Twisters

Twisters

movie

PG-13, 2024, Action, Adventure

WISE
69%

WISE Score

75

Avg. Tomatometer

Tornado-chasing action thriller that's heavy on spectacle, light on surprises, but genuinely fun if you're into weather chaos and disaster movie thrills.

IMDb6.5
RT Critics75%
MC65
Common Sense Media
Where to Watch
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Screenwise Verdict

Twisters is exactly what it promises to be: a big, loud, tornado-chasing thriller with impressive visuals and decent heart. It's not going to win awards for originality—you've seen this formula before—but it executes well enough to be genuinely entertaining.

The STEM angle is a real positive here. Kate's meteorology expertise and the focus on new technologies give kids something substantive to latch onto beyond just 'wow, big tornado.' The themes about overcoming fear and using science to help communities are solid, even if they're delivered with blockbuster simplicity.

That 90% audience score tells you what you need to know: people had fun with this. Critics were more measured (75%), which tracks—it's competent but predictable. For families with teens who like action movies and aren't too sensitive to disaster peril, this is a perfectly good choice. Just know what you're getting: it's intense, it's loud, and someone probably dies in the backstory. But it's also entertaining, visually impressive, and might actually teach your kid something about meteorology.

Not a must-watch, but a solid option for a family movie night if your kids are old enough to handle the intensity.

Age Fit

Best for ages 12+ who can handle sustained disaster-movie intensity. The Common Sense Media age of 12 feels right—younger kids may be overwhelmed by the peril and destruction, while teens and adults will enjoy the spectacle and science angle. Adults can absolutely enjoy this as summer blockbuster entertainment.

WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72

Action-disaster movie with a focus on teamwork, science, and facing fears. Kate's journey from trauma to re-engagement shows resilience. The storm-chasing team dynamic models cooperation under pressure. However, as a disaster thriller, it includes peril and destruction that may be intense for younger viewers. The tone is earnest rather than cynical, with characters motivated by helping communities rather than pure thrill-seeking.

Imaginative
68

Showcases cutting-edge meteorology technology and storm-chasing innovation, which can spark curiosity about weather science and natural phenomena. The visual spectacle of tornadoes is impressive and awe-inspiring. However, it's a fairly formulaic disaster-action movie that follows predictable beats rather than breaking new ground narratively. The 'new technologies' angle offers some imaginative elements around scientific problem-solving.

Safe
65

Common Sense Media rates it 12+, which aligns with PG-13 disaster-action content. Expect intense storm sequences, property destruction, and likely some peril/injury (though probably not graphic). The premise involves a 'retired' storm-chaser, suggesting past trauma that may include character death or loss. As a disaster thriller, there will be sustained tension and scary moments. No indication of inappropriate sexual content or language beyond what's typical for PG-13. The intensity is expected given the genre, so not truly surprising, but younger or sensitive kids may find it overwhelming.

Enriching
70

Offers insight into meteorology, storm systems, and the real dangers/fascination of extreme weather. Kate's arc from trauma to re-engagement provides themes about overcoming fear and finding purpose. The focus on technology and science in service of community safety has educational value. Strong audience score (90% RT) suggests it's entertaining and engaging. However, it's primarily a popcorn thriller rather than deeply thought-provoking cinema—you'll learn something about tornadoes and enjoy the ride, but don't expect profound life lessons.

Parent Info

Why It Might Be Great

  • Spectacular storm visuals and action sequences that make for great popcorn entertainment
  • Strong STEM angle—meteorology, technology, and scientific problem-solving take center stage
  • Themes of overcoming trauma and using science to help communities are genuinely positive
  • 90% audience score suggests it delivers on entertainment value; people actually enjoyed this one
  • Could spark real interest in weather science and natural phenomena for curious kids

What to Watch For

  • Intense disaster sequences with destruction, peril, and likely some injury/death—this is a thriller, not a nature documentary
  • Past trauma subplot means there's probably a backstory involving loss or tragedy that may be emotionally heavy
  • Younger or more sensitive kids (under 12) may find the sustained tension and scary storm sequences overwhelming
  • It's formulaic blockbuster stuff—if your kid needs truly original storytelling, this ain't it

Conversation Starters

  • "What do you think it would actually be like to chase a tornado? Would you ever want to do that?"
  • "Why do you think Kate quit storm-chasing and then came back? What would make you face something scary again?"
  • "How do meteorologists predict tornadoes in real life? What technology do they actually use?"
  • "If you could design technology to study extreme weather, what would you create?"
  • "What's the difference between being brave and being reckless when it comes to storm-chasing?"

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