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Muscle, Mayhem, and Mimosas: Why ‘The Wrecking Crew’ is the Duo We Deserve

January 9, 2026 8:10 am in by
Amazon MGM Studios

The budding bromance between Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista has been blossoming like a tropical hibiscus over the last few years. What started as a viral pitch from Bautista himself back in 2021 has finally manifested into a high-octane reality. Enter The Wrecking Crew, an action-comedy that doesn’t just lean into the “big guys hitting things” trope it builds a whole Hawaiian resort on top of it.

The Plot: Family Reunion (With More Explosions)

The film follows two estranged half-brothers who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Jonny (Momoa) is a suspended reservation cop from Oklahoma with a penchant for nihilism and a well-stocked liquor cabinet. James (Bautista), on the other hand, is a disciplined Navy SEAL commander stationed at Pearl Harbor.

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When their “bad dude” of a father dies under mysterious circumstances, the pair are forced to trade insults and heavy weaponry across the streets of Hawaii. As they dig into the mystery, they uncover a conspiracy involving international investors and local corruption that threatens to level more than just their family tree. Honestly, it’s the kind of family reunion that makes your awkward Christmas dinner look like a spa day.

Watch the Trailer

Why This Isn’t Just Another Buddy Cop Flick

While the “odd couple” dynamic is a Hollywood staple, The Wrecking Crew feels surprisingly fresh. Director Ángel Manuel Soto (fresh off the success of Blue Beetle) brings a genuine eye for culture to the production. Rather than using Hawaii as a mere postcard backdrop, the film dives into the urban reality of Oahu and the everyday lives of its people.

Soto balances the “wrecking” with real heart, exploring themes of masculinity, redemption, and the ghosts of the past. It’s a film that asks, “What are we saying about the world?” right before someone gets thrown through a plate-glass window.

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The Cast: A Stacked Deck

The chemistry between Momoa and Bautista is the obvious engine here—Momoa is the wild, unpredictable fire to Bautista’s methodical, slow-burn intensity. But the supporting cast is equally impressive. Claes Bang brings his signature European menace as the primary antagonist while Jacob Batalon and Stephen Root provide the comedic backup. Morena Baccarin and Temuera Morrison add some much-needed gravitas to the chaos.

At 2 hours and 2 minutes, the film is written by Jonathan Tropper (Banshee, The Adam Project), so expect sharp dialogue that cuts just as deep as the action sequences.

The Verdict

The Wrecking Crew is an unapologetic riot. It’s loud, it’s chaotic, and it’s deeply aware of how much fun it is to watch two of the world’s biggest action stars smash things together. If you’re looking for a film that combines the grit of a 90s thriller with the heart of a modern family drama and a healthy side of Hawaiian sun.

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Available globally on Prime Video on January 28, 2026

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