Directed by Ivan Reitman
Expectations: Optimistic that I’ll still like it.
Twins is a hard movie to criticize because as much as I know it’s not a great movie, I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. It’s films like this that make me question the necessity of critics to judge the “effectiveness” of a film. I did some quick research and, as I suspected, despite being a huge box-office hit, the critics gave Twins largely mixed and negative reviews. In my ’80s nostalgia I like to believe that everyone back then knew how to have a good time, but these critics are evidence against my ridiculous theory. Somehow over the last 20–30 years their desire for more realistic, less goofy films took hold, and movies like Twins are relics of the year they were produced, trapped in amber for all to peruse.
I know I’m getting rather heady for a film about Arnold and Danny DeVito playing twins, but the film’s happy-go-lucky nature brought as many thoughts about the current state of film as it did genuine smiles. This probably isn’t too different from how I experience a lot of ’80s films these days, although this one is a little light on plot, allowing for these heady thoughts to creep in. Regular readers will know my general preference for ’80s films over current stuff, and this film really reminded me of that tangible, real-world beauty that is largely missing from the slick, focus-tested films of current Hollywood.
But like I mentioned, it’s not all about Arnold. Danny DeVito brings the perfect yang to Arnold’s yin; by the end of the film, not only did I believe that they were twins separated at birth, I actually wanted it to be true. They are a perfect comedy team here, so I’m definitely looking forward to my re-watch of Junior (in which they both star and re-team with director Ivan Reitman) whenever I get down to that one. The two female leads (Chole Webb & Kelly Preston) are equally important to the mix, adding additional moments of tenderness and comedy in a film full of them. Chole Webb is especially charming, and I can’t believe I never realized how flat-out gorgeous Kelly Preston is. Her character is little more than a pretty face for Arnold to fall for, but I suppose that’s to be expected in a film like this which feels like it’s aimed predominantly at men. Which, you could argue, is the problem with most Hollywood pictures, if you want to get technical.
Twins is definitely a dated film. Everything about it, from its outlandish premise to its lighthearted fun attitude towards violence, absolutely oozes of the 1980s. For some, this will make Twins a grueling experience that will likely cause them to agree with Arnold’s character, Julius, when he chastises his twin brother Vincent for having “no respect for logic.” That may be true, but to enjoy films like this it takes a different kind of respect… a respect for ’80s logic. Trust me, not only will it help you enjoy some of the most downright entertaining movies ever made, it just might change your life. OK, OK, I got a little wrapped up in the mood of the 1980s, where cheap entertainment always came with a side of heart, but it’s true. Embrace the power of simple entertainment. Reconnect with the childlike joy you once experienced, when plot holes went over your head and your reflexes were never fast enough to even notice them (let alone catch them). Twins may not be a great movie, but it’s damn fine entertainment. And really, that’s all that matters.
With Twins in the bag, the ’80s are complete for Arnold! Next up in this chronological journey through the films of Arnold Schwarzenegger is Total Recall, blasting us into the ’90s! See ya then!