The Wrecking Crew Review: An Action-Packed, Laugh-Out-Loud Comedy

In an era of CGI-heavy blockbusters, there is something refreshing about a film that relies on the raw, undeniable charisma of its leads. The Wrecking Crew, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, is a high-octane tribute to the classic action-comedies of the 80s and 90s. While the plot – two estranged half-brothers forced to reunite after their father’s mysterious death – might feel familiar, the execution is anything but stale.

The film follows Jonny (Jason Momoa), a loose-cannon cop with a penchant for chaos, and James (Dave Bautista), a disciplined, straight-laced Navy SEAL. As they navigate a conspiracy in Hawaii that threatens to tear their family apart, they prove that while they may not like each other, they are more than ready to wreck anything that gets in their way.

The biggest selling point of The Wrecking Crew is the pairing of Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista. We have seen them together before (in Dune and See), but this film finally lets them lean into their comedic strengths. Momoa is absolutely off the charts here. He brings a wild, infectious energy to Jonny that serves as the perfect foil to Bautista’s stoic attitude. Their back-and-forth banter feels lived-in and authentic, making the estranged brother dynamic believable. It’s a masterclass in screen chemistry.

That said, this movie is not just a comedy. It is also packed to the brim with action. One minute you’re laughing your head off at their bickering, and the next you’re clinging to your seat for dear life as they transition into an unforgettable action sequence.

Director Ángel Manuel Soto clearly took the lessons he learned on Blue Beetle and dialed them up to eleven. The action in The Wrecking Crew is the film’s true standout. Rather than relying on shaky-cam or quick cuts, Soto allows the audience to see the scale and impact of every punch and explosion. That helicopter scene? One of the best action sequences in years.

The sequences are designed to constantly up the ante, building momentum right up until the final frame. There is a weight to the choreography that makes the stakes feel real, even when the movie is at its funniest. It’s clear that Ángel Manuel Soto is a fan of the genre; the film feels less like a carbon copy of what’s come before and more like a loving homage to classics like Die Hard.

While the leads carry the heavy lifting, the supporting ensemble adds layers of heart and humor that truly elevate the narrative. Morena Baccarin shines as Momoa’s fiery partner, providing a comedic spark that grounds the film’s high-stakes action; her first scene with Momoa perfectly establishes their dynamic as a struggling but passionate couple, setting a hilarious tone that resonates throughout the movie. 

Jacob Batalon also delivers a standout performance, bringing his signature comedic energy to the screen and ensuring that the laughs keep coming between the more intense sequences. This supporting cast, rounded out by veteran talents like Stephen Root and Temuera Morrison, helps balance the film’s wreck-everything mentality with genuine, down-to-earth moments that make the brothers’ journey feel personal and earned.

The Wrecking Crew doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It’s a complete blast from start to finish. Even when the plot becomes slightly predictable, the surprises in the script and the sheer star power on screen keep it engaging.

If you’re looking for a movie that balances heartfelt family drama with insane action sequences, this is it. It’s a reminder of why we go to the movies: to see big stars do big things with a lot of heart. 

P.S. There is plenty of room for a sequel, so let’s keep them coming!

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