Twister - A Movie Review

Wait, didn’t that cow just fly by a second ago?

Twister swept into theaters in 1996. On the brink of a divorce. Instead of signing the divorce papers, Bill joins his old storm chaser buddies and his ex-wife in a series of twisters. Hoping that an advanced weather system will be successful, the future of tornado warnings could be different.

I always enjoy a good weather-disaster film. For the longest time, I have watched Twister whenever screenings are shown on TV. Now that I watch it again, the story could have been stronger in this visually-appealing film that emphasizes the power of twisters.

Twister has a cast of characters. Most of them are cliches, but the film has fun with its ensemble. In my opinion, more could have been executed with the characters since the film’s main intent is the portrayal of the twisters.

Let’s talk about the main love story. Helen Hunt and the late Bill Paxton do an excellent job selling a relationship that has gone through its battles. Jo and Bill have their share of arguments and disagreements. Deep down, they (obviously) still carry lingering feelings.

Hunt was spectacular in her portrayal. Out of the characters, Jo has a story. After a traumatic incident from her childhood that involved twisters, Jo researches them non-stop. For the sake of a broken heart, she doesn’t want any family to experience what she went through.

Hunt and the late Paxton did a wonderful job in one heartwrenching scene. Oh yes, and during the climactic finale when they’re running from all sorts of dangers.

The one character who in my opinion has changed over time is Melissa (Jami Gertz). Was her character necessary? I can’t tell if audiences are supposed to dislike her for how out of place she is in the chaos or to feel bad for her. I honestly feel bad for her. She’s cast to the side, is in a situation that wanted no part of, and she’s ignored even by Bill, her fiance.

With her conclusion by the end, her character never felt necessary since she is never mentioned again. Other roles were also cut back, like Jonas (Cary Elwes) the villain of the story. He’s detested by the main twister chasers, but he’s never given a proper backstory.

Other credits include the talents of Phillip Seymore-Hoffman, Lois Smith, Alan Ruck, Sean Whalen, Scott Thompson, Wendle Josepher, and more.

Stepping away from the story, the visual team did a tremendous job in their research for all the twisters. It’s exciting whenever the twisters appear in new forms. You can learn a lot about the cycles and formations of twisters in this film.

For the sound of a tornado, a camel’s moan was recorded on a radio. Sound is one of the biggest incorporations in this film. That and drastic weather.

The production crew did a lot for this film. Making Twister was not an easy time. Remember all those demolished houses in that twister aftermath sequence? Those houses were built and demolished specifically for this film.

Take caution because the film gets nail-biting, taking drastic turns. That’s Jan de Bont’s notable feature in his direction. The story falls on most cliches you’d see in every disaster film, but visually this film is a masterpiece.

Did you know that a twister struck a drive-in when this film was playing one year? Check the weather reports before watching Twister. Enjoy this weather-disaster film if you have not yet seen it. The climax is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.