Nature’s Fury Unleashed

Read Time:3 Minute, 45 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Twister
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Genre: Disaster, Action, Adventure, Thriller
Year Released: 1996, 2024 Warner Bros. 4K
Runtime: 1h 53m
Director(s): Jan de Bont
Writer(s): Michael Crichton, Anne-Marie Martin
Cast: Helen Hunt, Bill Paxton, Jami Gertz, Cary Elwes, Lois Smith, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Alan Ruck, Sean Whalen, Scott Thomson, Todd Field, Joey Slotnick, Wendle Josepher
Where To Watch: available now, order your copy here: www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: As a resident of Illinois, where tornadoes are as much a part of the landscape as the cornfields, the experience of watching TWISTER when it first roared onto the screen was nothing short of visceral. Directed by Jan de Bont, this 90s disaster spectacle delivered more than just thrills; it revived the grand tradition of the disaster film genre, echoing the classic style with a modern twist.

TWISTER focuses on Jo Harding, portrayed by Helen Hunt, whose childhood trauma catalyzes her career chasing the unpredictable winds that haunt Tornado Alley. This personal battle with nature's fury mirrors my apprehensions about living in a state frequently visited by such fierce phenomena. Bill, her estranged husband, depicted by Bill Paxton, becomes entangled once again in this high-stakes adventure, despite his new life plans with fiancé Melissa (Jami Gertz), whose presence adds to the emotional whirlwind as much as the physical ones that dominate the screen.

The true power of TWISTER lies in its visual effects, crafted by the pioneers at Industrial Light & Magic. These visuals created awe-inspiring twisters that tore through the heartland with terrifying realism and resonated with those who have witnessed the real thing. The sounds of howling winds and the sight of debris flying past became more than just a spectacle—they were reminders of the real-world power and destruction that tornadoes wield.

Amidst this chaos, the human stories unfold. Hunt’s Jo is a pillar of strength and resilience, anchoring the narrative, while Paxton brings a humanity that contrasts against the wild backdrop of the storms. Philip Seymour Hoffman adds a layer of fun as Dusty, whose quirky demeanor relieves the tension.

The film's relentless pace mirrors the relentless force of the storms it portrays. While keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, this pacing often leaves little room for character development, particularly for Melissa, whose character's potential seems only partially explored. The narrative convenience of constant tornado encounters, thrilling as they may be, occasionally stretches the bounds of believability.

Nevertheless, de Bont’s direction ensures the film is stunning. The cinematography captures the raw beauty of the plains, serving as the perfect stage for the dramatic clashes between man and nature. Mark Mancina's score complements the visual drama, weaving a sonic tapestry that enhances the tension and excitement of the chase.

TWISTER endures as a quintessential disaster film celebrating the human spirit against formidable natural forces. It encapsulates the essence of 90s cinema, combining nostalgia with relentless action and groundbreaking effects. It entertains and connects with those who live with the threat of tornadoes, making it a personal and thrilling cinematic journey.

For anyone stepping into this storm for the first time or revisiting it, TWISTER remains as engaging and thrilling as ever. It's a film that delivers all the excitement of a storm chase without any of the risk—a perfect blend of human resilience and cinematic spectacle.

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[photo courtesy of WARNER BROS. PICTURES]

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