Aahana Swrup
‘The Wrecking Crew’ is an action buddy comedy movie in which two estranged brothers come together to solve the mystery of their father’s possible murder. Jonny Hale hears the news of his father’s passing from the wife of his half-brother, Leila. In the same week, the Oklahoma reservation cop also undergoes a suspension from the force and a breakup with his girlfriend, Valentina. However, as he continues looking into his father’s passing alongside his brother, James, a Navy SEAL, an opportunity arises for a reunion between the suspended cop and his girlfriend. As it turns out, before dying, Walter Hale had mailed an elusive package to his youngest son. Consequently, with high stakes on the line, Jonny ends up convincing his ex to bring the package to him in Hawaii. Yet, just because the two former lovebirds find themselves in each other’s orbits again, doesn’t mean they’re bound to fall back in love. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Jonny and Valentina Have a Dysfunctional Relationship
Throughout the film, Jonny’s character sports an array of complex interpersonal relationships. He lost his mother at a young age and grew up with his father’s other family, including his half-brother, James, and his mother. His relationship with his father, Walter, was always fairly estranged as the latter remained an absent father to both his sons. Eventually, he grew distant from his brother as well, going years without talking to him. His relationship with Valentina is no exception to the younger Hale brother’s penchant for complicated dynamics. The narrative introduces the latter as she’s on her way out of Jonny’s house, having finally had enough of his antics. It soon becomes clear that even though the latter has a lot of love for his soon-to-be ex-girlfriend, his lack of availability, attention, and general chaotic approach to his life has caused significant friction in their relationship.
The problems in the couple’s relationship aren’t particularly complex. Jonny seems to have inherited his father’s deadbeat tendencies, consistently failing to show the love he has for Valentina through his actions. He doesn’t remember the most basic things about her and often lets his own personal problems take precedence over the state of their relationship. Therefore, the last straw finally comes when Jonny completely forgets Valentina’s birthday. This finally compels the latter to pack up her bags and leave her boyfriend, for good. Even though there’s still clearly much love left between the pair, Valentina has simply realized that she deserves better than to be treated as an afterthought. The end of their relationship is quick, comical, and half-hearted from both sides. For the same reason, not all hope seems to be lost for the pair.
Jonny and Valentina End Things on an Optimistic Note
After Valentina walks out of Jonny’s life, she ends up making contact with him once again over matters of the mail. While visiting his house to pick up some of her stuff, she had noticed a package at her ex-boyfriend’s doorstep sent by his father, Walter Hale. As it turns out, this package is of incredible importance as it might have the answers to Jonny and James’ questions regarding their father’s death. However, the nature of the mystery, involving the local casino typhoon and his Yakuza guards, makes it impossible for Jonny to rely on the postal services. Therefore, he convinces Valentina to fly to Hawaii and hand him the parcel in person. The fact that it also gives him the perfect excuse to see her again is also convenient.
Once Valentina lands in Hawaii, she lets Jonny and the others offer her a ride. However, this proves to be a bad decision as their car ends up getting targeted by a number of armed vehicles and a chopper. This gives way to high-stakes, thrilling car chase sequences, which involve gunfights, explosions, and adrenaline-filled maneuvers. During this near-death experience, Valentina also ends up kissing her ex-boyfriend. The kiss is a proof of the lingering love and affection between the pair, but also speaks to the life-ending nature of their predicament. Afterward, Jonny’s ex-girlfriend continues to help, and his brother, though from a safe distance. Therefore, by the time the duo wraps up the mystery, exacts their revenge, and uncovers a conspiracy, Valentina is still around to enjoy some time with the Hale family. Although she and Jonny aren’t officially together, her willingness to spend time with him and his family showcases her openness to the possibility of a romantic reconciliation between them.
Read More: Where Was The Wrecking Crew Filmed? All Shooting Locations
