Lee Isaac Chung’s new disaster film, Twisters, has shattered box office expectations in its opening weekend, taking the record for the biggest weekend ever at the box office for a disaster movie. The film grossed $123 million worldwide, with $80.5 million coming from the US alone. This smashed predictions that it would beat the 1996 movie it is based on. The UK was the movie’s next biggest market outside of the US, where it made $5.5 million. However, Twisters flopped in China, making only $1.5 million.
The Twisters disaster film portrays a new band of storm chasers fighting for their survival as multiple tornadoes merge over central Oklahoma, having attempted to decrease their power by using sodium polyacrylate solution. The film stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, and Anthony Ramos. In contrast, Twister, the 1996 original film, followed stars Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Cary Elwes, and Philip Seymour Hoffman as storm-chasing scientists studying the most powerful tornado in decades. Twister was a smash hit, becoming the second highest grossing movie of 1996 at $500 million worldwide and receiving two Oscar nominations.
Director Lee Isaac Chung carefully scripted the new Twisters film with Kate’s motivation gradually revealed as audiences learn she might have the means to tackle the tornadoes’ might. Thus, the devastation caused by these freakish weather conditions is thoroughly examined, presenting a timely ecological message. Critics have praised the ensemble cast for their excellent performances, with Harry Hadden-Paton’s portrayal of a nerdy British journalist as a standout feature.
Before its opening weekend, Twisters already faced a whirlwind of controversy, including an unexpected appearance from Tom Cruise at its London premiere and PETA protests at its Los Angeles screening. Moreover, the late Bill Paxton’s son James appears in the film in a cameo role, playing a disgruntled hotel guest. The younger Paxton claims the role is an Easter egg for fans of his father and the original Twister film
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