Twister? Supposedly... Among the less remarkable entries in the Neo-Noir category, Twisted proves to be a disappointing watch. The initial cast list suggests something substantial, hinting at a dramatic thriller filmed on location in Frisco, complete with atmospheric lighting, misty visuals, and waterside settings – the setup is quite promising. And so is the story itself... Ashley Judd portrays a recently promoted police detective who, following classic noir conventions, carries a significant amount of personal baggage. Her family history is troubled, she struggles with alcohol dependence, and engages in casual relationships that become complicated when those partners start appearing dead; essentially, she finds herself investigating her own potential involvement! Despite all the elements being present, the film never quite gets moving. The false clues accumulate without real impact, and the storyline becomes repetitive, especially because the eventual resolution isn't unexpected. There were many films of this kind made in the eighties and nineties that were significantly better, and finishing this one leaves you wishing for those earlier examples – not to mention the classic film noir pictures. Ashley Judd consistently disappoints; there’s a sense of a capable actress somewhere within her work, but she frequently ends up in mediocre thrillers. It's possible to argue that her co-star Andy Garcia is a talented actor who hasn’t achieved his full potential, with films like The Untouchables and Godfather III representing brief moments of brilliance. Here, he’s given an unrewarding role alongside weak writing, while Samuel L. Jackson and David Strathairn contribute some worthwhile moments but aren't challenged. Director Phillip Kaufman seems uncomfortable within the genre, much like his work on Rising Sun. However, the involvement of Mulholland Dr cinematographer Peter Deming is a positive aspect and one of the film’s few strengths. 5/10

Source on TMDB