Twisters

By Joanna Langfield

Come to be swept up in the action, stay for the irresistible force that is Glen Powell.

This remake may not be the escapist adventure many of us crave, but it does carry us along to its admirable goal: a popcorn movie with a conscience. As he did with his wonderful Minari, filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung brings a loving eye to the American Midwest, a part of the country often plagued by tornadoes. We see the people who live there anyway, the storm chasing tourists and reporters, the scientists who’re trying to tamp down these phenomenona of nature. Some of what we also see is very silly (white shirts to drive into a cyclone, people?) but it is also grounded with reminders of those who try to take advantage, the risks scientists and journalists take on our behalf and, yes, the impacts of global warming.

The July day I saw this film (which looks even more impressive in IMAX), virtually the entire nation was blanketed in unprecedented heat and eleven tornadoes touched down in Chicago, Illinois. When an always welcome Maura Tierney shows up for a brief but effective few minutes, she talks of how the weather is only getting worse, prices, therefore, only getting higher. She’s encouraging her daughter to not only get a (love) life, but to, basically, save us all. Is actress Daisy Edgar-Jones up to the job? Seems so. Capable and lovely, she carries her scenes with aplomb. But it’s Glen Powell who’s at the center of this whirlwind of moviemaking. Bringing a solid, undeniable charm to his as described Hillbilly storm chaser, the summer of Powell rolls on, uninterrupted.

What I may have appreciated the most is the film’s view of women, as professionals and love interests. All are strong, smart and treated with respect. Which hopefully can set into blockbuster motion the best twist of them all.