The Wrecking Crew Review: A Muscle-Bound Bromance with Heart
Prime Video's latest action offering, The Wrecking Crew, delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave: two of Hollywood's most physically imposing stars, Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, tearing up the screen with gusto. This straight-to-streaming action-thriller-comedy serves as a loving throwback to the pulpy, high-octane entertainment that dominated cinemas in the 1980s and 1990s.
Nostalgic Fun with a Modern Twist
From the moment a classic Phil Collins track kicks in on the soundtrack, accompanied by a cheeky nod to Jean-Claude Van Damme, it's clear this film knows its audience. It's tailor-made for viewers who relish highly choreographed violence, spectacular stunts, and the kind of quippy dialogue that punctuates explosive set pieces. Expect all the hallmarks of the genre: fireballs erupting as characters make dramatic escapes, collateral damage treated with casual indifference, and a plot that ultimately centres on family reconciliation.
Yet The Wrecking Crew cleverly injects a contemporary, post-therapy sensibility into its familiar framework. The script, penned by Jonathan Tropper of Your Friends and Neighbours fame, adds surprising emotional layers to what could have been a straightforward revenge narrative.
Brothers in Arms: Bautista and Momoa's Dynamic Duo
Bautista and Momoa play James and Jonny, excessively muscled, tattooed half-brothers reunited by tragedy after their father Walter is killed in a suspicious hit-and-run. James, a disciplined Marine trainer with a simmering rage, is married to a child psychologist, played by Roimata Fox, whose presence allows for moments of emotional diagnosis amidst the chaos. Jonny, an Oklahoma cop, embodies the classic younger sibling archetype: booze-sozzled, flamboyant, and irresponsible.
Their journey to uncover the truth behind their father's death takes them to their Hawaiian homeland, showcased through stunning location photography and sweeping drone shots. The film doesn't shy away from acknowledging the corruption lurking beneath paradise's surface, with various gangsters and corrupt figures exploiting the islands' beauty.
Villainous Delights and Guilty Pleasures
The primary antagonist, the effete and monstrous businessman Robichaux, is brought to life with delicious cruelty by arthouse favourite Claes Bang. His final confrontation with Momoa provides one of the film's highlights, matched only by the palpable chemistry between the two leads. Bautista and Momoa's bromance feels genuine, elevating the material beyond mere spectacle.
The Wrecking Crew succeeds as an easily digested guilty pleasure, blending explosive action with unexpected heart. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the buddy action genre, updated for a modern audience while retaining the irreverent spirit of its predecessors. The film arrives on Prime Video from 28 January, offering perfect weekend viewing for action aficionados.
