I was so happy this finally came out just to be horribly disappointed. The film jumps around in the storyline so frequently that there never really is time for character development. The a screenwriting was awful. There really isn't a climax to the story, it's just lines being said and hoping something comes together. Not sure what the big deal is about the chemistry between Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly, the are together on screen twice and what maybe amounts to 5 minutes total. Don't pay to watch this movie.
215 Reviews
Like others here, I should have known better ...
Her-Excellency25 November 2021
From the very beginning, Midnight in the Switchgrass promises the feintest GLIMPSES of brilliance. These glimpses, unfortunately, are so random, sometimes subtle and mostly so unsure of themselves, they die out much too soon, and we are left with a film that implodes under the weight of trying to accomplish that which it realizes pretty soon, that it can't.
One of the main and apparent reasons it cannot, is the inclusion of Bruce Willis in the cast. In 2021 alone, I believe there were 6 or 7 films that had Willis floating around in them, and each one was made worse by the very limited number of minutes he actually appeared in them. The poor guy is renting his name out for peanuts and delivering lines with less verve and conviction than that which he uses to order a Latte when he's unsure of how he wants it. Seriously, without gunshots, burning buildings, or explosions, Bruce was never a scene-stealer to begin with, and recently, it's worse than that. By now, it should be a well-established fact that Bruce Willis is there for a paycheck which he will reward with one or two blank stares and a few mumbled lines.
The second reason, is that the name Megan Fox implies bad-to-mediocre acting at best, so most people will tune in for her face (which once was glorious until she self-sabotaged it to lesser-so), or her body. That is really a shame because quite surprisingly, Fox delivers a pretty great performance and believable interpretation of her character. In fact, I think it may be one of her best-acted roles.
Emile Hirsh, who I have only seen in a couple of other things, has never disappointed and does not disappoint in this - that is, WITH WHAT HE'S GIVEN - which is unfortunately, not enough.
The random glimpses of great, are not enough to elevate this film to "good".
One of the main and apparent reasons it cannot, is the inclusion of Bruce Willis in the cast. In 2021 alone, I believe there were 6 or 7 films that had Willis floating around in them, and each one was made worse by the very limited number of minutes he actually appeared in them. The poor guy is renting his name out for peanuts and delivering lines with less verve and conviction than that which he uses to order a Latte when he's unsure of how he wants it. Seriously, without gunshots, burning buildings, or explosions, Bruce was never a scene-stealer to begin with, and recently, it's worse than that. By now, it should be a well-established fact that Bruce Willis is there for a paycheck which he will reward with one or two blank stares and a few mumbled lines.
The second reason, is that the name Megan Fox implies bad-to-mediocre acting at best, so most people will tune in for her face (which once was glorious until she self-sabotaged it to lesser-so), or her body. That is really a shame because quite surprisingly, Fox delivers a pretty great performance and believable interpretation of her character. In fact, I think it may be one of her best-acted roles.
Emile Hirsh, who I have only seen in a couple of other things, has never disappointed and does not disappoint in this - that is, WITH WHAT HE'S GIVEN - which is unfortunately, not enough.
The random glimpses of great, are not enough to elevate this film to "good".
Falls flat
extremyo23 July 2021
The movie tries to portray seriousness and deep emotion, remains unsuccessful. While the buildup at some places is okay, it never picks up traction. Falls flat in the end, where the climax is barely anything, non-existent rather. Could be a lesson in how not to make a movie.
The poster is just wrong. Mr. Willis is only present in a few scenes that are insignificant. Instead Emile Hirsch would have been a better choice. But this also points to the fact that the viewer is being misled right from the start. Then comes a sub standard dialogue routine, average at best acting, sloppy editing and a bad ending.
Miss Fox should loosen up a little, her acting is very wooden. Emile Hirsch plays a character that is always stressed out but has very little power, another example of bad script writing. Given the physical presence of Mr Hirsch, he should have been given a more powerful character that would offset this trait to some extent.
Conclusion: Don't bother with this one, not recommended even for one time watch.
The poster is just wrong. Mr. Willis is only present in a few scenes that are insignificant. Instead Emile Hirsch would have been a better choice. But this also points to the fact that the viewer is being misled right from the start. Then comes a sub standard dialogue routine, average at best acting, sloppy editing and a bad ending.
Miss Fox should loosen up a little, her acting is very wooden. Emile Hirsch plays a character that is always stressed out but has very little power, another example of bad script writing. Given the physical presence of Mr Hirsch, he should have been given a more powerful character that would offset this trait to some extent.
Conclusion: Don't bother with this one, not recommended even for one time watch.
