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Review: While not a howler, ‘Wolfs’ struggles to summon the easy charm its stars once had on tap

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Review: While not a howler, 'Wolfs' struggles to summon the easy charm its stars once had on tap

As a longtime cinephile who has seen my fair share of movie stars grace the silver screen and transform ordinary settings into extraordinary locales, I must admit that my expectations for “Wolfs” were sky-high, especially with George Clooney and Brad Pitt on board. However, this film seems to be a testament to how even seasoned idols can sometimes struggle to recapture the magic they once had.

Wherever a story goes with our precious viewing hours, we’ll gladly follow it if there are real movie stars in it, even when those locations are just a smattering of hotel rooms, car interiors, alleyways and garages. Movie stars make anywhere feel special, mysterious and transportive.

The witty banter between the charming leads in the film “Wolfs,” a comic thriller, is a familiar dance that George Clooney and Brad Pitt have performed countless times over the years. Despite their long-standing reputation, this movie seems to hint at a sense of weariness as these veterans of the industry appear to be repeating their roles from the “Ocean’s” films of two decades ago.

Instead of suggesting that the film doesn’t quite capture the witty and entertaining spirit of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid as it did in the post-indie era of the 2000s, it seems more fitting to say that while director Jon Watts makes an effort to incorporate humorous antics, the movie feels overly laborious and lackluster in its attempt to revive that charm. The Spider-Man franchise’s caretaker, working independently from Marvel for the first time in years, is not as skilled as Steven Soderbergh when it comes to showcasing the artistry needed for a movie star to truly shine.

Initially, the situation seems dire – a crash, a scream, a corpse, and an anxious District Attorney (Amy Ryan). However, it takes around 30 minutes for the events to unfold in “Wolfs”. To save her career, the D.A. contacts George Clooney’s fixer, who is both deadly serious and prepared with a solution. Meanwhile, without either of them knowing, the hotel’s problem solver (Brad Pitt) also makes his appearance. Both men are lone workers but their animosity intensifies as soon as they meet. However, when the situation becomes even more intricate – there’s illicit drugs in the room – the hotel manager (Frances McDormand) orders them to collaborate. It’s not our place to question why.

At first glance, this whole scenario seems rather mundane. However, once Ryan leaves (and her absence is felt), it becomes evident that the risks involved in this one-night escapade are surprisingly minimal. The drugs serve as an uninteresting plot device, there’s no formidable antagonist, and even when they pursue a helpless youth (Austin Abrams) across Chinatown after hours, his capture fails to stir any more curiosity about the enigma at hand. In truth, what unfolds here is barely a mystery.

In my perspective, all that’s left for me to hold onto is the enchantment of the Pitt-Clooney duo, their timeless charm that comes with maturity. They are the ones I’m left with, as they both seem to grasp their shared responsibilities, whatever those might be. After Ryan apparently finishes early, it remains unclear what exactly his job entails. Well, it certainly adds an element of intrigue to the situation.

Despite varying their delivery – be it calm or passionate, tired or alert – Clooney and Pitt consistently deliver more charm on screen than what currently passes as charisma in a bunker setting. Towards the finale, there’s an unmistakable homage to a legendary on-screen duo, and one of their iconic goodbyes. This nod may not have been the intentional tribute Watts aimed for, but it serves as a reminder to be grateful for having these two handsome and captivating actors around, especially when other elements seem to falter.

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2024-09-20 20:31

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