Twisters is competently formulaic. Its retread plot, generic drama, and timid themes are properly executed. The protagonist has an internal conflict that grows into an earned arc. Its supporting characters facilitate turning points with modest depth. There's passable exposition, setup/payoff, and a focused (though cheesy) climax. Conversely, the characters are cliche archetypes. Its science is absurd, the stakes can be contrived, and its romance feels convenient. Still, the acting offers layers, charm, outbursts, vulnerability, and chemistry (yet no single performance gives all of the above). Overall, Twisters' mixed emotional investment is better than most disaster movies.
Twisters maintains entertainment but loses its tone at times (clashing fun with melodrama). Besides shaky and cluttered set pieces, the imagery includes scenic landscapes and brief composition. Its editing provides solid pacing in its slightly overlong runtime. Along with a few distortions and smash cuts, the sound brings storm action. Its music starts erratic but finds its footing with country pop hits. The production design conveys destruction in the American Midwest. Its cast contributes fair diversity and an excellent fit in Powell. The heavy reliance on CGI (while impressive) can generate a sense of weightlessness. Consequently, Twisters is an acceptable crowd-pleaser.
Writing: 5/10
Direction: 6/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 6/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 7/10
Production Design: 7/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Overall Score: 6.6/10
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