Storm's Hydrokinetic Attack: Scientific Fact or Mere Fiction?

[Lightning Strykez!]

Storm's Hydrokinetic Attack:
Scientific Fact or Mere Fiction?

Considering that yours truly has not launched a thread here in decades), I thought it'd be good to develop a discussion on the much-anticipated and debated "Tidal Wave" scene...and a little science to boot.

Thanks to the generosity of SHH user "PerfectStorm" this deleted scene can now be viewed on Youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC2N9RcDNYA

Is such a feat scientifically possible, or is it pure fictionalized eye candy? Let's talk about it for a moment, shall we?

***
UNIT 1: WAS IT REALLY A "TIDAL WAVE"?​

Well, the first thing we must realize is that technically we're not looking at a tidal wave per se. Tidal waves are large, destructive ocean waves, produced by seaquakes (underwater earthquakes), hurricanes, or strong winds. Tidal Waves are also known as tsunamis, which are generated by the attraction of the moon and sun.

Since Storm did not bring a wave across Alcatraz Island from the surrounding waters, obviously terming this a "tidal wave" would technically be innappropriate. Yet, as the clip shows, there was a consistent downpour from the skies. What accounts for it?

UNIT 2: CLOUDBURSTS: WHAT ARE THEY?​

What we are actually viewing in the deleted scene is effectively called a cloudburst. Notice the two definitions Dictionary.com provides for this terminology:

DEFINITION #1​

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.0.1) - Cite This Source
cloud‧burst  /ˈklaʊdˌbɜrst/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[kloud-burst] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation

–noun a sudden and very heavy rainfall.

DEFINITION #2​

Cloud-burst \Cloud"-burst`\, n. A sudden copious rainfall, as the whole cloud had been precipitated at once.

We all know that clouds are essentially airborne water formations. And simply put, when they get heavy, they produce what we know as rainfall. This is a natural process and ordinary in execution.

Cloudbursts, however, are sometimes a different matter. These take place very suddenly, resulting in a concentrated torrential downpour. In some countries flash floods were a biproduct of this erratic weather activity.

UNIT 3: IS "COMIC" STORM CAPABLE OF HYDROKINESIS?​

In the comics, Storm has been shown to direct the path of lightning and wind. However, in the early 70's her creations of "flash floods" seemed to be a little too fantastic, as she was depicted forming waves from the palm of her hand, or inside enclosed buildings. Such panels showing her washing her enemies away may have looked cute, but certainly unbelievable. In recent years though, comic writers have brought scientific feasibility back into the mix, making such feats more feasible.

UNIT 4: IS "MOVIE" STORM CAPABLE OF HYDROKINESIS?​

Considering that cloudbursts can happen via the earth's natural cycle, is it feasible for a mutant to quickly and deliberately channel precipitation into a specific place?

Well, recall the precision utilized in X2 where Storm summoned dozens of tornadoes to throw pursuing jet planes off-course. In fact, the first plane she attacked was actually spun off track by two twisters: One forming north (downward) and the other south (upward).

Clearly, the films have shown her ability to make cloud mass move rapidly. Therefore, is it really a stretch to assume she can't do the same with other weather phenomena? We must remember that Storm manipulates the elements on a psionic level--in other words, with the power of her mind. So hydrokinesis is certainly not beyond her grasp of ability.

UNIT 5: OTHER CLIP OBSERVATIONS​

Notice on the ground below Storm that there is a strong wind funnel forming right before the cloud breaks. No doubt some of that energy was used to keep her afloat in the air. But she later used those same winds to drive the waters forward to cascade over the Evil Brotherhood of Mutants. So, in effect, she was using the wind energies to suck that water flow downward into a funnel, and then she generated a wall of wind to push the wave outward. Summoning bolts of lightning for the electrocution of the X-Men's enemies was the finishing touch.

Some have complained that the cloud mass formed too quickly in the scene. But again, I point to the example in X2's dogfight scene--Storm had the cloud mass moving even faster there.

In addition, I really believe that Callisto attacked her AFTER Storm created the cloudburst. I hate the way the theatrical version makes it seem as if Storm rose up to create something awesome, only to be humbled prematurely. The full footage explains why Callisto considered her a threat that needed to be taken out.

UNIT 6: WHY WAS IT DELETED?​

Brett Ratner's "redundant" explanation notwithstanding, it is my opinion that this scene (like the Phoenix/Forest Attack clip) should have been kept in. It would have fleshed out Storm's role in the final battle, as she is the only X-Man in the theatrical version that did not have a share in fighting multiple opponents. Instead, she spent her entire time wrapped up with Callisto.

