A thrilling cinematic sequel deserving of a large-scale big-screen experience.

Key Takeaways

• The thrill of tornado chases: Twisters’ high-stakes action sequences captivate audiences.
• The Last Letter from Your Lover stars Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glenn Powell deliver nuanced and engaging portrayals.
• The cinematic endeavour lacked the profound explorations of human nature that could have lifted it to greater artistic heights.

Twisters, a thrilling new film, is now available for purchase at $24.99 or lease at $19.99 through various streaming services including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Google Play, and YouTube TV. Twisters is set to debut on Peacock by year’s end, making it a more accessible option for those eager to tune in. A specific release date remains to be announced, but it’s possible that the film will debut on this platform around October 2024, when DVD and Blu-ray copies are expected to become available in stores.

Are you considering an extra fee for streaming a newly released film alongside its theatrical run? This is our overview:

Typically, antiquated approaches prove to be the most effective.

Embark on a wistful adventure down memory lane, tracing the contours of a bygone era.

With Glen Powell delivering a line that distills the essence of this film, the opening act of Twisters takes shape, setting the tone for what’s to come. As the conversation unfolds within the scene, Powell’s character alludes to Kate Carter’s astonishing ability to forecast the climate, prompted by her intuitive observation of a single dandelion seed drifting lazily to the ground. As a viewer at that moment, I felt Powell’s words resonating directly with me, implying that this movie would be a classic, adrenaline-fueled action film, the kind that I had grown accustomed to and was eager to revisit in theaters where they’ve been scarce of late.

I was once fascinated by the very idea.

As someone who has a lifelong affinity for the iconic Tornado and made it a point to visit the Tornado: Trip it Out attraction at Universal Studios Florida over 100 times, including its final day of operation in 2015, this film has been on my radar for quite some time. The non-public stakes were too high, as I knew I couldn’t settle for a film that merely replicated the same formula as the original Tornado. However, I didn’t need something that was totally different either? Fortunately, this remake/sequel – or re-quel – strikes a perfect balance between fresh takes and familiar elements.

Launch date, ranking, and runtime

Tornadoes are tearing up the big screen as Twisters premieres nationwide.

I saw Twister on its US opening night, July 18, 1996, at a theater in Florida. The film runs for approximately two hours and a few minutes, earning a PG-13 rating. Now available to stream on major VOD platforms.

Reimagining the catastrophe for 2024

Twisters may seem identical at first glance, yet they are vastly distinct.

The opening of Twister bears striking parallels to the singular phenomenon of tornadoes. In the midst of a devastating tragedy that unfolds at the outset of the film, Kate – eerily reminiscent of Helen Hunt’s iconic portrayal in the ’90s classic – is forever changed by the unmitigated horror she endures, leaving her grappling with crippling trauma and PTSD. Despite Hunt’s fixation on twister analysis stemming from his own traumatic experience, Kate harbors self-blame for her past misfortune and flees to escape her old life in Oklahoma’s open wheat fields, eventually landing a role as a meteorologist at New York City’s National Weather Service.

Despite the passage of time, Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, the sole survivor from this calamitous event, appears at Kate’s workplace, seeking assistance with a research project for his new company.

We encounter Glen Powell’s character, Tyler Owens, a YouTube personality from Arkansas who has garnered one million online followers through his high-energy livestreams focused on extreme weather. As Owens arrives on the scene, he is accompanied by a motley group comprising videographers, science enthusiasts, a skilled drone operator, and scores of dedicated fans who have been following his storm-chasing exploits across the country. As Kate witnesses Tyler’s reckless exhibitionism, his nation-proud posturing and attention-seeking stunts, she is promptly unimpressed, and an intense rivalry swiftly takes shape between them. When watching a genuine Hallmark Channel movie, you quickly grasp where that particular narrative thread ultimately leads.

The film’s reliance on predictable plot developments actually serves the story well, as most of its attention is devoted to showcasing the action. The film features heart-pounding sequences that vividly capture the raw power and destructive potential of tornadoes, a force of nature capable of unleashing unimaginable devastation. As the camera captures buildings, wind turbines, a motel, and a movie theater, the visual impact is immediate and striking; however, it’s the thoughtful cinematography and effective audio design that truly draw the viewer in.

Verdict: Stream it!

Themes are explored, yet still waiting for a more in-depth examination.

What distinguishes a truly exceptional disaster movie from its near-peer is not merely the cutting-edge special effects or electrifying on-screen performances, but rather how well catastrophe stories leverage a natural phenomenon, extraterrestrial encounter, or other dramatic catalyst to probe deeper themes and resonate with audiences. In this reimagining of the classic Godzilla franchise, “Godzilla: Minus One” defies convention by crafting a nuanced catastrophe film that lingers long after the credits roll. By leveraging the monster as a symbol of something more profound, these films can transcend their genre roots and evolve into thought-provoking explorations, rather than merely relying on generic horror tropes.

Tornadoes are likely to arrive eventually, but unpredictably. The larger implications of unresolved trauma and the corrupting influence of disaster profiteering are cursorily explored, yet this omission presents a substantial oversight that merits more substantial consideration. To prioritize playing games safely, Twisters sacrifices becoming something more than just a fun experience in movies, which is a shame but hardly a deal-breaker.

Twisters boasts impressive action sequences, solidifying its position as a successful re-quel, thanks in large part to the strong performances from leads Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones. While this summer blockbuster may not revolutionize your existence, it’s sure to put a permanent smile on your face as chaos unfolds around the protagonists – that’s the essence of a quintessential summer movie. This movie is undoubtedly a must-watch – give it a try!