Prime Video has long been in the business of turning WWE champions into streaming stars. Before greenlighting John Cena’s “Jackpot!” and “Ricky Stanicky,” or Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s “Red One,” the streamer found a reliable leading man in Dave Bautista. Following his success in the “My Spy” franchise, the actor — now acclaimed for his range in “Glass Onion” and “Dune” — returns to Amazon for the high-octane action comedy, “The Wrecking Crew.”
In this latest outing from “Blue Beetle” director Angel Manuel Soto, Bautista teams up with his “Dune” co-star Jason Momoa. The two play estranged half-brothers, a Navy SEAL and a suspended cop, who are reunited in Hawaii after their father’s mysterious death. As they dig into the island’s criminal underbelly to uncover the truth, the duo must navigate a trail of conspiracy while trying not to destroy the scenery (or each other) in the process.
‘Rush Hour’
James and Jonny Hale start “The Wrecking Crew” as virtual strangers, but after narrowly escaping death together, they become inseparable. This mismatched partners-to-brothers-in-arms trajectory is the blueprint perfected by Chief Inspector Lee and Detective Carter in “Rush Hour.” Starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, this 1990s staple remains one of the definitive buddy-cop movies of all time.
The plot — saving a diplomat’s daughter from a crime lord — is secondary to the undeniable chemistry between the leads. Much like the magic found in the Bautista-Momoa pairing, the fun here comes from the banter and Chan’s legendary stunt work. It’s a masterclass in the genre that eventually spawned a trilogy; with any luck, the Hales might follow in their footsteps.
Rent/buy on Prime Video or Apple TV
‘Bad Boys’
Jason Momoa and Dave Bautista certainly carry a bad boy energy, but they are walking in the footsteps of Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. Michael Bay’s feature directorial debut, “Bad Boys,” redefined the action-comedy genre in 1995. Following two Miami narcotics officers investigating a massive heroin heist, the film prioritized magnetic rapport and high-speed spectacle over a complex script.
The film’s success relied heavily on the leads’ constant improvisation, which Bay encouraged to punch up the dialogue. While Bay later became known for spectacle over substance in the Transformers era, this original entry is a lean, mean, and hilarious example of the genre. “The Wrecking Crew” exists in this same high-octane vein, proving that the “Bad Boys” formula still works decades later.
Rent/buy on Prime Video or Apple TV
‘Blue Beetle’
“The Wrecking Crew” boasts serious nerd culture credibility, featuring a cast that includes Drax the Destroyer, Aquaman and Boba Fett (Temuera Morrison). This ensemble is corralled by director Angel Manuel Soto, who previously brought Jaime Reyes to life in “Blue Beetle.” While the future of the DCU remains in flux, Soto’s superhero debut stands as a vibrant, culturally rich landmark for Latino representation in the genre.
Much like Soto’s latest film, “Blue Beetle” is rooted in the power of family. Jaime’s alien superpowers are impressive, but his connection to the Reyes clan gives the story its heart. Both films authentically capture relatable, high-stakes family dynamics that resonate far beyond the explosions and special effects.
Watch on HBO Max
‘Demolition Man’
In “The Wrecking Crew,” Stephen Root plays the quintessential exasperated police chief dealing with the collateral damage left by the Hale brothers. If you enjoy that loose cannon dynamic, “Demolition Man” takes it to the extreme. The film stars Sylvester Stallone as John Spartan, a 1990s cop thawed out of a cryogenic freeze to hunt down his nemesis, Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes), in a “peaceful” future utopia.
Beyond the iconic fight choreography and ’90s flair, the movie has endured due to its surprisingly sharp social commentary. It’s a blast to watch Spartan navigate a world of “three seashells” and “Taco Bell wars,” but the underlying message about government control and class struggle remains relevant. It’s the perfect pick for fans who like their explosions served with a side of satire.
Watch free on YouTube
‘Mele Murals’
Hawaii is often used as a glossy backdrop for Hollywood hits like “Lilo & Stitch” or “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” but few films explore the island beyond the resorts. To understand the “real” Hawaii featured in “The Wrecking Crew,” one should look to the 2016 documentary “Mele Murals.” This film highlights the rich Kanaka Maoli culture and the modern struggles to keep those traditions alive.
Directed by Tadashi Nakamura, the documentary follows artists Estria and Prime as they use a marriage of graffiti and ancient tradition to reach local youth. Their work addresses the negative effects of modernization on the island’s heritage. It is a powerful, insightful watch that may change the way you view the “paradise” depicted in big-budget action movies forever.
Watch free on Kanopy
Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds.
More From Tom’s Guide