Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

As someone who grew up in the heart of Tornado Alley, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the world of “Twisters.” The original movie was a staple of my childhood, and the thrill of watching those massive twisters tear through the plains of Oklahoma resonated with me on a personal level.


In a fresh perspective, the 1996 film “Twister” may not appear as heavy on natural disasters as once believed. Previous viewers might be surprised by its lighter tone when revisiting it now.

In simpler terms, a sequel to a movie can aim to surpass its predecessor through impressive special effects and extensive destruction scenes on the screen. For instance, “Twisters” manages to create a more grandiose blockbuster event. However, it’s essential to note that one doesn’t outshine the other; they cater to the same audience base but offer distinct experiences. There are common themes and storylines between these two films worth exploring in greater depth.

WARNING! Spoilers ahead!

6 The Cold Open

Death Fuels Research

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

In the beginning of “Twister,” Jo, played by Helen Hunt, is trapped in a cellar with her parents as a tornado rages above them. Her father is swept away during the chaos, and the scene transitions to the present day, around 1996. The film starts off in a comparable manner, depicting three deaths caused by tornados while Kate and her team are conducting a survey.

During their desperate attempt to seek shelter, Praveen and Addy are swept up by the wind. Sadly, Jeb, Kate’s boyfriend, also loses his life while shielding her. Unlike Jo, who was driven to pursue tornadoes due to her father’s passing, Kate developed an aversion to the topic after experiencing the tragic deaths of three people. However, with time, Kate finds renewed inspiration in a unique manner.

5 Dorothy

Technology Of The Past Fuels The Future

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

Jo and her team aimed to launch their Dorothy devices into a tornado during the entire movie “Twister.” The Dorothy devices were spherical analyzers designed to trace a tornado’s path. Naming them Dorothy was an homage to the “Wizard of Oz” series, where the main character, Dorothy, found herself in a fantastical land after being carried away by a tornado.

In the thrilling opening scene of “Twisters,” I was part of the dynamic team led by Kate. We employed an innovative adaptation of Dorothy balls for our mission – not just to predict twisters, but to put a stop to them as well. This was achieved by incorporating nitrates and various chemicals into the mixture. Towards the tale’s end, there was an intriguing homage to “The Wizard of Oz.” My teammate Javi creatively named our advanced scanning equipment after beloved characters such as the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. It was a delightful wink to a classic tornado-themed story.

4 The Love Triangle

A Thriller Would Not Be Complete Without Romance

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

In a peculiar turn of events in “Twister,” Bill, portrayed by Bill Paxton, embarks on an unexpected romantic journey. Initially intending to marry Melissa and move on from Jo, he leaves Jo asking for the divorce papers. However, as the story progresses, Bill comes to terms with his true feelings and realizes he still loves Jo. In response, Melissa graciously departs from the scene.

In the movie “Twisters,” an unlikely turn of events occurred that seemed implausible even in the 90s and feels even more unrealistic today. Instead of Jeb, Kate’s boyfriend dying at the start of the film, allowing Javi to become a potential love interest, Kate instead develops feelings for the newcomer, Taylor. Javi remains just a friend. While this isn’t an exact replica of the original film, the similarities are too striking to ignore.

3 A Paxton Among Us

A Tribute To A Legend

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

Bill Paxton was more than just known for his role in “Twister.” He left indelible marks on cinema with stars in films such as “Titanic” and “Aliens” before his untimely death in 2017. Tragically, he passed leaving behind a son who has followed in his footsteps. James Paxton is an accomplished character actor, gaining recognition for his portrayal of young John Garret in Agents of SHIELD, which was originally brought to life by Bill Paxton.

In “Twisters,” unlike Bill, James makes an appearance. He portrays the unmannered motel guest named Cody. Eventually, Cody and his girlfriend are carried off by the tornado as a consequence. This serves as a reminder: treating service industry workers impolitely could result in unexpected consequences, such as a tornado’s wrath.

2 The Money Grubbers Vs The Helpful

There Is Always A Lesson To Be Had

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

In the film “Twister,” there were unscrupulous tornado chasers who imitated Dorothy’s concept with the intention of making a profit. However, Bill and Jo had no such plans; they only sought Dorothy for research purposes. By the end of the movie, these antagonists were eliminated from the storyline with minimal on-screen presence, despite their atypical villain roles.

In the world of Twisters, there are two primary groups at play. The first team is spearheaded by Kate and Javi, who approach situations more logically and analytically. Conversely, Tyler heads up the second team, accompanied by his YouTube followers. Initially, it appears that this setup closely mirrors the original, but a surprising twist unfolds – Kate discovers that Tyler generously contributes large sums of money to disaster relief efforts. This playful reinterpretation challenges our assumptions while respectfully acknowledging the original storyline’s foundation.

1 Oklahoma

Look Out For Tornado Alley

Twisters: Callbacks To The First Movie

In contrast to the original, the story of “Twisters” is set in the storm-prone state of Oklahoma, notorious for its tornadoes and now more active than ever due to changing weather patterns brought about by global warming. The ominous meteorological conditions are truly terrifying during these climate change episodes.

Twister doesn’t explicitly discuss global warming in depth, yet it didn’t have to. A more boisterous follow-up might have opted to locate the story in New York City, which was an option given Kate’s residence there. Instead, it wisely returned to the heartland and presented a unique societal perspective seldom portrayed on screen. This is one of the reasons Twister stands out as a classic.

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2024-07-24 18:24