An iconic piece of 1980s cinema has found a new home for British audiences. The beloved comedy film Twins, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito, has officially been added to the Netflix catalogue, inviting a new generation to discover its unique charm.
A Cult Classic Defies Its Reviews
Despite holding a surprisingly low 43 percent critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes, Twins has endured for decades as a fan-favourite. Its staying power is credited to the remarkable on-screen chemistry between its two leads and its delightfully outlandish premise. Directed by the legendary Ivan Reitman of Ghostbusters fame, the film became one of the decade's biggest surprise hits.
The Story of Julius and Vincent
The plot revolves around fraternal twins Julius and Vincent, played by Schwarzenegger and DeVito respectively, who were separated at birth. Julius, the product of a secret experiment to create the perfect human, is raised by academics on a remote island, growing into a physically perfect but naive intellectual. His brother, Vincent, becomes a streetwise hustler living in Los Angeles.
The heart of the film lies in their reunion at age 35, when Julius learns of his brother's existence and travels to find him, only to discover Vincent is on the run from dangerous loan sharks. Their journey to connect as family forms the core of this heartwarming and hilarious story.
Audience Praise for a "Masterwork"
While critics were lukewarm, audience reactions tell a different story. On IMDb, one fan awarded the film a 10/10 score, calling it "a fantastic film that you can watch over and over." They praised its "universal, classic, and timeless appeal," noting that the entire cast pulls together for a "harmonious" and highly entertaining production.
The sentiment is echoed widely on social media and review platforms. On Letterboxd, a five-star review declared it "an absolute classic comedy," highlighting the "shockingly pitch perfect" chemistry between the two stars. Another viewer simply labelled it a "comedic masterwork," while a third stated it was, in all honesty, "one of the most heartwarming and charming films ever made."
Fans have also expressed disappointment that the long-planned sequel, Triplets, which was to feature Eddie Murphy as a third brother, was shelved following director Ivan Reitman's death.
Twins became available for streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, 14th January. For those seeking a guaranteed laugh and a feel-good story, this 1980s gem is poised to jump to the top of watchlists across the UK this weekend.
