The “summer blockbuster” seemed like a relic of the past after 2020, with the excitement around major summer releases declining. This changed with the release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, a film that took the world by storm and packed theaters for what felt like the first time since 2020. When it was announced that the 1989 summer hit Twister would be getting a stand-alone sequel this summer, it felt like the return of summer blockbusters was upon us.
Twisters is a stand-alone sequel that follows meteorologist Kate Cooper (Daisy Edger Jones) reuniting with her friend Javi (Anthony Ramos), who introduces a promising new device to help them track tornadoes. During their research, they cross paths with internet celebrity Tyler Owens (Glen Powell). The exposition throughout the whole film is nothing special, and more a means to have the characters interact when needed. It serves its purpose without the stakes ever feeling too dire until the very end. Daisy Edger Jones gives a solid performance with nothing particularly bad, but also nothing that stood out. The highlight is her chemistry with the star of the show, Glen Powell. His presence on screen is so demanding and charismatic, that it’s impossible to look away from. Audiences have been rightfully obsessed with Glen Powell ever since Top Gun: Maverick, and Anyone But You only fueled that obsession. Powell just can elevate every movie he’s in, and he’s doing it again here.
Director Lee Isaac Chung and cinematographer Dan Mindel have combined for a visually stunning film with Twisters. Shot on 35mm film, every scene from the heart-pounding tornado sequences to the heart-throbbing romantic ones is so pleasing to look at. Camera work like this is so essential for creating an experience audiences feel like they’re a part of. The choice to shoot on film also allowed the CGI to blend in so naturally. Nothing will lose an audience faster than goofy effects, and that’s especially true for disaster movies. Then from an audio standpoint, Twisters not only matches the visuals but even surpasses them. There’s a perfect blend of a fun country soundtrack, an adventurous score, and incredible sound mixing creating an experience that screams “summer blockbuster”. It’s hard not to walk out of the theater looking for a storm to chase.
In a time of constant conflict online, it’s refreshing to see social media unite in praise of a film like Twisters. It’s bringing people of all different backgrounds together to simply have fun, which is really the true heart of “summer blockbusters.” Whether you’re excited to watch Glen Powell drive a lifted truck blasting country music, or you’re there to appreciate the stunning cinematography, one thing is certain: Twisters will blow you away.
