Here we are 28 years later with a sequel. I will say (slight spoiler) I didn’t notice a ton of call backs to the first film, so if you haven’t seen it that’s ok…. but HOW haven’t you seen it yet? It’s been out since 1996. I was excited for this one! Would it live up to the original?

Onto the film.

The movie opens with a gripping sequence of a massive tornado tearing through a small town, immediately immersing viewers in the chaos and destruction that characterize the film. The special effects are top-notch, creating realistic and terrifying depictions of tornadoes that are both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Chung’s direction ensures that the audience feels the intensity of the storm, setting the stage for a high-stakes adventure.

Daisy Edgar-Jones stars as Kate Carter, a meteorologist and former storm chaser who is pulled back into the world of extreme weather due to a series of unprecedented super-tornadoes. Edgar-Jones, known for her roles in “Normal People” and “Fresh,” brings a compelling mix of intelligence and determination to the character. Kate Carter is a strong, resourceful protagonist whose passion for her work drives the narrative forward. Edgar-Jones’s performance is both emotionally resonant and physically demanding, making her a standout in the ensemble cast. I will also say she started in a movie (based on a book called “Where the Crawdads Sing” in 2022 that was a great film. In both that one, and this her acting is compelling, and believable. You immediately care for the character and are rooting for her!

Glen Powell plays Tyler Owens, a famous storm chaser on the internet whose charisma and charm add dynamic energy to the film. Powell’s chemistry with Edgar-Jones enhances the story’s emotional depth. Their evolving relationship, marked by moments of tension and mutual respect, provides a strong backbone to the film’s action-packed plot. You’ll remember Powell from Top Gun: Maverick. He is just as good in this film as that one.

Anthony Ramos as Javi, Kate’s former storm chaser colleague, delivers a solid performance, adding layers of complexity with his personal stakes and backstory. Brandon Perea as Boone, a videographer and member of Tyler’s crew, brings a youthful exuberance and technical expertise that enrich the story.

The supporting cast, including Maura Tierney as Cathy Carter, Kate’s mother, and Harry Hadden-Paton as Ben, a London journalist profiling Tyler, add depth and authenticity to the narrative. Tierney’s portrayal of a concerned yet supportive mother provides a grounding emotional touch, while Hadden-Paton’s character introduces an outsider’s perspective on the storm-chasing world.

Sasha Lane as Lily, a drone operator, and Tunde Adebimpe as Dexter, a scientist, contribute significantly to the team’s dynamic, bringing both technical skill and personal flair to their roles. Katy O’Brian as Dani, a mechanic, and David Born as Marshall Riggs, the man who helps fund the Storm Par team, round out the crew with memorable performances.

The film’s narrative, while centered around the thrilling pursuit of tornadoes, also delves into the personal lives and motivations of the characters. The screenplay, co-written by Chung and Mark L. Smith, balances intense action with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the urgency and danger of their mission while allowing for moments of introspection and growth.

One of the film’s strengths is its depiction of the scientific and technical aspects of storm chasing. The accuracy and detail in the meteorological elements add credibility to the story, enhancing the audience’s immersion. The practical effects and stunts are meticulously crafted, making every encounter with a tornado feel visceral and real.

The cinematography by Adam Arkapaw captures the breathtaking beauty and destructive power of nature. From sweeping shots of ominous storm clouds to the harrowing close-ups of debris-laden winds, the visual style is both epic and intimate. The film’s score by Hildur Guðnadóttir complements the visuals, heightening the tension and emotion with a hauntingly beautiful composition.

In conclusion, “Twisters” is a worthy successor to the original film however, it isn’t as good as the original. I do like the leads, but their chemistry isn’t as natural as Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton. I will say this film had more of a scientific feel to it. There was less corny cows flying through the air and more details of HOW tornados work and HOW they can be “destroyed” …maybe. That being said this is a GREAT summer flick. Go see this as soon as you can! 4 stars out of 5.