Quick Take: The Wrecking Crew (2026)
Promo image from IMDb
I saw the teaser go up on Amazon yesterday for The Wrecking Crew (2026). The hubs and I usually watch TV on weeknights (y’know, work the next day and all), but that scene with the seatbelts caught my attention. I thought, why not? and pitched the idea to my husband.
We both enjoy a good buddy-cop comedy — and both grew up on films like Hot Fuzz, Men in Black, Rush Hour, and the like. So, we snuggled up for a great ride and quickly discovered the promising cast was the final clincher for us. This promised a wild, humorous ride — the perfect choice to wind down the day.
By the end, I was a bit conflicted, though, and so that’s why I thought I’d offer this quick take for those on the fence about watching The Wrecking Crew (2026).
Who Will Enjoy This Ride?
First, let’s talk about what is good about The Wrecking Crew (2026) and who should watch it.
1. Fans of New Zealand (Kiwi) cinema will at least get some enjoyment out of this. The film is set in Hawaii but mostly filmed in New Zealand. Throughout the first 30 minutes of the film, I’d felt like I’d returned Down Under. So, I looked it up. And yep. Those “familiar” spots were indeed familiar — and found in New Zealand.
2. Fans of the Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth video game will get some familiar vibes from the movie, so if you’re a fan, you might love this flick, too.
3. Fans of Dave Bautista, Jason Momoa, Morena Baccarin, Miyavi, Stephen Root, and one of my personal favorite Kiwi actors, Roimata Fox, will love this flick. Each of them takes center stage in the action at various points, showcasing a lot of their acting prowess.
4. And folks who enjoy a solid romp into juvenile humor mixed with violence and moderate (but not constant) gore will enjoy the ride of The Wrecking Crew (2026).
Overall, I did enjoy the film — I think — but there are some solid reasons I gotta say this is not a “must-see” for everyone.
1. There are an awful lot of phallic jokes from pretty much scene one all the way to the end. Personally, I hate these jokes. They’re cheap, tacky, and so male-centric that they gross me out.
2. The film is a bit gory. Not over the top surreal gory like Kill Bill, either. Just plain arm-ripped-off-in-a-high-speed-chase kind of gore. If you can handle a bit of blood and guts, you should be okay. Or, if you’re like me, make sure you’ve got a companion who can tell you when it’s “safe” to look at the screen again.
3. The storytelling is rather uneven. It keeps begging to be a romping good time comedy like Lethal Weapon. Instead, it leans into the comedic moments briefly, then nose-dives into serious terrain. Either is fine. But both in the same film just… Doesn’t work as well in this one as it should.
Does the Cast Elevate the Material in The Wrecking Crew (2026)?
Yes, absolutely! The cast, in my opinion — along with New Zealand’s stunning backdrop — is the reason to watch this film. I wouldn’t say the cast is offering Oscar-winning performances (the direction clearly wasn’t geared towards that anyway), but they’re absolutely nailing their characters.
You completely believe the relationships, relational arcs, and the plot driven by the reasonably developed characters. And that’s all due to the sensational cast in the film. They’re full of the energy needed for just such a flick, with dynamic chemistry that transcends the genre rather surprisingly.
A Star on a Bigger Stage: How Does Roimata Fox Shine?
As I mentioned earlier, Roimata Fox is an absolute star and one of my favorite Kiwi actors. I would dare say one of my favorite actors from anywhere, really. She’s lesser known here in the United States where I live, and this film, I expect, will hopefully help change that. She deserves the spotlight and more world-wide roles.
I first witnessed her magnetic, potent presence on stage in Auckland back in 2023 when she starred in the stunning play Witi’s Wahine. Everything about the play elevated my expectations of the Indigenous art scene in New Zealand (studying it was my reason for being there!).
Since then, I’ve caught glimpses of Roimata in other roles, but outstandingly so in several episodes of The Brokenwood Mysteries, a cozy series set in a small town plagued with murder every couple of months. Roimata’s acting automatically raises the quality of every episode she’s in (though the show is a winner all around even without her).
And, I dare say, she elevates every production she’s a part of. If you have a chance to watch her live or on screen, do it. For me, she’s the primary reason to consider recommending some folks watch The Wrecking Crew (2026).
Where Does The Wrecking Crew (2026) Stumble?
Honestly, the biggest fail for The Wrecking Crew (2026) is its uneven writing. I’d say the directing was solid, as was production. But it’s really the storytelling that feels muddled, confused — a bit lost.
One second, it’s a buddy comedy at the full height of humor and chaos. The next, it’s plunging too deep into incredibly emotive personal moments. It’s not the combination that’s lacking; it’s the movement between the two that cries out for help.
Each of the components is well-done. The buddy comedy pieces are hilariously executed with fabulous direction and solid connection and portrayals. The deep, emotional parts, too, do the job convincing you that these characters truly have these painful situations and needs.
The bridges between these components, though, apparently got blown up with the sets. The film tried so hard, but I sadly feel it fell short of its mark.
The Final Verdict — To Stream or to Skip?
Ultimately, it’s a tough call. If you’re into juvenile humor and don’t mind a bit of intermittent gore with some legitimate comedy mixed in, you’re golden. If you’re looking for a flawlessly executed buddy comedy, you’ll probably be disappointed.
Should you watch it? If you love Roimata Fox, Dave Baustista, or Jason Momoa no matter what they do? Yes. If you don’t appreciate phallic jokes, tons of cussing, and selective but intense gore, either skip it or ask a friend to tell you when to open your eyes again.
Overall, I’d say it’s worth a watch for the right viewer with tempered expectations for the genre. And hopefully this quick take can tell you if you’re them.
If you’re game, stream on Prime.
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Editor-in-Chief of The MockingOwl Roost, Rita Mock-Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix, Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane solo around the world. Rita has found inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theatre, podcasting, novel writing, and cooking up delicious food from around the world. She now writes on food, travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.
