For those wondering about the duration of cinematic thrills, Twisters, the reboot to the 1996 classic disaster movie, delivers a runtime packed with spectacular tornado sequences. While the movie may feel long in exposition scenes due to a somewhat ridiculous script, the payoff comes in the form of breathtaking storm scenes that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. This summer blockbuster offers the familiar mix: vicarious thrills, assembly-line storytelling, and visually stunning moments that are worth experiencing on the big screen.
If you’re prepared to navigate through the weaker narrative elements, Twisters justifies a trip to the theater solely for its tornado sequences, which are undeniably impressive. The advancements in digital effects since 1996 are evident, and the immersive sound design, full of booms and crashes, enhances the end-of-the-world atmosphere. The sheer spectacle of these scenes makes the movie feel like a worthwhile experience, even if the plot meanders at times.
Within Twisters, audiences are treated to a generous serving of at least eight distinct tornadoes. These aren’t just your average twisters; they include a massive EF6 tornado, a terrifying twin tornado formation, a destructive fire tornado at an oil refinery, a tornado disrupting a rodeo (unexpected, yet it happens), and, in a self-aware moment, a tornado tearing through a movie theater, mirroring the audience’s own viewing experience. This variety keeps the storm sequences feeling fresh and intense throughout the film’s duration.
Credit is due to the screenwriters for crafting a narrative, however stretched, that allows the central characters to plausibly encounter approximately eight tornadoes within a few days, interspersed with flashback sequences. This high tornado count certainly contributes to the feeling that Twisters is an action-packed and eventful movie, even if the logic is occasionally strained.
The story revolves around an exceptionally rare “tornado cluster” in Oklahoma, which attracts storm chasers. Among them is scientist Kate Carter (Daisy Edgar-Jones), possessing an uncanny ability to predict tornado paths, and Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a self-proclaimed “tornado wrangler” and YouTube personality who chases storms for the adrenaline rush and online fame. Their initial friction evolves into romance, a predictable but standard element in such disaster films.
Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones in ‘Twisters.’ Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures.
This romantic subplot is almost obligatory for a popcorn disaster movie, and the screenplay further layers in elements of corporate villainy, social media dynamics, and somewhat convoluted science aimed at combating tornadoes. The film also includes forced scenes designed to flesh out characters and incorporates clichés of heartland sentimentality – think pickup trucks, beers, and stereotypical country imagery. While these narrative aspects might not be the strongest, they serve as interludes between the main attraction: the tornadoes.
Director Lee Isaac Chung (Minari) maintains a pace that ensures viewers are never far from the next weather-related catastrophe. Whether it’s an approaching tornado, an active one, or the aftermath, the film consistently delivers compelling “weather porn.” This capitalizes on humanity’s innate fascination with such powerful natural phenomena. The filmmaking team effectively blends digital effects and stunt work to create a powerful and visceral cinematic journey.
Experiencing Twisters in a large IMAX theater amplifies this visceral impact. The immersive environment makes the storm scenes feel incredibly real, triggering a primal sense of awe and perhaps a touch of unease. The sheer scale of the tornadoes on screen is designed to be overwhelming, contributing to the overall feeling of a thrilling, albeit lengthy, ride.
Interestingly, despite being set in the context of 21st-century meteorology and unprecedented tornado outbreaks, Twisters conspicuously avoids any direct mention of climate change. This omission seems deliberate. Perhaps the producers feared alienating audiences by being perceived as preachy or “woke.” This silence on a pressing global issue, while understandable from a commercial perspective, is a notable absence in a film centered around extreme weather events.
Ultimately, Twisters is enjoyable as a thrill-ride, particularly if you opt for the IMAX experience. While the narrative may not be groundbreaking, the movie delivers on its promise of spectacular tornado action. For those seeking visual spectacle and adrenaline, the runtime of Twisters is filled with enough thrilling moments to make it a worthwhile cinematic adventure, just don’t expect a deeply profound story alongside the storms.
