As anticipation builds for the release of the summer blockbuster "Twister," there is no better time to revisit the classic that started it all Twister" has just appeared on one of the best streaming services and offers the perfect opportunity to experience the truly thrilling story that set the standard for disaster movies

As a fan of the film, I am always delighted to see it again and never tire of it There is so much to enjoy, from tornadoes ripping through a single building, to cows flying around, to trucks exploding on the road It may sound haphazard, but the chaotic action scenes will convince you to watch it

And when I first experienced the "Twister" ride in Orlando, Florida, my love for the film only deepened

"Twister" will always be my favorite disaster thriller, and watching this film can provide important context for the upcoming standalone sequel Whether you are a longtime fan or a novice storm-chasing adventurer, streaming "Twister" on Max is an ideal way to prepare for this new chapter in the world So, if you're curious, here are all the details on this suspenseful disaster movie

"Twister" is a classic disaster movie that centers on a storm chaser team led by Dr Joe Harding (Helen Hunt) and her estranged husband Bill Harding (Bill Paxton) The team's goal is to test a new weather research device during a severe tornado outbreak in Oklahoma The device, called Dorothy, is designed to release sensors into tornadoes and collect valuable data to improve warning systems However, in order for this new device to be successful, the team will need to get dangerously close to the tornado they are chasing

As you can imagine, the team encounters a series of increasingly powerful and destructive tornadoes These sequences are characterized by thrilling special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time of the film's release (but may not work so well today) It is a truly thrilling film that demonstrates the intensity and unpredictability of tornadoes

The success of "Twister" back in 1996 helped popularize storm chasing and raised public awareness of the dangers of tornadoes Now, almost 30 years later, a stand-alone sequel, Twisters, has been created, focusing on a new group of storm chasers who want to test a revolutionary tracking system; don't worry, if you watch the trailer for Twisters, you'll see that it's nothing like the original (which is a good thing )

"Twisters" is one of those films that makes you appreciate both the beauty and the danger of nature It is my favorite disaster film because it captures the horror of nature in a realistic and intense way The special effects are incredibly well done for the time, making the tornado feel real and the destruction truly shocking (not to mention the highest quality effects ever) The tense action scenes, where cars are tossed about and houses are torn apart, keep you on the edge of your seat every time you watch it

But it is the human element that really draws you in By following Joe and Bill's journey, their passion for storm chasing, and their personal struggles, we genuinely care about their mission and safety It is not often that we see the human development of a character in a disaster film In this case, there is a deep romance caught in the wind

So it is safe to say that "Twister" has everything you need for an exciting action thriller While certain scenes (especially the one where Joe and Bill are right next to a tornado and somehow don't get sucked in) may not seem realistic at all, it still remains a crowd-pleaser this summer [0 points] [1 point] The Rotten Tomatoes score for "Twister" should have been higher Of course, critics have their own opinions, but the film deserves more love; a 63% rating is not bad, but it doesn't do this disaster film justice

But Rotten Tomatoes scores are not always the deciding factor in whether something is worth seeing

As mentioned above, I think "Twister" does a good job of blending thrilling action with compelling human drama The relationship between Joe and Bill adds depth to an otherwise simple story and makes us emotionally invested in their journey Their mission to improve the tornado warning system by deploying the Dorothy device gives the story a meaningful purpose (rather than just aimlessly chasing tornadoes throughout the entire film)

However, despite my love for this disaster film, I must honestly agree with some of the critical reviews It mainly concerns the poor script that tells us exactly what is going on rather than showing us what is happening Some of the effects are also predictable and clichéd, but for a 1996 film, they are easy to put up with when you're into the action

It is definitely worth streaming "Twister" before the highly anticipated "Twister" opens in theaters on July 19 to fully appreciate the original's legacy and impact Twister" sets the bar high for disaster films, and watching it will help you understand the context of the new film and enhance your overall viewing experience by exploring the roots of the story and characters

I suspect I'll be watching "Twister" again, perhaps as a nostalgic dip into the classic blockbuster of the 90s I'll be watching "Twister" again because it reminds me of the excitement and suspense that made the original a beloved hit, and I can't wait to see it again

Stream "Twister" on Max right now When you're done, check out the best disaster movies currently available on Netflix