Glen Powell Stars in 2024’s Version of Barbie

Lee Isaac Chung’s Twisters is the hit movie of the summer, starring Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones. It’s shaping up to be 2024’s major four-quadrant hit, much like Barbie was in 2023. The parallels to Greta Gerwig’s film go beyond just genre and summer blockbuster status.

One thing is clear: Twisters is a prime example of how to do a legacy sequel right. Chung’s filmmaking prowess continues to shine, evidenced by his previous work on Minari, which was a standout film of its year.

Twisters marks Chung’s foray into blockbuster territory, and he does so with aplomb. The movie is excellently shot, regardless of its tentpole status, and the performances of Powell and Edgar-Jones further elevate their careers.

Chung, much like Gerwig, brings a unique touch to his big-budget venture. Gerwig transitioned from Lady Bird and Little Women to Barbie, a considerable jump. Similarly, Chung brings a nuance to Twisters that makes it more than just a simple weather disaster movie.

Hollywood has seen a takeover by blockbuster filmmaking and big corporations, but Chung is here to prove good movies can still come from nine-figure budgets. Twisters explores themes of redemption and shows people are more than they appear.

The film does have some shortcomings. The pacing drags in the middle due to a subplot involving Edgar-Jones’ character, but the film remains the best spectacle in theaters this summer.

The narrative begins with Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar-Jones), a PhD student who invents a system she believes can stop tornadoes. Joined by her crew — Javi (Anthony Ramos), Praveen (Nik Dodani), Addy (Kiernan Shipka), and boyfriend Jeb (Daryl McCormack) — she tests it in the field. Tragedy strikes when the system fails, pushing Kate to take a meteorologist job in New York City.

Five years later, Javi lures Kate back into storm chasing. After a quintessential New York experience, Javi explains that his new employer, a big corporation, can make a difference. Kate returns to Oklahoma to find Javi’s team, including David Corenswet, skeptical of her.

Simultaneously, they encounter Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a “hillbilly with a YouTube,” who livestreams his storm chases and sells merchandise. Tyler’s presence sparks a budding rivalry between his crew and Kate’s, filled with rom-com-esque interactions.

Their competitive storm chases are when Twisters is at its peak. Country music by Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, and Lainey Wilson blares as they race for the best vantage points. Edgar-Jones adds emotional weight to Kate’s character, drawing from her trauma, reminiscent of her role in Where the Crawdads Sing.

Powell, playing the cocky yet endearing Tyler, is a memorable counterpart. Their dynamic, though predictable, has its twists and turns. Tyler might be more than just an online persona, and Javi’s company may have darker motives.

Glen Powell is swiftly becoming Hollywood’s next leading man, with a charm akin to Matthew McConaughey in his heyday. Twisters showcases his charisma, allowing him to play an overzealous but good-hearted character.

While tornadoes are the main attraction, Kate’s story provides an emotional subplot. Her return to Oklahoma and attempts to reconnect add depth but somewhat slow the film’s pacing. Though necessary, these scenes sometimes feel out of sync with the rest of the movie.

Visually, Twisters stands out among recent blockbusters. From the visual effects to the sound design, it’s an immersive experience. The world Chung creates feels real and tangible, much like Barbie Land did in Gerwig’s film.

Seeing Twisters in a high-quality format, such as Dolby, enhances the experience. The stunning visual effects make moments like Tyler driving into a tornado or escaping via an in-ground pool riveting.

Twisters is a quintessential summer movie, perfect for a popcorn-filled outing. Where its drama falls short, its spectacle delights. Powell continues to secure his spot as a top Hollywood star, and Edgar-Jones delivers a poignant performance.

Hollywood might benefit from exploring more sequels like Twisters, which neither relies on deep lore nor sets up an endless array of sequels. Chung solidifies his reputation with this film. While not as emotionally charged as Minari, Twisters carries a unique Southern charm and offers commentary on the influence of corporations on passionate individuals.

Twisters disproves the notion that big-budget films can’t be meaningful, making it a must-watch this summer.

Grade: B+

Twisters premieres on July 19.

Source: Universal