Twister

Twister is rated PG-13:

In Twister, a character explains how there is a "suck zone" right under a tornado's funnel. With Twister's profits headed well into the land of six figures, I think it's positioned over our wallets. Audiences seem to want disaster movies, and Twister delivers the typical formula: Tiny plot — big action. Add some high-tech visual and sound effects that weren't even thought of in the Airport movie disaster era of the early 70's, and you have more of a fun house than a movie.

Twister revolves around three characters. Jo and Bill Harding (Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton) are a separated meteorology loving couple whose heads are in the clouds, especially if they are turning in a brisk counterclockwise motion. Bill's new love, Dr. Jonas Miller (Cary Elwes), is a sex therapist, and just can't see any point in driving your truck head-on into a tornado. That's the first ten minutes. After that, we watch the funnel loving couple chase one twister after the next as they literally try to get their latest tornado research device (and their relationship) off the ground.

This movie has a broad appeal for all ages, but the extreme weather situations may have some young children running for cover when a breeze comes through their bedroom window. Even more concerning for young (and even adult) viewers, is the inclusion of unnecessary foul language. There must be another way to portray anger and fear without swearing every other sentence. Finally, Dr. Miller's occupation requires her to have intimate detailed sexual conversations anytime and anywhere -- like on her cell phone as the vehicle is being sucked into The Zone.

If a disaster flic seems like a good time, you may want to check out the classics from the pre-disco era, all rated G or PG. The Airport series, Earthquake, and The Poseidon Adventure had huge casts which added a dimension that is lacking in Twister. Now if they could work a good story into the destruction, we would have a disaster movie with a whole new twist.