Director Jon Watts’ latest cinematic effort, *Wolfs*, is shaping up to be one of the year’s most curious releases. It blends high-profile star power with a seemingly low-profile narrative, leaning heavily on the magnetism of its leads — George Clooney and Brad Pitt. These two megastars, who epitomize Hollywood’s golden era of marquee names, come together in a quirky caper set in New York. However, much like its aging protagonists, *Wolfs* often feels creaky and disjointed, a film that revels in nostalgia more than it aims to innovate.
Clooney and Pitt play two unnamed “fixers” — professionals who clean up after messy situations — who are coincidentally hired by different clients to handle the fallout of a botched rendezvous in Manhattan. Amy Ryan portrays a politician in the midst of an election campaign who accidentally finds herself entangled with a dead lover, subsequently calling Clooney for help. Meanwhile, Pitt’s character is summoned by the hotel’s owner to ensure the incident remains hushed up. The narrative pivot here is predictable and expected: two rival professionals, each toting a “nobody does it better” attitude, are forced to collaborate.
The film’s essence rides on Clooney and Pitt’s chemistry — a crucial element given they haven’t shared the screen since *Burn After Reading*. Clooney exudes a smooth, almost nonchalant confidence, while Pitt, as ever, plays the cheeky counterpart with his scruffy charm. Their interactions are drenched in a Butch and Sundance-like banter, akin to two grumpy old men who have forgotten why they’re arguing to begin with. This dynamic, though spirited, sometimes overshadows the movie’s narrative integrity.
In contrast to the breezy, fast-paced cadence of the *Ocean’s* franchise, *Wolfs* adopts a slower, more meandering tone. This shift may catch some viewers off guard, expecting a high-octane heist movie but instead receiving a more laid-back, character-driven piece. This approach underscores the story’s reliance on Clooney and Pitt’s charisma, which does mask some of the film’s weaknesses but never fully compensates for its lack of a robust, compelling plot.
A significant highlight of this film is Austin Abrams’ portrayal as “the Kid,” the not-quite-dead lover who revives midway through the movie, transforming the plot from a simple buddy comedy into a frenetic chase across New York City. Abrams injects a much-needed jolt of energy with his motormouth monologue and nervy explanations about his entanglements with drugs and mobsters.
. His interactions bring wiry, drug-laced vitality to the screen, often stealing moments from his more established co-stars.
*Wolfs* is also filled with genre homages, a nod to director Jon Watts’ love for cinematic pastiches. The film tips its hat to classic cinema staples like *Pulp Fiction* with its oddball, grammatically incorrect title. It even sprinkles in classic elements such as MacGuffins in bags and POV shots from car trunks. Despite these influences, the film struggles to weave these threads into a singularly impressive tapestry, leaving viewers with more of a compilation of moments rather than a cohesive narrative.
While *Wolfs* may not redefine the genre or leave a lasting impact on its viewers, it succeeds in creating an enjoyable two-hour escape grounded in nostalgia. Clooney and Pitt’s presence alone is enough to keep audiences engaged, a testament to their enduring star power in an era where such charisma is increasingly rare. The film nostalgically reflects a time when an actor’s name above the title guaranteed ticket sales, an era rapidly dissolving in the age of streaming.
The surprising element of the film, however, isn’t rooted solely in the performances of its veteran leads. It lies in how self-aware Clooney and Pitt are about their transitioning phases — providing humor with their depictions of aging professionals weighed down by personal aches and pains. In these moments of self-deprecation, the film finds its true voice, a commentary on the waning influence of traditional star power in contemporary cinema.
Despite its flaws, *Wolfs* is a fun and occasionally clever romp. It’s comfort food for the soul — neither groundbreaking nor particularly memorable, but amiably entertaining. The plot may be forgettable, but the joy of spending time with Clooney and Pitt, two of Hollywood’s enduring stars, is what makes this movie a worthy watch.
Currently streaming on Apple TV, *Wolfs* offers a charmingly nostalgic trip that celebrates its lead actors’ chemistry more than its storyline. Whether *Wolfs* will stand the test of time remains uncertain, but as long as it’s about Clooney and Pitt, it’s difficult to ask for much more.
