The embargo has lifted on Lee Isaac-Chung’s “Twisters.” I’m only watching the film next Monday. You can find the reviews over at Metacritic where “Twisters” so far holds a 73 Metascore (based on 14 critics).
Earlier in the week, I wrote …
Chung’s last film was the Oscar-nominated indie “Minari.” Suffice to say, “Twisters” is a big leap for him in terms of scope and scale. It’s practically franchise filmmaking. Many were surprised at his decision to helm the blockbuster.
Last August, the original’s director, Jan de Bont, came out against his “Twister” being rebooted, stating “it’s a movie that cannot be remade.” De Bont’s concerns had to do with the original’s usage of practical effects.
De Bont also issued some skepticism about the recent trend of indie filmmakers graduating to lead big studio blockbusters, slyly throwing shade at Lee Isaac-Chung’s participation in “Twisters.”
Don’t forget that the main reason they’re finding younger, inexperienced people is they want to be able to fully control them. They want them to have really good ADs, writers, producers, cinematographers so that they have all the help they can get. But ultimately, the studio is going to tell them what’s in the movie. I know that firsthand.
It turns out De Bont, who had been working on making the sequel happen for 15 years, only heard about “Twisters” after seeing an ad on TV. He says Universal never told him about it.
“Twister” was a big hit in 1996, having grossed $240 million. It would end up getting nominated for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound at Oscars.
Much like the 1996 original, the reboot once again centers on a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives in an attempt to experiment on tornadoes. The cast will be led by Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, David Corenswet, and Brandon Perea.
“Twisters” is set to be released on July 19, 2024.
The short version: "Woman Unknown" was a compromise. The jury deadlocked over "Possible Love" and "NAZA," not able to com to terms, fell back on their #3, May el-Toukhy's film.