You can admire an actor’s talent, but this doesn’t guarantee the movie will be a hit. Life on The Line is a prime example. This disaster drama starring John Travolta and Sharon Stone follows a Texas lineman and his crew as they risk their lives during a deadly storm. Released in 2015, the film earned a rare 0% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, its recent resurgence on Tubi shows how timing and platform can help a film find a new audience. According to MovieWeb, it topped Tubi’s free streaming chart, demonstrating an unexpected second wind.

Directed by David Hackl, best known for Saw V, Life on the Line features a star-studded cast, including John Travolta as Beau Ginner, a lineman committed to his perilous profession, and Sharon Stone, known for Basic Instinct and Casino. Despite the talent on screen, critics found the film lacking. Sheri Linden from The Hollywood Reporter said, ‘There’s certainly a strong story to be told about linemen as unsung first responders… but this one, with its clunky plot mechanics, unmemorable visuals, and predictably country-flavored score, misses the mark.”

The film also struggled commercially, grossing only $39,027 worldwide against a $12 million budget. However, it has found a new audience in the streaming era. According to a review on Letterboxd, “Life on the Line delivers a surprisingly heartfelt tribute to U.S. linemen, blending action with an emotional family drama that highlights the risks and sacrifices of the job.” The film’s resurgence on Tubi, where it ranked #1, shows how streaming can shock new life into a film.

For those who are curious, Life on the Line is now available on free streaming platforms, offering an opportunity for viewers to form their own opinions. Whether it remains a disaster or a hidden gem is up to the viewer.