# **Bruce Willis’ “Midnight in the Switchgrass” Gains New Popularity on Netflix**
## **Introduction**
Bruce Willis, an iconic action figure in Hollywood, boasts a lengthy and remarkable career, appearing in several legendary films such as *Die Hard*, *Pulp Fiction*, and *The Sixth Sense*. In recent years, however, Willis has participated in numerous direct-to-video (VOD) projects, many of which garnered unfavorable critiques. One particular film, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* (2021), is now experiencing an unanticipated revival on Netflix.
Though it was met with negative reviews at the time of its release, this crime thriller has attracted a fresh audience on the streaming service, making its way into Netflix’s Top 10 Movies list. What could have sparked such renewed interest in this film? Let’s delve deeper.
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## **What is *Midnight in the Switchgrass* About?**
Directed by Randall Emmett in his directorial debut, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* is a crime thriller that centers on two FBI agents, Karl Helter (Bruce Willis) and Rebecca Lombardo (Megan Fox), as they investigate a serial killer in Florida. They collaborate with Florida Department of Law Enforcement agent Byron Crawford (Emile Hirsch) to locate the murderer, portrayed by Lukas Haas.
The film is loosely inspired by the real-life case of Robert Ben Rhoades, known as the “Truck Stop Killer,” who is believed to have claimed over 50 victims between 1975 and 1990.
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## **Why is the Film Trending on Netflix?**
Despite its unfavorable reviews at launch, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* has recently seen a surge in popularity on Netflix. Multiple reasons could account for this sudden rise:
### **1. Bruce Willis’ Legacy**
Following his retirement from acting due to an aphasia diagnosis in 2022, many fans are revisiting his last films as a homage to his career. Even though *Midnight in the Switchgrass* is not deemed one of his finest works, it stands as one of his final roles.
### **2. Star-Studded Cast**
Along with Bruce Willis, the film stars Megan Fox, Emile Hirsch, Lukas Haas, and features a cameo by musician-turned-actor Machine Gun Kelly (Colson Baker). The involvement of these prominent actors may have intrigued viewers.
### **3. Netflix’s Algorithm**
Netflix often highlights older films that gain sudden popularity by placing them on the “Trending” or “Top 10” lists. When a film is featured in these rankings, it is more likely to attract additional viewers, enhancing its visibility.
### **4. The “So Bad, It’s Good” Appeal**
Some audiences find joy in watching films that receive harsh criticism, whether for amusement or curiosity. With an 8% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* might seem tempting for those who enjoy analyzing flawed movies.
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## **Critical Reception**
Despite its recent rise to fame, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* faced extensive criticism upon its release. Here’s some feedback from critics:
– **RogerEbert.com**: *”Midnight in the Switchgrass is the kind of crime thriller that’s packed with clichés, ultimately becoming a cliché itself.”*
– **Slant Magazine**: *”Randall Emmett’s directorial debut is nearly indistinguishable from the multitude of budget VOD action thrillers he’s produced up to now.”*
– **The Hollywood Reporter**: *”The film, which claims to be a crime-thriller-mystery, fails to meet even the most minimal expectations.”*
Moreover, many viewers were let down by Bruce Willis’ brief on-screen presence, as he appears for roughly five minutes throughout the movie. This is a typical strategy in “geezer teaser” films, where aging stars are heavily marketed but feature only brief roles in the actual film.
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## **Should You Watch *Midnight in the Switchgrass*?**
If you are an ardent Bruce Willis fan or have a penchant for crime thrillers, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* might just be worth your time. Conversely, if you seek a well-constructed, captivating thriller, this movie may not live up to your standards.
Nonetheless, sometimes a film doesn’t need to be exceptional to entertain. Whether you’re drawn in by the cast, the true crime element, or simply want to see what all the fuss is about, *Midnight in the Switchgrass* is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Bruce Willis’ career has spanned multiple decades, offering some of the most unforgettable performances in the history of Hollywood. While *Midnight in the Switchgrass* may not represent the pinnacle of his filmography, its resurgence on Netflix showcases that audiences are still captivated by his work.
