The APAHM Project Day 31: Twisters

Movie: Twisters

Directed By: Lee Isaac Chung

Release: 2024

Where to Watch: Amazon Prime

Wanna Skip? Pick a Movie from APAHM Project 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020

Why It Made The List:

When people saw Twisters on this year’s list, there was a lot of confusion as to what made it connected to AAPI. I love including movies with AAPI voices behind the scenes for “normal” movies, especially big budget summer blockbusters like Twisters.

Lee Isaac Chung was not the first choice director for the stand alone sequel flick. But due to his upbringing in Arkansas and the tornadoes the state experiences, Chung was able to pitch himself as director. Grossing $370M in the box office and earning a Golden Globe nomination, Twisters has proven that directors of color can have box office success.

My Thoughts:

I first watched Twister in 2020 during the stay at home orders. I enjoyed it, it was suspenseful, and I never thought they would make a remake. I should have known better that nostalgia is the leading currency in Hollywood and that this sequel was inevitable. I wanted to support an Asian director and saw this movie opening weekend. I found myself at the edge of my seat, tensed up, and really moved by the story and the acting. And that’s all thanks to Chung.

Instead of an adventure movie about adrenaline junkie storm chasers, Chung really focuses on Kate (the talented Daisy Edgar Jones) and her relationships to her friends, her colleagues, and the storms. Similar to the original, the movie opens with a storm tragedy. However, Twisters ups the ante by showing all of Kate’s friends being picked off one by one by an F5 storm. Only Javi (Anthony Ramos) survives because he’s farther away. Years later, Kate doesn’t live anywhere near storms, gave up her academic goals, and lives what seems like a lonely life.

When Javi comes to recruit her for a new tech project, Kate agrees to come back to Oklahoma for a week to be an advisor. She meets Tyler (Glen Powell) who seems to be a pure storm influencer/daredevil. But after all the fun and games of chasing the storm, he and his team goes into towns and helps those effected. Kate learns to trust a little more, and to trust herself as well. Tyler helps Kate battle her grief and guilt and together, they attempt to rework her original academic theory to collapse a storm before tragedy hits.

Chung is able to bring a very human element to a suspense flick. By having Kate deal with grief and opening herself back up to storm chasing and to new friends and why she started chasing storms in the first place. I truly think it is his directing that made this movie feel fresh, suspenseful, and grounded. If you have seen Minari, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This is a movie that is more than starring big names like Powell, Jones, and Ramos. It’s more than a Speilberg produced film. The thought and care Chung has put into this film is so obvious. You can tell he gave it his all and the payoff was worth it.

When I rewatched Twisters for this project, I was very locked in. And at the very end, all I wrote was a single quote from the movie: “Fear is the reason you do it. You don’t face your fears, you ride them.” How often have we let fear stop us from our dreams or even from getting a less salty meal at a restaurant (guilty)? I am always appreciative for the bravery of the AANHPI filmmakers and storytellers who have taken a chance on themselves to help pave the way for others. Chung bet on himself to be the director of this movie. He was sure he should be the one to tell this story.

So no matter what your story is or if you think no one will take a chance on you, be the first person to invest in you. Be the first person to take that chance and ride that fear. And maybe others will see what you knew you were capable of all along.

In Conclusion:

In a world of sequels, prequels, and remakes, I remember coming out of Twisters and thinking Disney needs to take notes. Nods to the classic, a new story with new characters who are full of depth, emotion, and conflict.

In short, Chung is the only reason this movie made the list. But it’s what he was able to accomplish with this film that makes it noteworthy and something worth celebrating.

Shout Out!

Elix Healing founded by Lulu Ge is a company that focuses on healing the body with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Elix creates customized formulas for each of its customers depending on the specific symptoms that ails them. Elix also has several stock formulas for boosting energy and immunity. Take the quiz online to receive your customized formula and start your healing journey!

If You Liked This, You Might Also Like:

Eternals on Disney +

Hulk on STARZ

The Fast & The Furious on Tubi