Twisters review
Chasing tornadoes may not seem like a great idea for the average person, but the new film Twisters really incites fun at the prospect. The movie, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, takes the viewer on an adventure with the talented cast. After a traumatic experience, Kate Carter, tornado expert, must face her fear of said natural disaster. Along the way, the viewer encounters Glen Powell’s dashing character as Tyler Owens and must decide whether he and his crew of Pogue-like Youtuber comrades are as selfish as they appear.
Although the film is a sequel, Twisters adds its own original elements. Whether it's the Sarah Cameron-esque plotline or the roguish side characters, Twisters has a mind of its own. The first half hour of the movie is a direct parallel to Twister. For reasons I shall not delve into to avoid spoilers, Kate’s character undergoes a similar experience to that of Jo Harding in the original film. However, Daisy Edgar-Jones brings originality through her quirky tornado-obsessed character.
Edgar-Jones demonstrates all the charisma and heroism one can expect from a tornado-chasing scientist. Her ability to play American characters is brilliant. Four of her biggest roles are portrayals of Americans which differs from her British upbringing. In this film, she shows all the wit and honor she can. Whether it’s sarcastic banter with Powell’s character or showing us her nerdy side, Kate’s actress demonstrates all one could want from a female lead without being overwhelming.
In contrast, Glen Powell’s character, Tyler, is exactly what viewers hoped. Maybe it's the recognition on social media that he’s received due to the film or perhaps it’s his “Tornado Wrangler” dorkiness. He is the cocky, arrogant cowboy that one would expect opposite Edgar-Jones’s quiet, logical character Kate. Along the course of the film, the viewer sees the deeper side of Tyler; his love and fear of tornadoes, his scientific charm and his genuine care of others. Powell does an incredible job portraying the reckless cowboy and is well-deserving of the credit he’s received.
Putting Kate and Tyler together is something every viewer can expect and even though romance isn’t the main focus of the film, there are elements that show that there is a link between the two. However, Lee Isaac Chung did not end the movie with a romantic ending. This leaves the future of Kate and Tyler entirely up to the viewer. While this may not be appealing to some viewers, it does keep the focus away from romance and drives one toward the point of the film: saving people even if it means sacrificing your own life, a message that any Christian can enjoy.
While the film gives us charm and charisma, it would not be the same without Edgar-Jones and Powell. The two leads and their dynamic is what drives the film and makes it so entertaining. Without them, despite all the talent the other stars possess, the film would be flat. Powell donates all of the wit to the film; without him, many of the jokes would be dull and cringey. Meanwhile, Edgar-Jones shows the emotional side while cracking a few well-aimed jokes of her own, most of which are directed at Powell.
Overall, Powell and Edgar-Jones give this film exactly what it needs to be successful. Twisters is worth viewing and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the original. The disaster story is one that people of all ages can view with excitement and thrill. I would go for a rewatch if the opportunity presented itself.
By Adelle Hall