Movies And Shows To Watch: 'Twisters,' And 'Those About To Die'

HOLLYWOOD, CA — This weekend, new releases offer escapism on a grand scale, featuring storm chasers, twisters, gladiators and ancient Rome.

28 years after the 1996 disaster film “Twister” blew audiences away, the standalone sequel “Twisters” arrives swirling and twirling in the name of science, romance and nostalgia, breathing special life into a new generation of storm chasers (Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell and Anthony Ramos).

Looking for an epic sword-and-sandal guilty pleasure? Look no further than “Those About to Die,” a new action-adventure series, based on Daniel P. Mannix’s 1966 non-fiction historical book about the life of Roman gladiators.

Check out what we thought of the two new releases below.

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Movies And Shows Out This Weekend

"Twisters"

Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell; directed by Lee Isaac Chung

Swirling and twirling with visceral thrills, Lee Isaac Chung's "Twisters" graces the silver screen as a resounding standalone sequel to 1996's classic "Twister."

Both disaster films share the same premise and the same universe, chiefly focusing on two storm chasers ensconced in the deadly path of nature's most violent storms.

The original film features Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton as an estranged couple on the brink of divorce. In spite of it all, both scientists decide to join forces in an attempt to deploy an early-tornado warning alert system amid an unrelenting storm. By contrast, the new summer blockbuster turns the spotlight on Daisy Edgar-Jones and Glen Powell as a brand-new pair of storm chasers who must now contend with multiple violent storms.

Central to the story of the latest iteration is Kate Carter (Edgar-Jones), a brilliant meteorologist scarred for life due to a tragic "tornado-taming" incident that claimed the lives of her friends five years prior. Her pangs of conscience have completely taken their toll on her emotional state, forcing her to take refuge in New York City. Nevertheless, a sudden encounter with a former colleague (Anthony Ramos) will soon propel her to reclaim her life.

Moments later, she is finally back in the field for a renewed storm-chasing stint, where she crosses paths with a fellow storm enthusiast Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), a famous tornado “wrangler” who exudes swashbuckling confidence. They are absolute polar opposites in the throes of a mounting tension.

Kate is reserved yet assertive, while Tyler's a preening and primping cowboy run amok. She is a scientist driven by altruistic pursuits. Tyler, on the other hand, is a huge social influencer driven by entrepreneurial ambitions, mainly as a purveyor of disaster content he films and posts on his YouTube channel.

As the story unfolds, their rivalry intensifies — but not for long. Twisters are coming!

By the end, what emerges out of "Twisters," despite all the silliness and nebulousness, is a highly entertaining and well-directed film, infused with an engaging whirlwind romance, a thrilling visual feast and first-rate performances.

“Those About to Die”

Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins; created by Robert Rodat

Daniel P. Mannix’s 1966 non-fiction book about the life of Roman gladiators comes alive in a sprawling sword-and-sandal television series created by Robert Rodat.

With "Independence Day" director Roland Emmerich at the helm, expect an incredible spectacle punctuated with gladiator feats, power politics, bloodsport, amazing physiques, lusty desires and, of course, chariot races. Suffice it to say, the gamut of scenes runs from glory to chaos enhanced with CGI.

Set in Rome circa AD 79, the 10-episode saga begins with Vespasian (Anthony Hopkins in a minuscule, fading role) who is contemplating his succession. In his spare time, the Roman Emperor also reflects on the needs of his subjects to prevent any peasant revolt from taking place. Certainly, he can always satisfy their cravings for more massive entertainment at the colossal Circus Maximus.

Meanwhile, five factions are at the intersection of an unfolding political struggle. By the end, politics plunges into the world of bloody sport. The deadliest of them all would last 122 days, ending in 11,000 deaths. And the Romans want more!

In all, the action-thriller drama series pales in comparison with Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning “Gladiator” as far as pacing, visceral convictions and visual thrills are concerned. Still, “Those About to Die” delivers an enjoyable cinematic escapism. Be forewarned: It is laden with nudity and violence.

("Those About to Die" is now available on Peacock.)