Misleading subpar thriller
Floated225 August 2021
Featuring Bruce Willis on the cover and given top billing, we come to realize that isn't the case. As he is in a smaller supporting role. Emile Hirsch is essentially the lead here, along with Megan Fox.
This film is quite lazy, with bad writing, average acting and quite slow at times. It does get better in the second half but also the conclusion feels a little rushed.
Watching this film reminded that of the tv series True Detective, but nowhere near the level.
This film is quite lazy, with bad writing, average acting and quite slow at times. It does get better in the second half but also the conclusion feels a little rushed.
Watching this film reminded that of the tv series True Detective, but nowhere near the level.
Incredibly amateurish
pjdickinson-2782229 June 2022
Looking for a serial killer along I-10 in Florida.
TxMike8 September 2021
There was a TV series "Columbo" in the 1970s starring Peter Falk. The novelty was the viewer learned of the murder as the show began and the entire episode was to see how Columbo would go about picking up clues and solving the crime.
This movie isn't quite that clean cut but we do get very strong suspicions very early, soon confirmed, and we watch to see how the agent will unravel clues and solve the crime. The setting is the panhandle of Florida, communities along I-10, and a series of murders of young girls and women are discovered.
There are many very unfair reviews rating this movie as "1" and "don't waste your time" comments. But looking at the actual distribution of ratings "5" is the most common and probably where I would rate it. There is nothing outstanding here but it is mostly well made movie that is about as enjoyable as an extended TV episode of a crime story.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. It was not filmed in Florida, most was filmed in Puerto Rico. It was strange in the end credits seeing they had a "COVID-19 medical team."
This movie isn't quite that clean cut but we do get very strong suspicions very early, soon confirmed, and we watch to see how the agent will unravel clues and solve the crime. The setting is the panhandle of Florida, communities along I-10, and a series of murders of young girls and women are discovered.
There are many very unfair reviews rating this movie as "1" and "don't waste your time" comments. But looking at the actual distribution of ratings "5" is the most common and probably where I would rate it. There is nothing outstanding here but it is mostly well made movie that is about as enjoyable as an extended TV episode of a crime story.
My wife and I watched it at home on DVD from our public library. It was not filmed in Florida, most was filmed in Puerto Rico. It was strange in the end credits seeing they had a "COVID-19 medical team."
What was the point of Bruce Willis
danielmanson28 June 2022
I didn't have much expectations with this film so went in basically blind. And unfortunately the movie misfires. Poor acting and rushed plot really let it down.
As my title says, what was the point of Bruce Willis? He was in this movie for around 2 mins max. Said about 6 lines and bailed. And even those 6 lines he acted really poorly. Not a good day in the office for him. The chemistry between him and Megan Fox felt non-existent (her acting wasn't amazing either, but it was better), zero depth into the characters and overall you couldn't really get into them.
The plot. So, to be kind here. The 2nd half of this film absolutely saves it. It had really good suspense and it was edge of your seat action. But the first half of the film was rushed beyond belief. There were parts where I thought I missed scenes, because it jumped from scene to scene so quickly and the convos felt so forced and out of the blue. One minute you're looking at a crime scene and the next Megan Fox is opening up about her dad or something. It was bizarre in all honesty.
Got a bit tedious towards the mid section as well. Due to the lack of character depth and arcs, there was nothing to really keep you going. We knew the killer, it was just a matter of the ending.
The ending again felt a bit rushed. The suspense was kept really well the last 20 mins or so and I was really keen to know the end, but it kind of just ends. More could have easily been added just to finalise the arcs of some characters, but it just fell on flat ears. Again, I wanted more from the ending.
I wanted to like this film and although it had one or two positives, the negatives massively outweigh. Would I recommend? No. 4/10 from me today, just below an average film.
As my title says, what was the point of Bruce Willis? He was in this movie for around 2 mins max. Said about 6 lines and bailed. And even those 6 lines he acted really poorly. Not a good day in the office for him. The chemistry between him and Megan Fox felt non-existent (her acting wasn't amazing either, but it was better), zero depth into the characters and overall you couldn't really get into them.
The plot. So, to be kind here. The 2nd half of this film absolutely saves it. It had really good suspense and it was edge of your seat action. But the first half of the film was rushed beyond belief. There were parts where I thought I missed scenes, because it jumped from scene to scene so quickly and the convos felt so forced and out of the blue. One minute you're looking at a crime scene and the next Megan Fox is opening up about her dad or something. It was bizarre in all honesty.
Got a bit tedious towards the mid section as well. Due to the lack of character depth and arcs, there was nothing to really keep you going. We knew the killer, it was just a matter of the ending.
