THE WRECKING CREW -- Dave Bautista & Jason Momoa’s Dynamic Chemistry Makes for a Good Throwback

Review by Chadd Clubine

The idea of Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa starring together has always felt like a no-brainer. Pairings like this can sometimes signal a film leaning too heavily on star power alone, but The Wrecking Crew avoids that trap. Instead, it delivers an entertaining ride packed with surprising twists and well-staged action set pieces. When you think of great ’90s’ throwbacks, this is exactly the kind of film that comes to mind. It fully commits to its tone, letting Bautista and Momoa play off each other with both humor and heart. This is how you bring back ’90s action.

At just over two hours, the runtime is certainly noticeable, as the film clearly aims for an epic scale. Interestingly, The Batman director Matt Reeves is credited as a producer, and it shows in the film’s ambition. This is the kind of movie that would play well in theaters and likely be a solid box-office draw. It’s another strong example of why streaming-made films deserve a real fighting chance on the big screen. Watching it at home creates a different effect—some story beats feel stretched, and the action set pieces can feel over-the-top at times. If you look past that, it’s clear the director and its two leads were committed to making something memorable.
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Given the context of its story, the premise is fairly basic: two estranged half-brothers reunite after their father’s death to track down his killer. On paper, it’s easy to predict how the rest of the film will unfold, but what ultimately works is how intentional everything feels. The camera work during the action sequences often plays like a homage, elevated by striking cinematography and sharp, effective editing. Whenever the film leans into action, it delivers.

As for the two leads, they fit their roles naturally and deliver strong performances. Bautista is more reserved, while Momoa brings an outgoing energy that aligns perfectly with their respective filmographies. Reversing those roles simply wouldn’t have worked. Together, they convincingly convey that these characters are brothers, not just in appearance but in how they interact. At its core, the film carries a heartfelt message for estranged families: it’s never too late to show up for one another.

The film spends considerable time away from its two leads, which may be one of its biggest weaknesses. As mentioned, the runtime already stretches past two hours, and trimming even twenty minutes could have greatly improved the pacing while leaning more into its strengths, namely the chemistry between its actors and its brutal action. The film’s R-rated violence is surprisingly intense, adding an extra edge that makes it even more unexpected.
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The dialogue can also be one of the film’s weaker elements. Unlike another action release this weekend, Shelter, this film demonstrates how strong direction and committed performances can elevate an underwhelming script. The actors may not be family in real life, but the sincerity of their emotional performances makes the relationship feel genuine. The supporting cast also embraces the film’s tone, helping to ground the story and making the overall experience more entertaining and believable.
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While it may have benefited from a theatrical release, The Wrecking Crew remains an entertaining watch, buoyed by its two leads and its action sequences. It never takes itself too seriously, yet it knows when to treat the heavier aspects of its family dynamic with care. The film runs longer than necessary, and the dialogue can feel repetitive, but it still succeeds at what it sets out to do: entertain.

The Wrecking Crew is available now on Prime Video.

Rating: 3/5