For years, Jake Thorn, a storm chaser in the Texas panhandle, has been trying to outguess when twisters will strike - before they do. Then one day his former meteorology professor, Dr. Branson, comes to Tornado Alley with ... more »a startling invention with which he hopes to collect the data to be used to predict tornado activity. The only hitch; they must place the device smack in the devastating path of the twister - and get away in time. To make matters worse, Samantha Callen, a beautiful field investigator from the National Accounting Office, has been dispatched to kill the program - unless she can be convinced the invention will work. For Jake and Branson, it's a race against time and the elements in this compelling tale of heroism in the face of nature's fury. Bruce Campbell« less
"This tornado flick is head over heels better than the theatrical release Twister. As a real weather weanie with a PhD in climatology, I can say without a doubt that the portrayal of meteorologists and storm chasers is a lot closer to the truth than the stereotypes presented in Twister. The portrayal of the weather service, weather maps, and the tornado itself was also MUCH better than in Twister. If you want a tornado adventure movie which is a lot more accurate than most of the junk out there, get this movie.
One can make the claim that the plot is rather predictable, weather boy meets powersuit girl, they fight, but then get to like each other, but so what, a lot of movies use a similar plot. The characters are likable and its a fun ride. Bruce Campbel gets to give a performance which is not over the top, and proves he can be a serious actor, given the right material.
This is my favorite tornado movie. Its a nice little movie, the good guys persevere, and the weather stuff is good."
Interesting alternative to Twister
karaokeguy | 04/30/1999
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This TV movie was obviously a direct ripoff of Twister and aired on the Fox network mere days before Twister came to theaters. However, it was mildly entertaining, considering the tornadoes didn't make many appearances. Bruce Campbell and Ernie Hudson were decent in their roles. Personally, I would've preferred to have Campbell in Bill Paxton's role in Twister. Special effects (what you see of them) are okay."
Obviously made for TV, but not TOO bad
karaokeguy | Wisconsin, USA | 02/07/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I remember watching this on TV when it debuted in '96. Even though the tornado sequences (especially the final one) are unrealistic, this movie is not a total waste. The cast is pretty solid, and I enjoyed the acting throughout. (Kudos to Bruce Campbell, who does well as a storm chaser :) ) Special effects are OK, considering this was made for TV. (Obviously with a lower budget than "Twister". If you want to see REALISTIC-looking tornadoes, look there.) I probably could've written the script better, which is the main weakness in this film. All in all, not as good as "Twister", but a decent movie anyway."
Enjoyable film, L.Q. is best!
karaokeguy | 03/15/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"There were some flaws in this video, as some of the other interviewers have mentioned, but I enjoyed it. There were alot of parallels in the script to "Twister" and the acting was okay.
For L.Q. Jones fans, it's a must. He got away from his tough, mean roles and did a great job as a sweet but wise grandpa in this film."
No plot, bad acting and special effects are very low budget.
Oz resident | Kansas AKA tornado alley | 08/08/2005
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I love tornado movies, but this one such a disappointment. Come on, walking around in the "eye" of tornado? It's obvious the makers of this absurdly stupid movie knew nothing about tornados, or simply chose to ignore reality. The special effects are terrible. The CGI(?) tornadoes more resemble dark dust bunnies than tornadoes. The spinning stocking (or whatever it was) in the old "Wizzard Of Oz" looks better."