The ending again felt a bit rushed. The suspense was kept really well the last 20 mins or so and I was really keen to know the end, but it kind of just ends. More could have easily been added just to finalise the arcs of some characters, but it just fell on flat ears. Again, I wanted more from the ending.
I wanted to like this film and although it had one or two positives, the negatives massively outweigh. Would I recommend? No. 4/10 from me today, just below an average film.
Something's Off
rowens-3862230 July 2021
This movie has fairly decent actors, and what could have been a good storyline but the acting is horrible, the production is god awful, and the editing is atrocious. Did the filmmaker watch his own movie before presenting to the public and actually think "Hey, this is damn good"?
Pure garbage
carlos-pires26 July 2021
Terrible script, terrible acting, idiotic characters. Complete waste of time.
Nothing makes much sense here, but two things stand out: 1. Megan Fox's blinding incompetence.
It's unbelievable how anyone would think she can act. Cleavage and over-use of makeup can't make up for talent.
2. Bruce Willis's desperate need for cash.
He so nonchalantly delivers his telegraphic lines, that you can't help but think he was having a ball by making money so easily. His scenes amount maybe to a total of 5 minutes. His name is in this movie is just there to lend it some credence, which is dwindling by the minute, as he keeps on showing up for dud after dud.
Nothing makes much sense here, but two things stand out: 1. Megan Fox's blinding incompetence.
It's unbelievable how anyone would think she can act. Cleavage and over-use of makeup can't make up for talent.
2. Bruce Willis's desperate need for cash.
He so nonchalantly delivers his telegraphic lines, that you can't help but think he was having a ball by making money so easily. His scenes amount maybe to a total of 5 minutes. His name is in this movie is just there to lend it some credence, which is dwindling by the minute, as he keeps on showing up for dud after dud.
Cant think of any positives
paulwattriley26 July 2021
Enjoyable crime movie
jolibosworth16 June 2022
I could not stop watching this. A serial killer on the move and all acting is very good.
I can't understand the negative comments. Most said that Bruce Willis had a small role which he did but I found that positive.
I feel there would have been better actors who could play a much bigger better role.
It wasn't slow at all and if you like serial killer mind games, wondering what makes them so sick, then this is for you.
I can't understand the negative comments. Most said that Bruce Willis had a small role which he did but I found that positive.
I feel there would have been better actors who could play a much bigger better role.
It wasn't slow at all and if you like serial killer mind games, wondering what makes them so sick, then this is for you.
A serial killer stalks the Interstate in northern Florida
Wuchakk3 April 2022
The bodies of seven young women are found along I-10 in the Panhandle of Florida, mostly prostitutes that service truckers at rest stops. A determined State officer (Emile Hirsch) and an equally resolute FBI agent (Megan Fox) team-up to find the murderer. Lukas Haas is also on hand while Bruce Willis has a small role.
"Midnight in the Switchgrass" (2021) is a crime drama/thriller that cost $15 million and was inspired by serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades, aka The Truck Stop Killer. It combines the typical film noir-ish detective story of "Kiss the Girls" (1997) with elements of "The Onion Field" (1979), "Breakdown" (1997) and "Butchers" (2020).
Both Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas stand out on the acting front with convincing performances. A few of the peripherals are notable as well (e.g. The little daughter, her mother, the captured teen girl and the neighbor).
Willis was hired for name-recognition and did all his scenes in one day, which is obvious. But, since his part is so small, it's not a major drawback. As for Megan Fox, no producer hires her because she's Meryl Streep, but rather because she's stunning. That said, I think she did a fine job, except for a couple scenes with Bruce (where they were obviously pressed for time).
Speaking of Fox, I haven't seen her in a movie for ten years. She turned 34 during shooting and is more alluring than ever. Meanwhile winsome Caitlin Carmichael was almost 16 during shooting and is surprisingly remarkable as the captive teen. Sistine Rose Stallone (Sylvester's daughter) is also worth noting on the feminine front.
The last act does create some quality suspense. While it's understandably a grey flick that focuses on the ugly side of life, there are rays of reverence, wisdom and hope.
Musician Machine Gun Kelly appears in a few sequences with Megan. He must've worked his charisma on her because, although she was married for a decade to Brian Austin Green at the time, the two would start dating and are currently engaged.
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes, and was shot in Pensacola, Puerto Rico and Cincinnati (filming was interrupted at midpoint due to the plandemic and so alternative plans had to be made for completion).
GRADE: B-/B.
