Glen Powell (left) and Daisy Edgar-Jones appear in a scene from “Twisters.”

It’s been nearly 30 years since “Twister” took movie theaters by storm, a summer blockbuster that was the second highest grossing film of 1996 behind “Independence Day.”

Now Universal studios will try to see if lightning can strike twice – finally reviving the franchise with the aptly titled “Twisters.”

For fans of the original, I am happy to report it is more of the same, with advances in filmmaking and CGI making everything bigger and better – well, everything but the script.

Once again the film’s story only goes so far — with Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones and the rest of the cast having to do a lot of heavy-lifting between action sequences. They all do the best they can, with Powell making every moment he is in the film better, but it still isn’t enough. For the few of us who weren’t fans of the original, yes, this is an improvement over that film, but not by much.

“Twisters” begins with Kate (Edgar-Jones), a sort of tornado whisperer and aspiring scientist in Oklahoma, getting too close to one particular storm, resulting in the deaths of several friends.

Five years later, Kate is working in New York when the only other survivor from the tragedy, Javi (Anthony Ramos), comes calling, asking her to return home and be part of his team that is in the midst of research trying to get a better understanding of predicting these deadly storms and saving lives.

Kate agrees, arriving home to see another crew led by YouTube sensation Tyler (Powell), who likes to refer to himself as a tornado wrangler. At first, Kate and Tyler clash, but as the storms intensify, the pair begin to work together, with Kate perhaps getting a chance to make amends for the previous tragedy.

Director Lee Isaac Chung, whose previous film was the intimate family drama “Minari,” has a good eye for the action sequences (even if they get a little repetitive) and does bring more of a human element to this film than “Twister,” which lacked any attempt at character development.

Still, the script, credited to Mark L. Smith and Joseph Kosinski, has a lot of clunky narratives between storm sequences. There is a predictable evil cooperation subplot, and the final act requires an F5-sized leap of faith that even by blockbuster standards really tests the audience’s patience.

But even with all the mess, “Twisters” almost works, thanks in large part to Powell. He just exudes charisma and charm in a way only a few actors or actresses working today can. He is a bona fide movie star who elevates this material every time he is on screen.

Powell brings out the best of his co-star Jones, who is solid but still hasn’t quite matched the rising star promise she exhibited in the 2021 horror film “Fresh.”

“Twisters” ultimately is a one-man show, with Powell keeping it somewhat interesting until it finally goes spinning out of control. He’s definitely the star of the show, a shining light in an otherwise dark cloud of a summer blockbuster.

Starring: Daisy Edger-Jones, Glen Powell

Directed by: Lee Isaac Chung

Rating: PG-13 for intense action and peril, some language and injury images.

Playing at: Regal Bowling Green Stadium 12, Regal Greenwood Mall Stadium 10, Highland Cinemas (Glasgow)

Grade: C