Glen Powell is quickly making a name for himself as Hollywood’s next superstar. After finding success with movies like Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and Hit Man, the actor is back on the big screen with recently released Twisters. A standalone sequel to the 1996 movie Twister, the film premiered with overwhelmingly positive reviews, from critics and fans alike.
As the film ‘wreaks havoc’ on the box office, the film’s premise and direction also offer a cruel enlightenment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe: the need for making good superhero films without the necessity to offer social commentary. And it is a message that Kevin Feige should not ignore.
Glen Powell’s Twisters is More Than Just a Disaster Epic
In trying to remain relevant and relatable to the audience, the film industry has a knack for adapting social commentary in any movie, feature, or series, no matter what genre. And this could not be more true when it comes to Kevin Feige’s Marvel Cinematic Universe. Despite the superhero genre, the many themes of MCU often talk about racial equality, justice, and more.
In contrast to the MCU and more, Glen Powell‘s recent cinematic epic is more than just a disaster-based film. In its very essence, it is a movie that truly provides viewers an escape from reality (one of the primary reasons behind ‘cinema’) and an experience sans the usual social commentary.
Currently having a brilliant 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, director Lee Issac Chung revealed in an interview with CNN that he did not wish to provide any sort of social message via his film, but rather pure entertainment.
I think what we are doing is showing the reality of what’s happening on the ground … we don’t shy away from saying that things are changing. I wanted to make sure that we are never creating a feeling that we’re preaching a message, because that’s certainly not what I think cinema should be about. I think it should be a reflection of the world.
And so, the want to show more of the real ground picture and provide an escape to reality for the viewers is what served as the reason behind Chung’s Twisters. And the latter part of the objective is what Feige should take note of.
Kevin Feige Should Reconsider MCU’s Social Commentary Nature
From addressing racism issues in movies like Black Panther to gender inequality in movies like Captain Marvel, Marvel has always made a conscious effort to reflect contemporary societal issues through its smart schemes. While many have appreciated its progressive stance, there has been significant criticism from fans who feel the essence of it being a ‘superhero’ franchise is being overshadowed by its social nature.
And Glen Powell’s Twisters, is a prime example, that a film should prioritize entertainment and escapism over showcasing the complexities of life. And Marvel boss Kevin Feige should certainly pay heed to fans’ wants, to prevent alienating a segment of their fandom. Marvel Studios should consider taking a more nuanced approach, where the superhero and action elements occupy the forefront and social preaching remains subtly at the back.
With Marvel projects failing to meet expectations lately, it is but right time for the MCU to find the right balance between delivering high-quality, entertaining superhero films and incorporating their social and political commentary elements!
Twisters is in theatres now.