"Midnight in the Switchgrass" (2021) is a crime drama/thriller that cost $15 million and was inspired by serial killer Robert Ben Rhoades, aka The Truck Stop Killer. It combines the typical film noir-ish detective story of "Kiss the Girls" (1997) with elements of "The Onion Field" (1979), "Breakdown" (1997) and "Butchers" (2020).
Both Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas stand out on the acting front with convincing performances. A few of the peripherals are notable as well (e.g. The little daughter, her mother, the captured teen girl and the neighbor).
Willis was hired for name-recognition and did all his scenes in one day, which is obvious. But, since his part is so small, it's not a major drawback. As for Megan Fox, no producer hires her because she's Meryl Streep, but rather because she's stunning. That said, I think she did a fine job, except for a couple scenes with Bruce (where they were obviously pressed for time).
Speaking of Fox, I haven't seen her in a movie for ten years. She turned 34 during shooting and is more alluring than ever. Meanwhile winsome Caitlin Carmichael was almost 16 during shooting and is surprisingly remarkable as the captive teen. Sistine Rose Stallone (Sylvester's daughter) is also worth noting on the feminine front.
The last act does create some quality suspense. While it's understandably a grey flick that focuses on the ugly side of life, there are rays of reverence, wisdom and hope.
Musician Machine Gun Kelly appears in a few sequences with Megan. He must've worked his charisma on her because, although she was married for a decade to Brian Austin Green at the time, the two would start dating and are currently engaged.
The film runs 1 hour, 39 minutes, and was shot in Pensacola, Puerto Rico and Cincinnati (filming was interrupted at midpoint due to the plandemic and so alternative plans had to be made for completion).
GRADE: B-/B.
A load of rubbish
birkby-7042323 July 2021
Will someone have a word with Bruce Willis and tell him that he has to act, just turning up and gurning at the camera isn't good enough, the last few films I have seen him in have been bad, he seems to think just him being there makes the film good,
Mundane !!
siddhanth15423 July 2021
It's not THAT bad.....
bostonct22 August 2021
OK, acting was weak with most characters but there were moments. Bruce has gone completely stilted. Actually, not a bad story line. It's not a great movies but I've seen some terrible junk that have gotten better ratings than what most people have given this one. A less cheesy soundtrack may have helped, and maybe more scenes where's there more than 2 people. Overall, it's a 4. OK for a crappy rainy day.
This wants so badly to be True Detective
leesimon-2635724 September 2021
It is very, very, very bad. But it could have been much worse, so it gets higher than 1 star. The acting is bad, and the characters are TERRIBLE, one note, and immediately overly dramatic for the sake of fake tension. The story is very dumb, and every interaction between characters made me cringe. I once watched an unwatchable movie once where Dane Cook was a PhD in Engineering. Megan fox as a qualified undercover cop ranks up there with that viewing.
Overall, don't waste your time. The acting is incredibly bad, forced and everything is rushed, despite there being no thrills or feeling of excitement. I could not hate the wife characters in this more. If this movie wasn't written as a joke (and I don't think it was,) then it is really pure garbage. If you think you want to see this story play out, in this environment, watch True Detective.
This is so awful it makes me feel bad for the millionaire actors who look so stupid in this, and that's saying a lot.
Skip this garbage.
Overall, don't waste your time. The acting is incredibly bad, forced and everything is rushed, despite there being no thrills or feeling of excitement. I could not hate the wife characters in this more. If this movie wasn't written as a joke (and I don't think it was,) then it is really pure garbage. If you think you want to see this story play out, in this environment, watch True Detective.
This is so awful it makes me feel bad for the millionaire actors who look so stupid in this, and that's saying a lot.
Skip this garbage.
Why all the hate?
kidconte-125 July 2021
Let's start off by saying, I didn't think this was the best film in the world... but it was able to hold my attention. And I for one am happy to Megan fox acting again, I personally love her, Emile Hirsch is always someone who does a great job with whatever role he is given. I did find myself holding my breath a few times and I am glad colson baker got this part as he killed it, wish he had been in it more!! It's not action packed, it's not perfect but it's a fun movie to watch and just take it for what it is. Only thing it could have done without is Bruce... but oh well.
Funniest movie in years
ryrymadrid27 July 2021
I really liked it!!
RachelMary29 July 2022
I enjoyed this movie. It had good tension, didn't drag on, and didn't try too hard. Nope, it probably won't win any Oscars but a lot of the most enjoyable films don't! I think a combination of good pace, good performances from the leads and some intense scenes worked really well. I was pretty surprised at the low rating, this was well done in many ways and deserves better imo.