While the SFX could use some work, I think the concept in itself is brilliant and creative. If they had more time to clean it up with the effects it could've proven to be an awesome money shot for the theatrical version. It's a shame that all of that $$$ went to waste.

Hopefully, lessons will be learned.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1.) What do you think of the clip?

2.) What do you think of Brett Ratner's reasons for cutting the scene (that Storm using lightning twice in battle would be too "redundant")?

3.) If/when an extended "Director's Cut" is released should the editors/SFX teams restore this scene and include it?​

 

[JP]

The majority of the deleted scenes should not have been cut. This included. It's a really great Storm moment... and she didn't have that many in this film... at least not as many as in X2.

Oh, wait.. we got to see her eyes change 7 times.

 

[flavio_lebeau]

imo, the concept is brilliant, the execution is failed.

Cape doesnt flap, and since she flies through riding winds, they should flap insanely. She looks like she's standing on a tall platform instead of flying; effects do suck, but that must be because it's a deleted scene...i'd like more if the water came down in drops from the clouds and then they would "join up" quickly, then forming a huge flow of water on the midway to the gorund, instead of it already coming like a huge bathtub falling. But again, that is a cgi problem on the falling water. Once it bursts on the floor, it gets great.

 

[PhoenixRisen]

I think it is a combination of hydrokinesis (control over water movement)/strong gust of wind "shaping" the water. But I was wondering if she struck the water with lightning, would the soldiers get electrocuted or not if they weren't touching the ground.......or if the water has to be salt water? i have heard various things about what you are sposed to do if swimming in a lake and lightning strikes the lake but I can't remember the details. do all the fish get zapped? but those are side topics/issues/concerns. p.s. 1. luv it*, 2. storm always uses lightning so no, but maybe they coulda come up with another weather phenomenon if that was a corncen (i.e. bonking them in head with baseball-sized hail) 3. yes

*Edit: I haven't seen the whole clip just the trailer part. am trying to avoid watching all the scenes on youtube etc. so i have some surprises when i get dvd

 

[flavio_lebeau]

I think it is a combination of hydrokinesis (control over water movement)/strong gust of wind "shaping" the water. But I was wondering if she struck the water with lightning, would the soldiers get electrocuted or not if they weren't touching the ground.......or if the water has to be salt water? i have heard various things about what you are sposed to do if swimming in a lake and lightning strikes the lake but I can't remember the details. do all the fish get zapped? but those are side topics/issues/concerns. p.s. 1. luv it, 2. storm always uses lightning so no, but maybe they coulda come up with another weather phenomenon if that was a corncen (i.e. bonking them in head with baseball-sized hail) 3. yes

I think unless Storm now has the power of creating distilled water, yes, they should get electrocuted (like what happens in the footage). Only distilled water loses the ability of spreading electricity. Normal water, even without salt, is full of ions. And i do think that a lightning has voltage enough to provoke a huge shock be them on ground or not.

 

[xmenfilesfan05]

I think that the "cloud burst" is certainly within Storm's capabilities since it is within natural processes of the weather, but I think that the depiction within the deleted scene is rediculous and unbelievable. It may be because it is a deleted scene, but the sudden release of this huge mass of water isn't what a cloud-burst is...in all the definitions a cloud-burst is said to be a rainfall, being that there are water droplets present but the concentration is huge. I don't believe that it would all come crashing down in a large column of water. But that's just my view on it.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I think that the "cloud burst" is certainly within Storm's capabilities since it is within natural processes of the weather, but I think that the depiction within the deleted scene is rediculous and unbelievable. It may be because it is a deleted scene, but the sudden release of this huge mass of water isn't what a cloud-burst is...in all the definitions a cloud-burst is said to be a rainfall, being that there are water droplets present but the concentration is huge. I don't believe that it would all come crashing down in a large column of water. But that's just my view on it.

Well, you saw her gather those clouds up quickly overhead. If she coverted them to pure water and just had them dumped, clearly such a concentrated flow would be feasible.

I think they should have shown the downpour encased in a spiraling wind funnel--that would better explain why the waterfall is so concentrated. Having the funnel charged with lightning would make it look even more fearsome.

I guess we have to also figure in the fact that this entire storm is mutated, so it's not going to be dispersed in the same natural fashion as other rainstorms. Ororo called for that specifically for an attack...rain droplets would not have collected quickly enough to protect the X-Men in time.

 

[xmenfilesfan05]

I do find it feasible, only if she summoned a huge collective of clouds, which she very well could have done. But this would have to be a lot of clouds, the amount of moisture needed is enormous. Think of the effects other parts of the world must have felt through this one attack done by Storm. Yikes.

