Buddy comedies have always thrived on balancing tension with unlikely friendships. The success of these films usually depends on how well the leading pair connects.
If there’s no real chemistry, the film can feel forced and awkward. But when the connection works, it creates an enjoyable mix of witty conversations and exciting action.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt are a great example of this, with their proven on-screen chemistry. This dynamic shines in Jon Watts’ new action-comedy Wolfs.
Known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy, Watts teams up with Clooney and Pitt for a film about rival fixers who must work together on a high-stakes mission. Though Wolfs benefits from its charismatic leads, it struggles at times due to a thin plot and uneven pacing.
The film runs for 108 minutes and is visually impressive, making good use of a cold winter setting to highlight the emotional distance between the two “lone wolves.”
This environment almost becomes a character of its own, adding to the tension and chaos between Clooney and Pitt’s characters.
Watts shows he can step away from superhero films and focus on more relatable human characters. While the film keeps viewers interested with its characters, it sometimes falls short in pacing and story depth, especially considering the star power involved.
What Is Wolfs About?
Directed with smooth precision, Wolfs focuses on Jack (Clooney) and Nick (Pitt), two lone wolf fixers who handle high-profile messes. Their story kicks off at a fancy Manhattan hotel, where Amy Ryan’s character Margaret finds herself in trouble.
She is a district attorney caught in an affair with a clueless young man known as “The Kid” (played by Austin Abrams). When The Kid is found lying on the hotel floor in his underwear, seemingly dead, Jack and Nick are called to clean up the situation.
However, they’re not happy about having to work together. Their sarcastic banter and refusal to get along add humor to the movie, bringing back a nostalgic feeling that recalls old-school buddy comedies.
As Jack and Nick work to erase the mess, they discover The Kid isn’t dead. Instead, he’s a fast-talking business student who might have overdosed on heroin he was delivering for a friend.
With The Kid alive and in need of help, Jack and Nick must tolerate his sloppy behavior while helping him return the drugs to their rightful owners, a group of Albanian mobsters.
As the night goes on, the relationship between the trio starts to change. The cold, hostile atmosphere of New York City reflects their growing bond, which develops as they face chaotic situations.
Clooney and Pitt’s performances bring laughter and excitement, especially in scenes like the body disposal and the hilarious chase, where Nick, despite his age, chases a drug-fueled man in his underwear through the streets of Manhattan. The production design and noir-inspired cinematography add to the film’s relaxed, old Hollywood charm.
George Clooney & Brad Pitt Shine
The real magic of Wolfs comes from the chemistry between Clooney and Pitt. Their natural charisma and perfect comedic timing keep the film entertaining. The back-and-forth conversations between the two remind viewers of their famous roles in Ocean’s Eleven.
Watts does an excellent job of combining action with comedy and suspense, allowing Clooney and Pitt to bring the movie to life with their banter and tension.
Their performances show that even without much dialogue, their characters communicate effectively, often through subtle gestures. For example, scenes where they both reach for painkillers or reading glasses show quiet, self-aware humor.
Clooney is at his best, displaying his trademark charm while portraying a seasoned fixer whose calm demeanor hides his deep experience. His character is commanding and relatable at the same time. On the other hand, Pitt plays Nick with a cocky, yet likable energy, giving his performance an unpredictable edge.
While Jack seems more grounded, Nick is harder to read, making their partnership even more enjoyable. This dynamic elevates the film and adds depth to the slower moments, as their interactions are memorable and full of charm.
Austin Abrams, best known for Euphoria and Dash & Lily, also delivers a standout performance as The Kid. His character adds a fresh contrast to the older, more experienced Jack and Nick.
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Abrams manages to ground the film’s more ridiculous moments with emotional stakes. His awkward but witty delivery adds an extra layer to the plot, without overshadowing the leads.
Wolfs Has a Softer Bite Than Expected
Despite Clooney and Pitt’s strong chemistry and comedic timing, Wolfs misses some opportunities for deeper storytelling. That’s not to say the movie won’t be enjoyable for audiences, especially when it arrives on Apple TV+ after its limited theatrical release.
However, it could have benefited from a more detailed plot and more twists to make it stand out. The pacing slows down in certain scenes, such as the hotel cleanup and the chase sequence, which feel overly long and drag the story.
Additionally, there are several unanswered questions, like the backstory of Margaret, the district attorney, and the Albanian drug dealers.
The film’s ending feels abrupt, likely because Watts is setting up the story for a sequel, which has already been confirmed. While Wolfs has classier star power than many other streaming platform releases, it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
The narrative often relies on the charm of Clooney and Pitt, rather than diving into deeper themes. Some parts of the story are only hinted at, leaving the characters feeling underdeveloped.
The bickering between Jack and Nick, for example, doesn’t evolve into something more meaningful, unlike other successful buddy comedies.
Even with these flaws, Wolfs is undeniably fun. As an action-comedy, it focuses more on humor than violence, with a surprisingly low body count.
One of the funniest moments in the film is a slow-motion car crash, a perfect example of Watts’ talent for visual comedy.
This scene highlights Wolfs’ distinct style and sets it apart from modern comedies. While the movie doesn’t have a deep or complicated plot, it’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
Clooney and Pitt’s undeniable chemistry carries the film, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of action comedies.
