Director: Steven Quale
Starring: Richard Armitage, Sarah Wayne Callies, Max Deacon, Nathan Kress, Alycia Debnam Carey, Matt Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta
Certificate: 12
Running Time: 89 minutes
Extras: Into the Storm: Tornado Files, Titus: The Ultimate Chasing Vehicle, Fake Storms: Real Conditions
Never since the cult classic TWISTER have the movie studios really dared to throw their money into the turbulent world of tornado thrillers…without sharks. INTO THE STORM doesn’t mess around with the genre and although struggles to develop interesting dialogue, it does tie down a basic narrative for specific purposes. Basically, it’s time for the small American town of Silverton to be ravaged by tornadoes for what will become the biggest storm in history, which comprises of a mammoth 300-MPH monster in the grand finale but, I promise you, that’s not a spoiler unless you haven’t seen a trailer.
Beyond the lack of exciting discussion between characters, the main concern for most would be how the twister’s look on the big screen and director Steven Quale gets this vital part absolutely right. His time with AVATAR and TITANIC is clearly evident in the fierce nature of proceedings but there’s an underlying feeling that just lacks the charm of TWISTER. Although INTO THE STORM isn’t sure if it’s found footage, a documentary or an actual film, when the truck hits the petrol station, an explosive time is ahead.
On the side of the actors, the heart mostly comes from the three lead actors that compromise of the ever-impressive Richard Armitage (as Gary) alongside his family Donnie (Max Deacon) and Trey (Nathan Kress). Additionally, Alycia Debnam Carey brings forth an interesting character as Kaitlyn and Sarah Wayne Callies as Allison gives it all she’s got.
The plan is simple: survival without deviation. There’s a form of science but beyond a load of computer screens and a weird infomercial about the Titus ‘tank’ (that guises itself as explanation), we’re treated to big-screen devastation and unknown humans being thrown aside, like those folk you see tumbling down TITANIC as she gets sucked into the cold ocean. The message here is quintessentially about the strength of family with a somewhat forced and glib mention of Hurricane Katrina and Sandy, but this isn’t a subtle Roland Emmerich climate-change flick that’s for sure.
Saying all this, if you’re looking for old school entertainment with exquisite explosions, damage, destruction – plus running into places that obviously won’t survive a Supercell – then you’re in the right place! On that side, INTO THE STORM is an exciting, twisting tornado thriller, a hurricane of intense turmoil, a monsoon of marvellous action and it’s got an extra ‘star’ rating due to those extensive imposing storm sequences and, you know, you get exactly what you expect.
[usr=3] INTO THE STORM is released today to buy on Blu-ray and DVD. Buy it right here.
