This is a tornado drill. Please remain calm and proceed to the designated shelters. What would you do if we did not have a system to warn us that a tornado was coming? In the newly released Twister movies, the main goal was to figure out a system to warn people further in advance that they need to take shelter because of severe weather. There have been many great movies to come out this year, but one that has taken over the internet recently is the new Twister movie. Many people still do not know whether this new movie is a remake or a sequel and there is a reason for that. The two movies have many similarities but also a ton of differences making it hard to decide.
While both of the movies had similar goals, the 2024 stand-alone version took it to the next level of trying to stop the tornado in its tracks before it could do more damage. Did one of the movies portray their goal better than the other? Many people have said the original movie in 1996 was better because of the romance between the main characters. “Sparks should fly, but the desperation to insert a romantic rivalry subplot only gets in the way of the majestic ferocity of Mother Nature. The lovey-dovey stuff stirs up no breeze. Bring on the flying trucks and people!” according to Thelma Adams of Rotten Tomatoes online reviews. In the 24’ version the romance between main characters, Kate and Tyler was there, but it was not as strong as Jo and Bill’s in the 96’ version. In the 1996 Twister, there was romantic stress happening between Jo and Bill and Bill’s new fiance. Bill came back to ask Jo to sign divorce papers, and that is when he got pulled in to start chasing tornadoes again. On the other hand, in the newer 2024 Twisters, the flashback in the beginning shows Kate’s boyfriend getting sucked into a tornado explaining why she leaves Oklahoma. Eventually, Kate comes back to visit her hometown of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and meets her friend Javi, who then meets Tyler and their relationship grows. Even though their relationship grows, nothing really happens between them throughout the whole movie.
Another huge difference was the graphics in each movie. Obviously, it was hard to make the graphics amazing when the original Twister movie came out in 96’, which ultimately gave the 24’ version the upper hand in this category. Many of the reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes claimed the film kept them on the edge of their seats. Rex Reed from New York Film Critics on Rotten Tomatoes online reviews said, “The sets, lighting design, and computer-generated special effects are superb, enhancing the viewer’s fascination with the subject matter. By comparison, the humans in Twisters are so unimportant and so undeveloped they seem like interlopers.” This shows even though critics think the characters in the movie are unimportant, reviewers could admit the imagery was on point.
As Twisters continues to gain popularity, most people can agree both movies are great in their own ways. Many people thought the new Twisters was a remake of the original. However, here are some reasons why the 2024 version is a stand-alone sequel rather than a remake. Both movies are based in Oklahoma and they both have the same types of tornadoes such as the multi vortex tornadoes and the EF5 in them. They also include a fair amount of romance between the main characters. According to InStyle online, “Twisters isn’t in the business of copying or revamping vintage Twister material,” and that is why it is considered a stand-alone sequel.
If someone is looking for a great summer flick I would recommend the new Twisters movie. In my opinion, I believe it has a good ratio of excitement, to comedy, to romance. Throughout the movie, it gives us different action-packed scenes which always kept me wondering what was going to happen next. I also thought the casting was great and the actors worked together very well. Overall, both versions of the Twister movies had many similarities and differences, but I believe that is what makes them equally great movies.
