Quick Read
- Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista star as estranged half-brothers in ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ released on Prime Video on January 28, 2026.
- The film follows Jonny (Momoa) and James (Bautista) as they investigate their father’s mysterious death in Hawaiʻi, uncovering a criminal organization.
- Directed by Ángel Manuel Soto, the action-comedy blends classic buddy-movie tropes with influences from Asian action cinema.
- Critics praised the leads’ chemistry and the action sequences, though some noted issues with plot coherence.
- The production emphasized showcasing authentic Hawaiian culture and local communities, with cast members expressing deep personal connections to the setting.
HONOLULU (Azat TV) – The highly anticipated action-comedy ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ starring Hollywood heavyweights Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista, premiered globally on Prime Video on January 28, 2026. The film, which unites the two stars as estranged half-brothers, has quickly garnered attention for its high-octane action sequences, undeniable on-screen chemistry, and a narrative deeply woven into the vibrant backdrop of Hawaiʻi.
Directed by Puerto Rican filmmaker Ángel Manuel Soto, known for ‘Charm City Kings,’ ‘The Wrecking Crew’ plunges viewers into the story of Jonny (Momoa), a hard-drinking Oklahoma cop, and James (Bautista), a buttoned-up Navy SEAL stationed in Hawaiʻi. The brothers are forced to reunite after the mysterious death of their father in downtown Honolulu. While James initially believes it to be a simple accident, Jonny, targeted by an assassination attempt himself, suspects foul play, leading them to reluctantly join forces to uncover a criminal organization involving local rackets and the yakuza.
A Buddy-Movie Throwback with Modern Muscle
The film embraces the classic buddy-movie template popularized in the 1980s and ’90s, pitting two wildly different personalities against a common foe. Critics from Micropsia Cine noted that the movie delivers on solid set pieces, convincing chemistry between its leads, and a no-nonsense demolition derby feel. Despite sharing its title with a 1960s spy film, the new ‘Wrecking Crew’ carves its own path, distinguishing itself with a self-aware script that sprinkles in gags about the leads’ physical prowess, with one character humorously remarking, “It’s like The Rock had sex with himself and had twins.”
Beyond the bickering and fistfights, the film draws heavily from the grammar of Asian action cinema, with director Soto staging sequences that pay homage to influences ranging from John Woo to Park Chan-wook. This stylistic choice provides a fresh visual rhythm to the bone-crunching martial arts and car chases, including one sequence described by Micropsia Cine as ‘blatantly inspired by Oldboy.’ However, not all reviews were universally positive; Paste Magazine found the action-comedy ‘laborious and forgettable,’ suggesting it wasn’t ‘dumb enough’ to fully commit to its premise, and criticized the plot for often losing logical coherence.
Hawaiʻi at the Core: Culture and Connection
A significant aspect of ‘The Wrecking Crew’ is its authentic portrayal and integration of Hawaiian culture. Filmed extensively in the Aloha State, the production made a conscious effort to showcase real Hawaiian communities and daily life beyond typical tourist stereotypes. Actor Temuera Morrison, who plays a family-friend politician, shared with KITV that working in Hawaiʻi was a special and personal experience, feeling like ‘a melting pot of Polynesian talent.’ He also expressed honor at being asked by Jason Momoa to join the project, highlighting Momoa’s passion for telling stories connected to his culture and genealogy. Co-star Frankie Adams echoed this sentiment, describing the filming experience as filled with ‘love’ and a sense of ‘familiarity’ among the island crews.
Off-Screen Bonds and Star Power
The chemistry between Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista extends far beyond their on-screen roles. In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Momoa revealed, “I consider him like an older brother,” expressing deep respect and comfort with Bautista. Bautista reciprocated, stating, “It’s never work when you work with people you love, and I love the s–t out of you.” The two stars, both fathers, shared fond memories of their time filming in Hawaiʻi, including riding their motorcycles together after wrapping for the day, enjoying the Hawaiian sunsets. These personal connections undoubtedly contributed to the authentic dynamic seen in the film.
Supported by a strong ensemble cast including Claes Bang as a shady businessman, Morena Baccarin, Stephen Root, and Japanese rocker-actor Miyavi, Momoa and Bautista are praised for their likability and ability to balance heavier roles with more playful ones. Despite some critical notes on the script’s overall coherence, the sheer physical presence and charisma of the two leads serve as the film’s most effective special effects, making ‘The Wrecking Crew’ a robust, unapologetically action-packed offering.
‘The Wrecking Crew’ stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the buddy action genre, leveraging the star power and genuine camaraderie of its leads to deliver an entertaining, if sometimes narratively loose, cinematic experience that distinguishes itself through its cultural specificity and high-octane sequences.