50
Overall, the documentary comes off as a solipsistic, uncritical look at an incredible moment in the history of American music.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
Village Voice by Alan Scherstuhl
The crew's recollections and occasional demonstrations, on their instruments, are revealing and delightful, but the film itself could use more of their professionalism and chops; the editing's haphazard, and it's not always clear why one segment follows another.
70
Los Angeles Times by Kenneth Turan
Once the singer-songwriter model became the norm for the rock business, the Wrecking Crew's star began to wane, but seeing this film makes it clear what its members accomplished in their prime.
67
The Playlist by Kevin Jagernauth
There are a thousand stories to be told in the studios where these session players cut some of the greatest records of all time, which makes it disappointing that there isn't more to be found in the documentary The Wrecking Crew.
75
The documentary was filmed in the 1990s by Denny Tedesco, whose father Tommy is credited as the most recorded guitarist in history, including the instantly identifiable themes to “Bonanza” and “Mission: Impossible.”
75
There’s a similar shared joy among the participants, a similar sense of discovery for the viewer, and, of course, a killer soundtrack.
70
The Wrecking Crew is a provocative look back at an art form in transition, reflecting on the moment when it started to matter whether Mickey Dolenz was actually playing drums on The Monkees’ albums, and the moment when, according to Dolenz, people started to “take the rock ’n’ roll very seriously.”
75
It’s a fascinating slice of rock and pop archeology and well worth your time.