Roger Ebert criticized the film for having an unbelievable premise with "desperate" slapstick and aggression, and characters that lack chemistry and individualism compared to the "heft and dimension" the main cast of Space Cowboys had, saying that "The Crew unfolds as a construction, not a series of surprises and delights."
Roger Ebert found fault with the film's premise, finding it implausible. He also criticized its slapstick humor as being "desperate," and the characters for lacking chemistry and individuality compared to those in Space Cowboys, which he felt had more depth and complexity.  He concluded that "The Crew" is a predictable narrative rather than one filled with surprises.