Director Jon Watts’ latest standalone film might just be the most understated yet significant movie of the year. It boasts an impressive lineup: George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two iconic stars from Hollywood’s golden era, who once made audiences believe that their presence alone was enough to sell tickets, come together in a quirky story about professional fixers cleaning up a disastrous meeting in New York. However, similar to its seasoned leads, Wolfs feels a bit worn and self-aware. The film heavily relies on the nostalgia associated with its stars, and while that nostalgia holds value, the end result feels more like a leisurely ride than a truly captivating experience.
For those hoping for the same fast-paced and clever vibe as the Ocean’s series, Wolfs begins with that promise but eventually opts for a slower, more winding journey. Clooney and Pitt portray two unnamed fixers (though let’s be honest, they’re essentially playing themselves) summoned by different clients to manage the aftermath of a chaotic night. Amy Ryan plays a politician caught in an election campaign who inadvertently ends up with a deceased lover and reaches out to Clooney for assistance. Pitt, hired by the hotel owner to maintain discretion, soon arrives, leading to the inevitable clash: two competing professionals, each claiming, “There’s nobody who can do what I do,” forced to collaborate.
The film really emphasizes the chemistry between the two leads, which still shines brightly since their last collaboration in Burn After Reading. Clooney exudes a smooth, laid-back confidence that flirts with indifference, while Pitt brings a playful, scruffy charm that balances him out. Their interactions resemble those of two cantankerous old men who can’t quite remember the reason for their squabbling, and this Butch and Sundance-style banter serves as the film's core, albeit with a few more complaints about sore backs and stiff knees. The downside, though, is that aside from their camaraderie, Wolfs doesn’t offer much to distinguish itself from previous films.
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On a deeper level, Wolfs seems more like a platform to showcase their chemistry rather than a robust narrative. Watts, who previously directed the Spider-Man trilogy, appears to be relying on the Clooney-Pitt dynamic to drive the film, using their charm to cover up the plot's weaknesses. And for a time, this approach is effective. You’ll find yourself chuckling at Clooney’s confident smirk and Pitt’s silly bravado.
The film maintains a strong dependence on its leading actors, serving as a tribute to a time when star power alone could drive box office success. Clooney and Pitt are among the few remaining stars who can still draw attention simply by having their names featured prominently. However, even their star appeal isn't a surefire ticket to commercial triumph. In the past, this duo would have been a major cinematic event; now, they’re just another choice in your streaming lineup.
The real standout in this film isn’t Pitt and Clooney, despite their humorous, self-aware reflections on aging. It’s Austin Abrams, who plays “the Kid,” a not-quite-dead love interest that reawakens midway through the film, shifting it from a buddy comedy to a high-energy chase through the city. Abrams embodies the ultimate chatterbox, injecting a burst of frenetic, drug-fueled energy just when the film begins to lose momentum. His lively monologue, filled with anxious, somewhat jumbled stories about his entanglements with drugs and gangsters, is a true highlight, allowing him to steal the spotlight from his more seasoned co-stars, at least during several pivotal moments.
1. Watts seems to take great pleasure in paying tribute to various genres. The film gives a nod to Pulp Fiction with its grammatically quirky title, reminiscent of Harvey Keitel, and includes elements like MacGuffins in bags and POV shots from a car trunk. However, these references don’t quite come together to form a larger narrative... maybe that was never the goal in the first place.
Ultimately, Wolfs relies more on charm than on skill. It’s entertaining, sometimes witty, and undeniably smooth, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression. Will the plot stick with you? Probably not. Will you enjoy two hours alongside Clooney and Pitt? Definitely. After all, there’s no one quite like them.