 

[chaseter]

I do find it feasible, only if she summoned a huge collective of clouds, which she very well could have done. But this would have to be a lot of clouds, the amount of moisture needed is enormous. Think of the effects other parts of the world must have felt through this one attack done by Storm. Yikes.

I don't think Storm moved the clouds of New Guinea to Alcatraz. Clouds are formed from the amount of mositure in the air. As the warm, moist air rises to the cold stratosphere, clouds are formed. Storm can create fog, which is mositure as well. I think it is highly reasonable for Storm to gather the moisture in the air...which by the way there is a lot of near and over ocean communites, and form a lot of clouds. Storm could have easily concentrated a huge mass of clouds over that certain area...it would be huge height wise(vertically) while the clouds and rain we get is dispersed horizontally. All of that rain would fall in a small area. I think it is certainly possible and a great scene. This should have never been deleted.

 

[xmenfilesfan05]

I didn't necessarily mean that she took the clouds from New Guinea, what I mean was that Storm's powers allow her to use the weather only as they occur naturally. To summon a storm containing as much moisture as she did to create this "cloud-burst" she would have to rob other areas atmosphere of the available moisture. Yet you are right that the area does have a lot of moisture naturally anyway, but that doesn't mean that it had all the moisture in the air for what she created. That's all I meant.

 

[X-Maniac]

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION[/FONT][/I][/SIZE]

1.) What do you think of the clip?

2.) What do you think of Brett Ratner's reasons for cutting the scene (that Storm using lightning twice in battle would be too "redundant")?

3.) If/when an extended "Director's Cut" is released should the editors/SFX teams restore this scene and include it?[/CENTER]

1) As I said elsewhere, I loved it!

2) Well, they could have cut the part where she electrifies the water and just showed it as a flood; then it wouldn't have duplicated the electrical attack used against Callisto. I do think that the audience may have found that column of cascading water eye-rollingly unbelievable and it should have been shown as torrential rain getting more and more concentrated into a column of water, rather than simply a big fall of water.

3) Yes, this scene should be included. Either with or without her electrifying the water. And make the cloudburst look like rain at first, getting heavier and faster and then becoming a sheet of water.

I also want them to reinstate the electrical arc between Arclight's hands before she sends the shockwave. I was unsure about the electricity looking too much like Storm's power (the original version is in my avatar) but they could simply have made it another colour or made it less electrical and more like a beam of energy going between her hands.

 

[_BB_]

I miss your threads LS ^_^

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

It would have fleshed out Storm's role in the final battle, as she is the only X-Man in the theatrical version that did not have a share in fighting multiple opponents. Instead, she spent her entire time wrapped up with Callisto.

Please, dude, she was the only one that actually had a 1v1 rivalry in this movie.

Rivalries are a lot better than ripping some random mutants to shreds.

P.S.: I think the scene should have been kept. It's the only deleted scene thus far that I think should have been kept in.

 

[Halcohol]

Please, dude, she was the only one that actually had a 1v1 rivalry in this movie.

Rivalries are a lot better than ripping some random mutants to shreds.

P.S.: I think the scene should have been kept. It's the only deleted scene thus far that I think should have been kept in.

Yeah, but showing how she can rip dozens of random mutants to shreds simultaneously says something about her power, doesn't it?

To be perfectly honest, this scene should have made it into the movie. If Ratner were really worried about it looking redundant, then he should have given Storm more actual fighting to do at the Grey's house (instead of making her rely on shooting lightning)

 

[Nell2ThaIzzay]

Yeah, but showing how she can rip dozens of random mutants to shreds simultaneously says something about her power, doesn't it?

I think we already know something about her power, with the way she pwn3d Toad in X-Men, the way she stopped Jason in Cerebro in X2, the way she pwn3d everyone in X-Men: The Last Stand...

Oh, let's not forget about the summoning of only God knows how many tornadoes, all without losing concentration on piloting the X-Jet through said tornadoes, evading 2 professionally trained military fighter pilots........

I think enough has been said about Storm's power. She's powerful as ****. We see this.

Storm may not have been accurate to her comic book counterpart in terms of character, but one thing Storm did have was plenty to do, and I hate the complaints that "Storm did nothing" through this franchise, because she was most predominant behind Wolverine.

 

[xmenfilesfan05]

I think we already know something about her power, with the way she pwn3d Toad in X-Men, the way she stopped Jason in Cerebro in X2, the way she pwn3d everyone in X-Men: The Last Stand...

