Director Jon Watts’ latest non-franchise film, ‘Wolfs,’ has garnered significant attention not for its narrative depth but for its star-studded cast. Featuring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two Hollywood icons from the golden age of marquee names, the film melds their old-world charm into a modern, quirky caper that navigates the pitfalls of a botched rendezvous in New York City. Despite its charm, ‘Wolfs’ may not deliver the gripping experience some expected, instead offering a leisurely ride through nostalgia.
For moviegoers anticipating the fast-paced, sharp wit of the Ocean’s franchise, ‘Wolfs’ is initially deceptive. It sets off at a brisk pace but soon meanders, taking its time to develop its plot. Clooney and Pitt portray two unnamed fixers—essentially versions of themselves—summoned by different clients to manage the consequences of a calamitous night. Playing key roles are Amy Ryan, a politician entangled in an election campaign, who accidentally ends up with a deceased lover in her hotel room, and Pitt, enlisted by the hotel owner to ensure the incident remains hush-hush. It’s only a matter of time before these two professionals, each proclaiming, “There’s nobody who can do what I do,” are compelled to join forces.
The film leans extensively on the chemistry between Clooney and Pitt, a dynamic that retains its spark since their last collaboration in ‘Burn After Reading.’ Clooney brings his signature smoothness, his relaxed demeanor bordering on nonchalance, while Pitt juxtaposes with a scruffy charm that’s endearingly cheeky. Their exchanges echo the banter of grizzled pals who can’t quite remember why they bicker, their rapport reminiscent of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—albeit with more complaints about their creaking backs and aching knees. However, apart from their engaging camaraderie, ‘Wolfs’ struggles to rise above previous films of its ilk.
Underneath its surface, ‘Wolfs’ feels like a pretext to showcase Clooney and Pitt’s star power more than a fully fleshed-out story. Jon Watts, renowned for steering Marvel’s Spider-Man trilogy, appears comfortable letting the duo’s charisma take center stage, even if it means the plot remains somewhat threadbare. For a while, this strategy works; audiences find themselves smirking at Clooney’s assured smirking and chuckling at Pitt’s playful bravado.
However, ‘Wolfs’ never quite manages to shed its reliance on its leads, functioning as an ode to an era where star power alone could sell a film.
. Clooney and Pitt remain among the few actors whose presence can still grab attention with just their names above the title. Yet, even their combined wattage doesn’t guarantee the same box office draw it once did. The once-event status of their pairing has become just another selection in an endless streaming queue.
The real surprise of the film isn’t Clooney and Pitt, though their self-deprecating portrayals of aging stars do elicit some laughs. Instead, it’s Austin Abrams who steals the spotlight as “the Kid,” the supposedly deceased lover who revives mid-film. His awakening transforms the storyline from a buddy comedy to a frenetic chase across the city. Abrams injects an electrifying shot of drug-fueled energy into the film just as it threatens to drag, his jittery monologue about drugs and mob entanglements a high point that momentarily eclipses the veterans.
Watts also takes pleasure in genre homages, liberally sprinkling nods to classics like ‘Pulp Fiction,’ with its subtly erroneous titular tip to Harvey Keitel, and other elements from McGuffins in bags to trunk POV shots. Nevertheless, these touches fail to coalesce into a cohesive narrative—perhaps intentionally so.
Ultimately, ‘Wolfs’ coasts on charm rather than craftsmanship. While undeniably enjoyable, occasionally clever, and smoothly executed, it falls short of being particularly memorable. The plot is unlikely to linger in memory, but the chance to spend two hours in the company of Clooney and Pitt almost guarantees a good time. After all, their unique brand of star power remains unrivaled.
‘Wolfs’ is currently streaming on Apple TV, offering viewers the chance to bask in the nostalgic glow of Hollywood’s enduring megastars. While it may not redefine the caper genre, it delivers ample charm and a heartwarming reminder of what made Clooney and Pitt household names in the first place.
Published – September 26, 2024 05:16 pm IST
English cinema / World cinema / reviews
