As a massive fan of disaster flicks, Twister (1996) holds a special place in my heart. Its 90s charm and comforting cheesiness make it a timeless favorite. The anticipation for Twisters (2024) was huge, fueled by trailers that promised a worthy successor. However, after watching it, the comparison to the original was inevitable, and unfortunately, disappointment followed. Twisters isn’t a terrible film, but it lands firmly in ‘bland’ territory.
Jan De Bont’s directorial style in the original Twister was captivating. His use of sweeping aerial shots and practical action, blended with then-cutting-edge CGI, was iconic. The cast, featuring the likes of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cary Elwes, was also exceptional. In contrast, Twisters sometimes feels like a shallow imitation, its characters mirroring the originals but lacking depth and likability. While Daisy Edgar-Jones delivers a commendable performance, and her chemistry with Glen Powell is decent, it doesn’t reach the memorable dynamic of Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt.
One of the standout features of the 1996 Twister was Mark Mancina’s incredible action score – a defining sound of the 90s. Hopes for even a nod to this iconic music in Twisters (2024) were dashed, replaced by a generic score from Benjamin Wallfisch. On a brighter note, the country soundtrack is a solid plus.
Where does Twisters 2024 succeed? The set pieces are undeniably impressive, particularly the rodeo scene and the climactic town finale. The visual effects are stunning, offering moments of true spectacle. If you’re new to the Twister universe, or not deeply attached to the original, you’ll likely find more to appreciate in this installment. However, for die-hard fans seeking to recapture the magic, Twisters (2024) might just leave you wanting to watch Twister (1996) online again instead.
