ViewGuide

Created Sep 29, 2012 11:43AM PST • Edited Sep 29, 2012 11:43AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   It must not be easy to create a full-length thriller about twisters and their storm chasers, and usually Michael Chrichton stories are more of a slam dunk for this genre. Encumbered by the unlikely story of weatherman (Bill Paxton) trying to divorce his wife Jo to be with the way less hot Melissa (Jami Gertz), Twister has to work hard at keeping you engaged. So, whip up the fury and old-school special effects, throw in some corny storm-chaser camaraderie, and you get something entertaining – but it won’t blow you away (pun intended).

4. Acting

   Barely OK 2.0

   Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt go through the paces, but seem, well, almost rookie-like. Jami Gertz doesn’t have a very interesting character. My pick for the film (this isn’t saying much) is the younger and less serious Philip Seymour Hoffman – who came across as Jack Black-esque in his juvenile-acting role.

5. Male Stars Barely OK 2.0

6. Female Stars Barely OK 2.0

7. Female Costars Barely OK 2.0

8. Male Costars Barely OK 2.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    I’m not sure this even stands up to state-of-the art effects for 1996. The twisters were kind of cool, but they made them sound like howling and growling ghosts, which came across almost comical rather than scary.

11. Direction OK 2.5

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals OK 2.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.4

17. Sex Innocent 1.4

18. Violence Gentle 1.4

19. Rudeness Polite 1.4

21. Reality

    Surreal 3.0

22. Circumstantial Surreal 3.0

23. Biological Surreal 3.0

24. Physical Surreal 3.0