Twister’s Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won’t Work in 2024

Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024

Summary

  • Twister
    , a ’90s classic, faces new challenges in an era where climate change has made natural disasters all too real.
  • The upcoming reboot,
    Twisters
    , aims to preserve the fun of the original while updating the science behind deadly weather events.
  • Director Lee Isaac Chung and star Glen Powell bring promise to the new film, but will it live up to the iconic charm of the original?

As a long-time fan of disaster movies, I’ve seen my fair share of twister flicks, but none have left as lasting an impression as the original “Twister” from 1996. Having grown up in the Midwest where tornados are a real threat, that film felt like a personal experience for me. The practical effects, the tension, and the unpredictability of the storms resonated deeply.


During the mid-’90s, summer blockbusters were dominated by natural disaster movies which gained immense popularity. Many of these films from this period, lasting approximately five years, are still enjoyable to watch today. However, their scientific explanations for implausible storylines now seem rather amusing in retrospect, thirty years later. For instance, the 1996 blockbuster hit “Twister” showcased the concept of a “suck zone,” despite its scientific inaccuracies.

Twister becomes more intriguing and thought-provoking as the years go by and I revisit it. With an unforgettable ensemble led by Bill Paxton, a charming everyman, Helen Hunt, who would later earn Best Actress accolades, and a talented supporting cast including Philip Seymour Hoffman. Looking back, it represents the essence of the ’90s – a time when filmmakers prioritized entertainment over realism. In today’s cinema landscape, such disregard for factual accuracy might not be accepted. So, the upcoming Twisters reboot will likely have to adhere more closely to reality.

Increasing Climate Change Has Created a New Context for the Twister Franchise

As a fan, I can’t help but reflect on how much has changed since the release of the classic movie “Twister” back in the day. Nowadays, we’re no strangers to natural disasters like super-tornadoes that seem to be popping up more frequently than ever before. And let’s not forget about the ongoing debate surrounding climate change and its potential impact on our weather patterns.

Joseph Kosinski, who previously demonstrated his ability to connect with audiences as the director of “Top Gun: Maverick,” is now solely responsible for writing the story of “Twisters.” The film’s main stars are Daisy Edgar-Jones, known for her role in “Fresh” where she was famously wrapped in saran wrap, and Glen Powell, who has been impressing viewers with his acting skills in “Hit Man” and his box office success in “Anyone but You.”

Some of the Original Film’s Content Won’t Fly Nowadays

Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024

One glance at the most recent “Twisters” trailer reveals that not much has evolved from the initial film. The tornado tracker, named Dorothy, bears a striking resemblance to an outdated barbecue grill from the space age. The new movie’s main characters continue to drive a Dodge Ram truck that looks strikingly similar to Bill Harding’s in the original version. Despite boasting a $200 million budget and two decades of advancements in computer-generated imagery since 1996, the tornadoes still appear artificial. In the original “Twister,” we could chuckle at the implausible scene where a cow flies past the truck while it miraculously stays on the road. However, this may not elicit the same response from viewers in the upcoming version.

Director Lee Isaac Chung, known for creating the nearly flawless film “Minari” in 2020, might bring authenticity to the upcoming project. Yet, considering his recent involvement with two “Star Wars” series, one may question if this is still a possibility. Regrettably, the impressive ensemble of secondary actors from the initial film is missing. Notable names include Cary Elwes from “The Princess Bride,” Alan Ruck famous for “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” and the incomparable Philip Seymour Hoffman. The addition of Hoffman as Dusty Davies in “Twister” was a brilliant choice, akin to casting Sir Laurence Olivier in a minor role in “Independence Day.” Surprisingly, it paid off!

Duplicating Amblin Entertainment’s Filmmaking Machine Won’t Be Easy

Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024Twister's Far-Fetched Ridiculous Plot Won't Work in 2024

In 1996, Amblin Entertainment reached great success in producing movies that skillfully combined practical effects with just the right amount of CGI to keep up with the times. These films offered immersive experiences, as Amblin Entertainment also developed theme park attractions during the ’90s and knew what viewers looked for in disaster movies. However, it may be challenging for Twister films to meet these high standards, and they likely won’t include enough practically-shot effects to recapture the original movies’ allure, which was reminiscent of an engaging Universal Studios ride.

Incorporating the real-world context of our modern planet, where natural disasters are becoming more frequent each year and disproportionately impacting the less fortunate, “Twisters” offers an opportunity to surpass the original. Advanced tornado prediction technologies, unlike the old toaster with marbles, are being developed and deployed. The new film retains the allure of Glen Powell as the leading man in action films today, and Lee Isaac Chung’s distinctive storytelling abilities. While Bill Harding could intuitively predict a tornado’s direction in 1996 by pouring dirt from his hand, such methods won’t be as straightforward anymore. Experience “Twisters” on Max. Theaters release: June 17, 2024.

Read More

2024-07-16 00:01