After essentially changing the disaster genre with its originality, the 1996 film Twister has finally received another installment that mostly crosses into reboot territory as opposed to being an official sequel. So, given its potential for artistic freedom and a nostalgic appeal, does the highly anticipated event live up to the hype?

Nostalgia: A Double-Edged Sword

Twisters leans heavily into nostalgia, drawing on the legacy of its predecessor, the 1996 film Twister. This can certainly evoke warm feelings from fans of the original; however, it also borders on relying too much on past successes. While familiar constructs and references are pleasant reminders of what once thrilled audiences, they sometimes come off as reliant on a built-in fandom.

In comparison to its predecessor, the film attempts to capture the charm of its origin, but at times it feels like an easter egg-filled new interpretation rather than a fresh take. Fans of the first film may relish the callbacks, but for those looking for an innovative story, this aspect could miss the mark. We do love nostalgia, it’s just important to find a balance.

A Fun Use of Visual Effects

One of the standout elements of Twisters is its visual effects. The film delivers an engaging spectacle with thrilling tornado sequences and impressive CGI that showcase an array of destructive weather phenomena. The sheer scale and creativity of these effects are impressive, adding excitement and energy to the viewing experience.

The unique visual approach underscores the movie's central theme of nature's chaos, providing moments that are both breathtaking and entertaining. This is where Twisters shines, making it a treat for fans of action-packed disaster flicks.

Trying to Establish Its Own Identity

Despite its heavy-handed nostalgic nods and impressive visuals, Twisters partially struggles to carve out its own unique identity. The storyline feels repetitive at times, drawing heavily on conventions established in the original film without offering much innovation outside of its smart opening sequence which does manage to subvert expectations.

Given its familiar stylings and reluctance to try something new, the plot can feel predictable, making it difficult for the film to stand on its own — and while the film attempts to expand on the meteorological theme, it often feels caught in the shadow of its predecessor rather than boldly stepping into new territory. Still, we do get two main characters with an alternative relationship dynamic, which gives it some degree of uniqueness.

There’s a Solid REWATCH Factor

Despite some of its plausible shortcomings, Twisters manages to feel like a rewatchable disaster flick. The combination of nostalgia, fun visual effects, and thrilling action sequences creates a viewing experience that invites audiences back for more, even if it doesn’t entirely meet their expectations.

It strikes a general stability between enjoyment and familiarity, making it a solid choice for those lazy afternoons or movie nights. While it may not redefine the big-budget genre’s offerings (which hasn’t happened for a few years anyway), it certainly captures enough excitement to keep viewers entertained.

Score: 6.5/10

Twisters offers a mix of nostalgic charm and vibrant visuals while grappling with originality. Still, it’s a film that, despite its flaws, has the makings of a stylish disaster flick that can generate ample fun.