Oh, let's not forget about the summoning of only God knows how many tornadoes, all without losing concentration on piloting the X-Jet through said tornadoes, evading 2 professionally trained military fighter pilots........

I think enough has been said about Storm's power. She's powerful as ****. We see this.

Storm may not have been accurate to her comic book counterpart in terms of character, but one thing Storm did have was plenty to do, and I hate the complaints that "Storm did nothing" through this franchise, because she was most predominant behind Wolverine.

Hallelujah! I've said this time and time again, and it felt like I was the only one who thought this. Thank you for saying this. And yes...Storm's powers have been powerful and dominant throughout the entire series.

 

[X-Maniac]

double post on what must be the slowest internet site in the history of the world... why do pages take minutes to load!???

 

[X-Maniac]

I think we already know something about her power, with the way she pwn3d Toad in X-Men, the way she stopped Jason in Cerebro in X2, the way she pwn3d everyone in X-Men: The Last Stand...

Oh, let's not forget about the summoning of only God knows how many tornadoes, all without losing concentration on piloting the X-Jet through said tornadoes, evading 2 professionally trained military fighter pilots........

I think enough has been said about Storm's power. She's powerful as ****. We see this.

Storm may not have been accurate to her comic book counterpart in terms of character, but one thing Storm did have was plenty to do, and I hate the complaints that "Storm did nothing" through this franchise, because she was most predominant behind Wolverine.

Storm did have plenty to do, and plenty of pivotal action scenes. What was missing was characterisation to explain her place in the story, why she was there, why she was fighting this fight. (It was also missing for Cyclops and, until X3, for Jean). People saw Storm and saw a blank sheet with no background - she stood out most because of the white hair and dark skin combination, yet she never seemed to have a real reason to be there. When you see someone wield such power, you want to know why they choose to wield it for the side they are on. Where did she come from, why is she there? Never answered. Not even in X3.

 

[Fanticon]

answers for discussion in response to LS
1. thats a pretty good scene...
2. its stupid reasoning on Ratners part...thats like saying Wolverine shouldn't use his claws in the final sequence. And once again an ending made possible only due to his amazing healing powers...c'mon, thats redundant.
3.if there is a directors cut/extended cut...they'd be stupid not to include it. Give us everything you can...the truth is out...Ratner, we know you didn't cut only 30 seconds...so now give us our damn 2hour X3! The movies over, it made some money, it didn't "kill" the franchise...he overcame some pretty big obstacles, he pulled it off (somewhat) so whats the hold up?!

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

I miss your threads LS ^_^

*blushes*

Aw....Thanks. I miss creating them.

Nowadays I'm more like a piece of old furniture around here. LOL

Please, dude, she was the only one that actually had a 1v1 rivalry in this movie.

Rivalries are a lot better than ripping some random mutants to shreds.

Oh I wasn't necessarily complaining. It was good to see Storm have a little archnemesis there. But can't she have both? Logan had Mystique and Deathstrike in the prior films...and actually Sabertooth was Storm's main squeeze in X1.

I was simply making the observation that in X3's final act, every other X-Man was shown taking on the odds of 200+ people Versus 6 X-Men except Storm (and possibly Collossus--did he do anything?).

To be frank, I never understood why Storm's fight with Callisto went the distance anyway. Lightning kills people...and as a Level 2 mutant sans Logan's healing powers, technically speaking Callisto should have been down for the count back in Jean's neighborhood.

I recall this forum debating which X-Man would be the most lethal defense. The majority of us decided on Storm because like Jean, her powers can cause massive destruction on a wide scale. Yet, when we all went to the theatres, we never saw it.

I dunno...I just felt that for all Storm's power, she still got her butt kicked a lot in X3's theatrical version...she still came across a little weak. I mean, how many different surfaces did her body actually hit in Jean's house? Whenever I talk to other fans they share similiar sentiments.

But this clip (and the extended fisticuff brawl at Jean's house) would have redeemed her melee fighter status a lot in audiences eyes. She's actually scary here.

 

[javon]

LS, you sure set this thread up neatley. I love it t: . Anyway, I also LOVED this scene. The only thing I found wrong was the way the water looked coming down.

 

[_BB_]

This scene shows storm for what she is, a powerhouse who is capable of taking out that whole brotherhood in one shot on her own. Bring down a couple of tornado's after that "tidal wave" and the so called war would be over in seconds. Damn this movie makes no sense.....

 

[javon]

Heres some flash-flood pics from the comics:

 

[Retroman]

^^Nice scans there Javon.

 

[javon]

Thnx. Their HandOfFate's scans. Their are tons of them in her official thread in the comics section.