Midnight review
kelboy1024 July 2021
Starting off at and slow pace two FBI agents cross paths with Crawford who is investigating murders which appear to be related. Randall Emmett puts together some thrilling scenes with great cinematography and lighting for a first time feature length. Although some parts seem a little disjointed and we find out who the killer is way too early it still has enough to keep us intrigued. Megan Fox seems more comfortable in the lead of a thriller and does a honorary job as Rebecca Lombardo and some screen time with her real life boyfriend. Although she still has moments of not being entirely convincing as a FBI agent, Megan seems to have improved somewhat with this and her previous movie Till Death. Bruce Willis has very little to do here and appears to just turn up as Bruce rather than Karl. Emile Hirsch is probably one of the stronger performances in the the film as Byron Crawford whom is actively investigating the case throughout. If you go into the movie with an open mind and not too much expectation you will find it enjoyable!
Megan please quit acting!
dma912023 July 2021
?
tha_mariachi27 July 2021
Just another run-of-the-mill crime thriller...
paul_haakonsen13 August 2021
I just sat through the 2021 crime thriller "Midnight in the Switchgrass", and I must say that while the movie definitely was watchable, it was ultimately just a very generic crime thriller.
Sadly so, yeah, the storyline and script in "Midnight in the Switchgrass", as written by Alan Horsnail, just didn't offer anything new to the crime thriller genre, and it was actually a rather predictable and generic formula that was used to construct the movie. So you knew the outcome early on in the movie actually.
This movie does have some good names on the cast list, but the movie was carried primarily by actors Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas. The movie also had Bruce Willis and Megan Fox on the cast list, and I must admit that I was initially lured into watching "Midnight in the Switchgrass" because it had Bruce Willis on the cast list. But it turned out that he didn't really have all that big of a role to play in the movie. Now, a lot can be said about Megan Fox, but I think she actually managed to do a good job in this movie.
"Midnight in the Switchgrass" is a rather slow paced crime thriller, which makes certain aspects of the storyline feel prolonged and slow.
I sat through the entire movie, and yeah, it ended exactly as I predicted it would early on in the movie. So nothing overly surprising to be experienced here from director Randall Emmett.
My rating of "Midnight in the Switchgrass" lands on a very mediocre five out of ten stars.
Sadly so, yeah, the storyline and script in "Midnight in the Switchgrass", as written by Alan Horsnail, just didn't offer anything new to the crime thriller genre, and it was actually a rather predictable and generic formula that was used to construct the movie. So you knew the outcome early on in the movie actually.
This movie does have some good names on the cast list, but the movie was carried primarily by actors Emile Hirsch and Lukas Haas. The movie also had Bruce Willis and Megan Fox on the cast list, and I must admit that I was initially lured into watching "Midnight in the Switchgrass" because it had Bruce Willis on the cast list. But it turned out that he didn't really have all that big of a role to play in the movie. Now, a lot can be said about Megan Fox, but I think she actually managed to do a good job in this movie.
"Midnight in the Switchgrass" is a rather slow paced crime thriller, which makes certain aspects of the storyline feel prolonged and slow.
I sat through the entire movie, and yeah, it ended exactly as I predicted it would early on in the movie. So nothing overly surprising to be experienced here from director Randall Emmett.
My rating of "Midnight in the Switchgrass" lands on a very mediocre five out of ten stars.
another poster that fooled a lot of viewers
trashgang6 April 2022
Did you see the poster of this flick? Did you watch it for Bruce Willis well I can tell you, you are fooled. He's in it for maybe 10 minutes.
The flick is loosely based on true events but it's a slow movie, really slow and not that much happens. Luckily it clocked in under 90 minutes.
There's nothing really to mention here, not scary, no suspense, no gore, red stuff or messy scene's. Okay, on the other hand on the poster you can spot Megan Fox but even this one isn't one with her best performances.
It's watchable but overall it's a bad movie.
Gore 0/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 0/5 Story 1,5/5 Comedy 0/5.
The flick is loosely based on true events but it's a slow movie, really slow and not that much happens. Luckily it clocked in under 90 minutes.
There's nothing really to mention here, not scary, no suspense, no gore, red stuff or messy scene's. Okay, on the other hand on the poster you can spot Megan Fox but even this one isn't one with her best performances.
It's watchable but overall it's a bad movie.
Gore 0/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 0/5 Story 1,5/5 Comedy 0/5.
Imagine...
reshad-142-86783828 July 2021
Imagine an entitled student filmmaker getting a 20 million dollar budget. Now imagine all the actors phoning in their performances (only Emile redeems himself). The editor being incompetent or drunk (or both). The script being written by throwing in every cliche imaginable. Now watch this film and it'll be even worse than what you imagined.
See also
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