Wow! Such a good movie.

Very disappointing...

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

I adore almost everything about this film, from its beautiful synthesized soundtrack by Bernard Rose (who created the score for Paperhouse and Candyman), to the warm summer breezes and wide open farmlands of rural Kansas (I thought upon my first viewing that it was Ohio but I stand corrected). It can be somewhat pretentious at times and Crispin Glover's eccentric antics get old very fast, but overall it's a wonderful film and I think its low ratings come from people who simply didn't get it. In all fairness, it's understandable. It was based on a large novel by Mary Robison which explains in detail some of the more confusing parts of the film, such as Maureen's repeated hallucination of Chris flying away in a helicopter and the comparison of the missing mother to Amelia Earhart (it's loosely implied that Maureen and Howdy's mother IS Amelia Earhart and that her mysterious disappearance was merely a story orchestrated to cover up her commitment to a mental hospital. Twister's characters are largely unlikable except for Violet, Lola and Chris. The Clevelands are a family of affluent, ne'er-do-well kidults, a rich but deadbeat soda pop tycoon and his preachy, condescending new girlfriend, among others. They quickly grew on me though, especially as the underlying tragedy of the family began to unravel. It's also implied that Maureen and Howdy, both already neurotic overgrown layabouts, may have inherited the same mental disorders as their mother. Maureen may have some sort of borderline personality disorder and Howdy acts bipolar.There's some truly stunning and unforgettable cinematography as well, especially the intro scene featuring Violet dragging a vacuum clear around in a deserted field while Rose's very 80's score is played in the background, not to mention the carnage of the twister itself ("aw no, there's the Edgar Burger Man! I hope he's alright...") and plenty of witty jokes, one-liners and slapstick type humor throughout. The acting was remarkable; Suzy Amis, Lindsay Christman, Charlayne Woodard and Dylan McDermott are perfect in their roles, and the character Lola's veiled sarcasm and logic throughout was especially endearing, as well as Violet's innocent though strange behaviors, from roller skating in the heavy wind to being very fond of a Magic Grow foam alligator that moves from scene to scene, mostly in the Cleveland Mansion swimming pool. There's plenty more that could be brought up, but I don't want to ramble. I'd really recommend giving this film a chance contrary to its reputation, and if you're a fan of crazy, witty and bittersweet stories, you'll fall in love with it forever.

The cast does all they can with this dysfunctional family fiasco, but ultimately the movie fails to maintain interest. The title "Twister", is totally misleading, as the tornado plays out in five minutes, and has no bearing whatsoever on the "free form" script. The few positives would have to be, an interesting soundtrack, Crispin Glover's over the top performance, and a final third that is somewhat better than what precedes it. The negatives are the meandering script, that quite frankly goes nowhere, the unlikable characters, and a running time that seems endless. This might have made a tolerable short, but as a feature film it is just too weird, unfocused, and lengthy. - MERK

This is a great film with an amazing cast. Crispen Glover is at his freakiest . His guitar solo is amazing. Also watch out for a cameo by William Burroughs. Truly a cult classic. This is on my top ten list. Don't miss this twisted film.

Everything about this movie is perfect. The set design, the acting, the camera movement, the mood, the colors - everything. You'll be hard pressed to find a better movie. Easily, the best film generated in the last 35 years. Keep an eye on Michael Almereydas!!