TWISTERS

Despite not featuring any of the cast members from the original, “Twisters” still maintains the same elements 28 years later. In fact, it follows the exact same structure.

As if history was repeating itself, we have a protagonist with tornado-related trauma out to make a miraculous scientific discovery involving devices named after “Wizard of Oz” characters while in the middle of a conflict between the free-spirited and corporate storm chasers. Before it starts to feel too much like deja vu, Mark L. Smith’s script changes around some parts.

Instead of creating an invention to track tornadoes, Kate comes up with a chemical reaction that can stop a tornado mid-storm. While Javi’s group is funded by a rich real-estate mogul, Tyler Owens’ rowdy group of adrenaline junkies with meteorology degrees come off as more exploitative. As Bill Harding would’ve put it, the latter is “in it for the fame, not the science”, as they run a popular YouTube channel that shows off their theatrics and indifference.

Of course, some revelations are made about these two groups that change Kate’s opinions on them, allowing the audience to change Glen Powell’s smarminess into likable charm. It doesn’t go that deep into looking at how similar and different the groups are ethically, nor in exploring Kate’s trauma. All that “Twisters” wants to do is give a good show.

Director Lee Isaac Chung does what he can to turn this sequel into a fun ride, harkening back to the disaster-film era of the 90s in the same way “Top Gun: Maverick” gave tribute to the days of Simpson/Bruckheimer. Sadly it doesn’t reach the same heights as “Twister”, even if it’s sharing the same plot, though it gets points for trying.

Shot on location in Oklahoma, the film gets some gorgeous scenery out of the midwest, the real-life fields and towns giving some identity to the atmosphere. The cast, including a rogue’s gallery of acclaimed actors -much like the first film- play their parts well, especially Glen Powell. While everyone else portrays their characters as serious or silly, Powell’s movie-star charm elevates Owens. Although everything else, like Dan Midgel’s cinematography or Benjamin Wallfisch’s score, is pretty standard, the acting and tone of the film help it stand out among this year’s blockbusters.

“Twisters” is an interesting throw-back. It’s light enough for it to be a fun adventure, but doesn’t carry the same tension or weight as the movie it’s honoring. For films about people trying to chase something in the sky that’s a homage to older cinema, Jordan Peele did it better two years ago.

Feel free to also read Kent Tentschert and Lynn Venhaus’ reviews of “Twisters” - https://www.timesnewspapers.com/webster-kirkwoodtimes/arts_and_entertainment/reel_world/twisters/article_0a845164-4508-11ef-abb4-67f08ccf0739.html