Twister (1989)

Sorry, this movie sucks

Exactly the movie you think it is, but not the movie you want it to be.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

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 film is on my top 20 comedies list. This is a truly unique film. To the reviewer who said "I must be really missing something."--you are correct. You are missing something. If you don't have the kind of sense of humor this film requires, that's one thing. But don't give it a bad review because you think it's "looney" but isn't intended to be. Loony is an apt description of both what it intends to be and what it succeeds in being. I laughed much more often and much more intensely at this film than I do at most other funny films.Michael Almereyda brought out the best in his cast in this, his first big film, for which he was nominated for an Independent Spirit award for Best First Feature. Crispin Glover, as usual, is absolutely brilliant in some perfectly inexplicable way, and some of his very funniest lines ever were said in this film. Glover is clearly the best comic actor working right now. Harry Dean Stanton puts in an excellent comic performance. William Burroughs is incredible in a small role. Dylan McDermott was ideally cast, and Lois Chiles is completely excellent.All of the above are perfectly funny in their own perfect way, but this is one of Crispin's finest performances--up there with his performances in River's Edge and Willard. If you are a Crispin Glover fan, but have somehow overlooked this film, you need to stop whatever it is you're doing and see this immediately.But just remember to relax first, and maybe have a beer or something. This is a great film, but it is very unusual, and I recommend being in or inducing an appropriately silly state of mind before viewing.

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.