Jon Watts’ action comedy, Wolfs, marks a reunion between George Clooney and Brad Pitt 16 years after their collaboration in Burn After Reading. Regrettably, the film lacks substantial action or comedy.
There was a period when an odd-couple action film featuring Clooney and Pitt would attract significant box office success. Sadly, that era has passed, and with its anticipated release on streaming, Wolfs seems destined for mediocrity.
The latest film showcases Clooney and Pitt as “Margaret’s man” and “Pam’s man,” two fixers unwittingly hired for the same clean-up job. Since both prefer to operate solo, their partnership quickly turns into a disappointment, underscored by their repetitive “f**k you” banter.
However, their attempt to dispose of a body from a high-profile district attorney’s hotel room leads to unexpected complications. Fortunately, while they excel as fixers, they are not nearly skilled enough to salvage this film.
The Clooney and Pitt Pairing is Underutilized
It’s undeniable that Clooney and Pitt were once regarded as the coolest figures in film. Wolfs attempts to harness this nostalgia by dressing them in black leather jackets and having them deliver lines with an air of detachment and seriousness.
Unfortunately, the film fails to capture what made these stars so captivating over the years: their undeniable charm, which is sorely missing from Wolfs.
The movie lacks a sense of fun and misses opportunities for Clooney and Pitt to showcase their comedic talents, offering only a few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster script. (Pitt’s enthusiastic delivery of “That’s how everyone starts their day!” managed to evoke a fleeting chuckle from me.)
Moreover, the characters are indistinguishable from one another, with no unique characteristics that set them apart. This renders the premise of mutual disdain puzzling and ultimately ineffective. It’s hard to grasp why Clooney and Pitt would choose these roles when their dull counterparts lack any real substance.
The film attempts self-referential humor, with Kid (played by Austin Abrams) quipping, “You’re, like, basically the same guy.” This could have been a clever nod if the film had done anything to address it later.
A Lack of Distinct Style
While Clooney and Pitt labor through an abundance of “f**k you,” “asshole,” and “dumbass” lines, the film does little to elevate the action scenes. Wolfs feels more like an algorithmically generated film than a unique artistic vision.
The main flaw of Wolfs is its complete lack of vibes. Other than a few instances where Clooney showcases impressive skills (like disposing of the body using a luggage trolley), there’s little in the way of stylish execution.
Wolfs Review Score: 2/5
Wolfs isn’t atrociously bad or utterly dull; there are glimpses of a decent movie within. However, it is hampered by the weight of its leading stars, who are offered little of substance to engage with.
The rivalry between the two fixers lacks clarity and could have been more playful had their relationship developed into mutual animosity rather than immediate disdain. In reality, Clooney and Pitt’s characters close off rather quickly, making it hard for audiences to invest in their journey for the film’s 1 hour and 48 minutes run time.
There are scenes that hint at what could have been; such as the Bond-esque skills of Margaret’s man, a much-hyped slow-motion car jump in the trailer, and Abrams’ compelling monologue detailing his day in meticulous fashion.
Ultimately, finding charisma or genuine watchability in Wolfs proves challenging, a frustrating endeavor knowing the potential for greatness exists beneath its lackluster screenplay and hollow premise.
Wolfs is set to debut globally on Apple TV+ on September 27.
For more insights, check out the best movies of 2024 so far. You can also discover other films streaming this month, along with updates on Apple’s Severance Season 2.
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