Dave Bautista & Jason Momoa Motion Flick

Big guys beating unhealthy guys, and infrequently one another, to a pulp is the fundamental thought behind the brand new Prime Video motion film starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa. In the unimaginatively titled The Wrecking Crew (to not be confused with the 2008 music doc or the tacky 1968 Dean Martin film), the 2 outsized, testosterone-laden actors play estranged half-brothers who crew as much as examine their father’s mysterious hit-and-run demise within the scenic environs of Honolulu. Yes, it’s the kind of buddy cop action-comedy that was as soon as a multiplex staple however is now largely relegated to streaming. Although this Prime Video providing proves much more entertaining than the Chris Pratt starrer Mercy that was simply launched in theaters.

The Wrecking Crew doesn’t got down to reinvent the components, however quite luxuriate in it. All of the acquainted tropes are there, from the quite a few pop songs peppering the motion (together with one by Phil Collins, simply to remind you of Miami Vice) to the profane banter between the 2 most important characters to the countless fights, shootouts and chases to the colourful villain. Regarding the final, he’s deliciously named Marcus Robichaux and performed by Claes Bang sporting a high knot. Oh, and let’s not neglect the perpetually aggrieved police superior, performed by Stephen Root, who delivers strains like “Consider this your final warning!” Or the hapless sidekick (Jacob Batalon of the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies) who’s normally the brunt of the joke.

Movies like this rely virtually fully on chemistry between the co-stars, and thankfully Bautista and Momoa have loads of it. The real-life pals instigated the undertaking and function producers, with their apparent glee in taking part in off one another including significantly to the enjoyment. Much like Riggs and Murtaugh in Lethal Weapon and Jack and Reggie in 48 Hrs., their characters’ personalities and types are very totally different. Bautista’s straight-laced, laconic James is a household man first seen underwater coaching Navy SEALs the best way to maintain their breath. Momoa’s irresponsible, endlessly chatty Jonny is first seen being dumped by his long-suffering girlfriend Valentina (Morena Baccarin) and is the sort of man who quaffs a beer even whereas combating off a gang of murderous yakuza.

Why yakuza, you could ask, in a movie set largely in Hawaii? There’s not a lot level offering a proof, because the homicide thriller is the least fascinating facet of the screenplay by Jonathan Tropper (the upcoming Star Wars: Starfighter). Rather, it’s merely an impetus for an more and more bonkers sequence of motion set items, probably the most spectacular of which is an over-the-top freeway chase involving vehicles, helicopters and loads of our bodies propelled throughout the display in a sequence that clearly had the stunt folks working extra time.

Needless to say, James and Jonny get into it as properly, participating in a knock-down, drag -out struggle that outcomes not solely in quite a few bruises and contusions but in addition a heartfelt emotional epiphany. It’s not the movie’s solely try at psychological depth, with Jonny being haunted by the truth that his mom’s homicide was by no means solved. But you don’t watch these types of films for profound insights.

Rather, you watch them for the motion, and director Angel Manuel Soto (Charm City Kings, Blue Beetle) gives greater than sufficient to fulfill style lovers. And for the quippy dialogue, most of it right here delivered by Momoa and sometimes referencing different motion stars. “Oh, it’s fat John Cena,” Jonny feedback after recognizing one unhealthy man. And throughout a struggle scene with the arch villain who unleashes some fierce physique kicks, he taunts, “Fuck you, Van Damme.”

Although the excellent New Zealand actor Temuera Morrison (Once Were Warriors, The Book of Boba Fett) is readily available to lend some gravitas to the proceedings, The Wrecking Crew is the kind of enjoyable however forgettable motion film trifle that no less than is aware of which aspect its popcorn is buttered.