Twisters

Twisters, the long-awaited sequel to Jan De Bont's 1996 film Twister, directed by Lee Isaac Chung, presents itself as an intense cinematic experience. The story picks up on familiar elements from the first film while introducing new characters and issues, but struggles to capture the magic of the original. Fans of the original will find a few nostalgic nods, but may be disappointed by the lack of a deep connection with Jan de Bont's film.

The plot of Twisters follows Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a talented meteorologist and former storm chaser, scarred by a past tragedy. Recruited by her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) to join a modern, well-funded team, she must confront her demons and collaborate with Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a charismatic daredevil who chases tornadoes to fuel his YouTube channel. This dynamic of rivalry and budding romance between Kate and Tyler is supposed to be the heart of the film, but lacks depth and development. Their interactions, while occasionally entertaining, often remain superficial and predictable.

Twisters' special effects are up to current standards, but lack the innovation and visual impact that Twister achieved in 1996. The tornadoes, although impressively rendered thanks to CGI technology, lack the terrifying and captivating aura of those in the original. Lee Isaac Chung, known for his sensitive, intimate work on Minari, seems less at home with large-scale action sequences here. The storm scenes, often filmed with a shaky camera and saturated with CGI, quickly become chaotic and difficult to follow, losing dramatic effectiveness.

However, Twisters' 4DX experience offers an immersive dimension that partly compensates for the film's weaknesses. The moving seats, wind, water and vibration effects synchronized with the on-screen action, plunge viewers into the heart of the storms. This technology heightens adrenalin and excitement, transforming the screening into a true sensory adventure. Seeing Twisters at the cinema, particularly in 4DX, becomes a unique and memorable experience, reminding us of the importance of physical immersion in cinematic pleasure.

The Twisters cast is made up of promising talents, but their performances are often limited by a script that lacks depth. Glen Powell stands out for his natural charisma and modern cowboy looks, but his character Tyler remains one-dimensional and superficial. Daisy Edgar-Jones, though talented, fails to make Kate truly captivating, her character too often reduced to stereotypes of the tormented scientist. The secondary characters, played by actors such as Anthony Ramos and David Corenswet (the future Superman), are woefully under-exploited, adding little to the main plot and lacking significant on-screen moments.

Twisters' attempt at modernization involves the integration of contemporary elements such as social networking and environmental concerns. Tyler, with his YouTube channel and online exploits, represents this new era of digital celebrity. However, these additions often seem forced and clumsy, not fitting harmoniously into the narrative. The quick mention of the climate crisis, while pertinent, lacks in-depth treatment, reducing its potential impact and leaving an impression of opportunism rather than genuine engagement.

Despite its slight flaws, Twisters manages to entertain thanks to its action sequences and steady pace. The tornadoes, though sometimes too artificial, offer moments of suspense and spectacle that will delight thrill-seekers. The film also explores human resilience in the face of natural disasters, underlining the importance of community and solidarity. These themes, though sometimes superficially addressed, add an emotional dimension that resonates with audiences, reminding them of the real challenges faced by communities living in high-risk areas.

Twisters is a must-see movie for its spectacular and immersive potential, rather than for the depth of its story or the complexity of its characters. The 4DX version offers a unique sensory experience that fully justifies the trip to the cinema. While the film fails to fully capture the magic and originality of its predecessor, it succeeds in offering an entertaining and immersive adventure. For those seeking an adrenaline rush and total immersion in raging storms, Twisters is a cinematic experience worth discovering.

Twisters
Directed by Lee Isaac Chung
Written by Mark L. Smith
Story by Joseph Kosinski
Based on Characters by Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley
Starring Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos, Brandon Perea, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, David Corenswet
Cinematography : Dan Mindel
Edited by Terilyn A. Shropshire
Music by Benjamin Wallfisch
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, Amblin Entertainment, The Kennedy/Marshall Company
Distributed by Universal Pictures (North America), Warner Bros. Pictures (International)
Release dates : July 8, 2024 (London), July 17, 2024 (France), July 19, 2024 (United States)
Running time : 122 minutes

Seen on July 16, 2024 at Gaumont Disney Village, Room 4DX seat H5

Mulder's Mark: