Twister (1996)

Synopsis

This original Twister seems to have spawned an extremely niche subgenre: the storm-chaser adventure. Plenty of movies feature tornados of course (looking at you, Wizard of Oz). But aside from the obvious retelling of Twisters and the lesser known and less effective Supercell, and discounting reality TV (yes, let’s), movies featuring the adrenaline junkies who chase funnel clouds are hard to find.

One unfortunate result is that there’s an obligatory opening trope: As a kid, the key protagonist witnesses family or friends getting sucked into a twister. Which explains why they grow up into obsessed adults, on a mission to understand and tame the swirling beasts.

Twister gives a nod to The Wizard of Oz, transplanted to 1969 Oklahoma farm country. Young Jo and her parents are scurrying for the storm shelter, with their Toto-reminiscent dog arriving just in time. But Jo is scarred for life as her father, trying bravely to keep the storm cellar’s door shut, is sucked up, up and away into the turbulent darkness. (One has to wonder why he didn’t just retreat to the back of the cellar, where Jo and Mom appear to be riding it out relatively safely.)

As the scene shifts to “present day” (which these days we must remember is 1996), now Dr. Harding (Helen Hunt) is prepping her crew of storm chasers. Estranged husband Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) arrives, with his finance, Dr. Melissa Reeves (Jami Gertz). He needs Jo to sign their divorce papers so he can get started on his new life as a TV weatherman (“meteorologist,” he corrects everyone).

But then Jo introduces Bill to Dorothy. It’s the finished version of a device he originally designed, which can send little whirly-gig type tracking devices up into a funnel. It’s meant to provide data that, when understood, can help provide tornado warnings well ahead of the current three minutes, giving people a better chance to take cover. And who else does Bill spy nearby? Dr. Jonas Miller (Cary Elwes), a former team member who now has his own crew, corporate sponsorship … and a rip-off of Dorothy.

So Bill gets sucked into a few days worth of tornado-chasing to see if he can help his old team launch Dorothy first.

See It

Twister is something we’ve rewatched every year or so when we’re in the mood for mindless entertainment. There are a few passing “educational moments” about tornado physics, and some quiet moments of family togetherness. But mostly it’s just a couple of hours of fun.

The rousing theme music gets you perfectly in the mood for an adventure as the storm chasers head out on the attack. And the musical montage as we see each crew member in their vehicle, cranking up their personal soundtrack (from Deep Purple, to the “William Tell Overture,” to “Oklahoma!”) just amps up the excitement.

It promises you a good time, and it delivers.

Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton are particularly good together in those awkward early scenes. Hunt’s expressions are subtly brutal as she tries hard, but not too hard, to suppress her amusement at her soon-to-be-ex’s new job and his soon-to-be-wife’s profession as a therapist. Paxton likewise amuses as he tries, and mostly fails, to suppress his defensiveness.

The supporting cast likewise contributes to the fun, including Elwes as the kind of arrogant bad guy you don’t mind hating. And it was my first introduction to Phillip Seymour Hoffman who, as the over-the-top Dusty, left enough of an impression that, upon seeing him in later movies, we’d say “hey, there’s that guy from Twister.” (So sad both he and Bill Paxton checked out too soon.)

The standout supporting role? Jamie Gertz who is perfectly cast as the only sane adult riding along with the storm chasers. At the time her performance garnered criticism, but I found her awkwardness and uncertainty to be perfectly in tune with her fish-out-of-water role.

There are a few nods to the value of family and friends, but don’t expect any emotive performances or take-away life lessons. The dialog is crisp and witty, and the special effects are heart-pounding for the time – and predictably over the top. Just sit back, hang on, and get swept away in the excitement.