One of the greatest disaster thrillers returns: Part 2 is even “better than the original”

There was a lot of scepticism when a sequel to Twister was announced four years ago. Of course, the 1996 action thriller is one of the greatest disaster films ever and is not least due to a very prominent CGI cow flying through the picture in film history. A second part still seemed superfluous.

Based on the first reviews, however, we should take a step back and take a closer look at the project. Because it seems that Twisters is not the usual Hollywood blockbuster. The late sequel is already being considered really strong exceptional film à la Top Gun: Maverick celebrated.

The biggest summer blockbuster of 2024 has been decided: Twisters is on Top Gun: Maverick level, according to critics

After Twisters celebrated its premiere in London a few days ago, the embargo has now been lifted. The film has received convincing ratings: Rotten Tomatoes has 75 percent positive reviews. Metacritic has an average score of 73 out of 100.

You can watch the trailer for Twisters here:

One of the first positive comments about Twisters to make the rounds on the internet was from Letterboxd critic Ella Kemp. She wrote enthusiastically on Twitter:

Time to talk about Twisters: I love Twisters! I had no expectations and I think the original is just OK! But now I keep telling people that it the Top Gun: Maverick of this year is! Everyone is so charming and good-looking and it’s very exciting! Absolutely great summer cinema, in the best sense of the word.

Freelance film critic Mike Ryan, who has written for Uproxx in the past, is also visibly in love with the blockbuster surprise of the summer:

I absolutely love Twisters. Lee Isaac Chung’s follow-up to Minari (I honestly never expected this) is better than the original.

Film journalist Claire Rowden watched the film for MTV Movies and came to an even more stormy conclusion:

I am pleased to announce that Twisters the absolute hammer is! Funny, moving and vSO entertaining from start to finish. An ensemble cast that really pulls it all out. Daisy Edgar-Jones, you will always be a star. Glen Powell, you were born to look hot in a cowboy hat in the rain. I love movies

David Ehrlich describes Twisters as one of the most satisfying summer blockbusters in the headline of his review for IndieWire and concludes:

[Twisters] provides one of the most compelling arguments this summer for the cinema experience. A movie theater may not be the safest place to hide from a tornado, but this powerful July blockbuster makes it clear that huddled in the dark with strangers is a lot better than watching the storm from home.

Beth Webb is particularly excited about the film’s new stars, but also sees Twisters as an old-school blockbuster, as she notes at Total Film:

With Edgar-Jones and Powell’s effervescent appeal at its centre, Twisters feels simultaneously like a testament to a new generation of stars and a gripping cinema event of the old school Fear it. Watch it.

The Hollywood Reporter is more critical. David Rooney would have liked a bit more traditional filmmaking and fewer CGI effects:

Twisters serves its purpose by conjuring life-threatening tornadoes that leave a trail of destruction in their wake. But the extent to which all this can be achieved with a digital paint box is conjured up, diminishes the pulsating awe of nature in its most destructive form.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety also makes an interesting observation when it comes to the spectacle of Twisters, which cannot keep up with reality:

As I stared at the tornadoes in Twisters, I felt like I had seen something like this before – and that when it comes to footage of real tornadoes, I have had seen something more incredible. Twisters, as entertaining as it may be at times, is a film whose sails are ultimately taken by reality.Summer blockbuster: When will Twisters be released in cinemas?

We don’t have to wait long until we can see Twisters for ourselves. In Germany, the film will be released on July 17, 2024 in the cinema. The film was directed by Lee Isaac Chung, who had a respectable success with the touching drama Minari and most recently directed an episode of The Mandalorian.