May 5, 1996 -- "Twister" is a one-dimensional movie. If you like action films, you'll probably like this one because it is almost non-stop action from beginning to end.

The special effects are great. By the end of the film, you feel like you've been inside a tornado. The story that ties the tornado scenes together is practically non-existent, however. There's an attempt at a love triangle between Bill Harding (Bill Paxton), his ex-wife Jo Harding (Helen Hunt) and Bill's fiancee Melissa (Jami Gertz), but none of it is believable.

More fun are Jo's loony tornado-chasing friends who always seem to be having a good time even when they ought to be scared out of their wits. Bill and Jo also seem to be having fun, even when a tornado is nipping at their heels. There's a certain thrill-seeking rush about this story that is infections, even when it is being quite ridiculous. It is more ridiculous because of continuity problems and the fact that the film plays fast and loose with the facts about tornadoes.

Steven Spielberg was one of the executive producers, while the story was written by Michael Crichton, but even the great ones bomb out now and then. The movie does have a certain Spielberg-Chrichton feel to it, but it's no "Jurassic Park."

"Twister" rates a C+ only because of its great special effects and fast-moving action. Oh, by the way, that giant sucking sound you hear is "Twister" funneling more money into Spielberg's pockets.

Click here for links to places to buy this movie in video and/or DVD format, the soundtrack, books, even used videos, games and lots of other stuff. I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.