Night of the Twisters (1996)

05-51489 Night Of The Twister The people of sleepy Blainsworth, Nebraska, have no idea of the deadly, unpredictable storms heading toward them—rogue tornadoes that will change their lives forever. There are already storms brewing between young Danny Hatch (Devon Sawa) and his father, Jack (John Schneider), a former football star who is disappointed in his irresponsible son. Danny is home alone, babysitting his baby brother when the monster twisters suddenly whirl through the unsuspecting town! Now, Danny must begin a long struggle to survive the night and rescue his family... through downed electrical wires, broken gas lines, and a heart stopping final escape from the twisters’ fury! Based on actual events and packed with terrifying tornado footage and special effects, this gripping film is both a thrilling look at nature’s deadliest force and a testament to one family’s struggle to survive against the odds. Approximately 91 Minutes Color

Great Adaptaion of the Book

I remember watching Night of the Twisters when it first aired on the Family Channel back in 1996. I had read the book when I was in 5th grade, and I thought this was a very good adaptation. For a TV movie, the special effects for the tornadoes were very well done. I had wanted to purchase the VHS tape when it became available, but never got around to it. When I saw that there was a DVD for the movie, I bought it. It's really nice watching the movie without commercials.

I really liked the casting choices -- especially Dan Hatch. Who wouldn't want to see Devon Sawa in his teenage years? He was a little older than I had pictured Danny being in the book, but it still worked quite well. John Schneider as Jack Hatch was another good casting move. I felt he was a little too harsh at times, but other than that it was a good portrayal.

I found it interesting that this was released the same year as Twister was. If you compare the two, of course Twister is going to have the better CGI special effects, but I am not going to compare the two movies, as they are completely different from one another.

If you liked the book, you'll most likely like the movie. I would recommend this to anyone who is old enough to read the book since they will know what to expect when the twisters come. December 21, 2008

cheesy

this movie is cheesy and lame.....but great if you are married to a teacher and her class is reading the book ;) Making you the super husband for a day or so.

(Also great if you are looking for a funny and cheesy movie. I would just rent it) December 12, 2008

Worse movie I think I've ever seen

I have no idea what the people who wrote all these other previews were watching but this is the worse movie I have ever seen . . . well almost. Napoleoan Dynamite was bad, but at least it had funny moments.

This is bad effects, horrible acting and very unrealistic scenes. Complete tornado devestation while not a drop of rain or moisture on the ruins, police cars or even the ground!!. Four tornado's his a town and not a single drop of rain! lol. We didn't even finish the movie, but left the room.

October 21, 2008

Not Too Bad.

I rank this one among the best of the made for cable disaster movies. Granted it's formulaic, but it executes said formula well. Given that it's a TV movie from 1995, the CGI effects are above average as well. There have been over half a dozen TV movies about tornadoes since Night of the Twisters, but this one remains the most engaging of them.
Recommended for genre fans or families looking for a solid movie that's enjoyable for everyone. September 23, 2008

Night of the Twisters

Good Movie. Had seen it before, but it was even better and suspenseful than earlier viewing. Good family movie and enlightening about tornadoes and their impact on people. Having gone through tornadoes before, this one really brings out things that one can identify with. Good show. July 8, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...