Review by Jon Donnis
Wolfs is an action-comedy that thrives almost entirely on the charisma and chemistry of its lead actors, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Directed by Jon Watts, the film brings together two iconic stars who clearly enjoy playing off each other, but unfortunately, their dynamic is about the only thing that elevates this otherwise middling caper.
The premise is simple enough: two professional fixers, both used to working solo, are forced to team up to clean up a crime involving a Manhattan District Attorney, a male prostitute and a dodgy drug deal gone awry. What starts as a relatively routine job soon spirals into chaos, as the fixers navigate a night of mafia entanglements, chases through New York, and double-crosses, all while attempting to keep their wits, and egos, intact.
Clooney, as the fixer hired by the panicked DA Margaret (played by Amy Ryan), exudes his trademark suave coolness, while Pitt, as the fixer brought in by the mysterious hotel owner Pam, injects a more rugged charm into his role. Their reluctant partnership leads to plenty of banter, and it's here that Wolfs finds its strongest moments. The back and forth between Clooney and Pitt is entertaining, and their contrasting styles, Clooney's smooth operator vs. Pitt's more laid-back demeanour, create a fun dynamic that carries the film's lighter scenes.
However, beyond the enjoyable interplay between its stars, Wolfs struggles to bring anything particularly fresh or engaging to the table. The plot is predictable, with the usual beats of a crime caper, from mobsters to a runaway kid (Austin Abrams) who causes more trouble than he's worth – playing out without much in the way of surprises. The narrative is serviceable but lacks the sharpness or wit to make it stand out in a crowded genre.
There are moments where Watts' direction hints at something more, especially in a climactic scene reminiscent of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, where Clooney and Pitt's characters share a moment of mutual understanding amidst a blaze of gunfire. It's a fun, nostalgic nod, but it ultimately can't rescue the film from its overall lack of originality.
The supporting cast is competent but underutilised. Amy Ryan's District Attorney is mostly there to kickstart the plot, and Poorna Jagannathan, as June, the underground medic with ties to both fixers, doesn't get enough screen time to leave a lasting impression. Meanwhile, the film's antagonists, including a Croatian mobster played by Dimitri, are rather one-dimensional, posing threats but lacking depth.
In the end, Wolfs feels more like an exercise in star power than a film with any real narrative ambition. It's the sort of movie that's enjoyable enough while it's on but unlikely to linger in your memory once the credits roll. Clooney and Pitt's combined magnetism might be enough to pull in fans, and their comedic timing makes for a few genuinely amusing moments. But strip away their presence, and what's left is a fairly formulaic story that doesn't break any new ground in the action-comedy genre.
In short, Wolfs is a mildly entertaining, if forgettable, watch. It won't surprise you, and without Clooney and Pitt in the lead roles, it's hard to imagine it holding anyone's attention for long. A one-time watch at best, it's a film that feels more like a content filler for Apple TV's growing library than a must-see cinematic experience. A generous 6 out of 10.
Watch now on Apple TV - https://apple.co/3BxenHy
