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.

A root canal without anesthesia is more amusing. This movie is disturbing and pointless. There is absolutely nothing believable about any of these characters or the plot line. What in God's name were these people thinking when they agreed to star in this movie? The acting in this movie is so incredibly bad - even from actors who are usually pretty damn good. "The In-Laws" is a funny movie. "The Birdcage" is a hilarious movie. "The Big Lebowski" is a humorous movie. This movie is just dumb. I cannot even begin to fathom the kind of sick mind it takes to write the "novel" that this movie is based on. I honestly cannot think of even one nice thing to say about this movie. It just doesn't make any sense. People please - I beg of you - do not see this movie. You will regret it for the rest of your life. This movie is not the worst ever made, but it is definitely right up there on the top of the list.

While everyone does a decent job in this film, I agree with the other comment: it's too loose and scattered, too much like a script-less experiment with really talented actors. As such, it isn't enough to hold your attention. Having said that, there are a few really funny moments, one involving Dylan McDermott and a flaming shot glass that I think anyone who's been that drunk would find as funny as I did; the other is a split-second with an inflatable dinosaur. Crispin Glover does his usual nutty twitch-fest guy and does it fine, Harry Dean Stanton does his usual nutty patriarch (Repo Man, anyone?) etc. Good cast, not enough to keep it going. Just a few gems, seconds long.

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.