Jon Watts Drains Star Power: Brad Pitt and George Clooney Falter in Apple’s Lackluster Comedy-Thriller – A Candid Review
For the right price, even megastars like Brad Pitt and George Clooney can be roped into a lackluster project like “Wolfs.” Now streaming on Apple TV+, this crime-comedy falls short even compared to “The Instigators,” a similarly themed film that premiered on the same platform just weeks prior. Despite featuring four veterans from the “Ocean’s Eleven” series, only one movie successfully harnesses the chemistry between its leads, and sadly, it isn’t “Wolfs.”
Directed by Jon Watts, fresh off his Marvel stint, “Wolfs” attempts to package Pitt and Clooney as modern-day versions of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. The film hints at Watts’ excitement to shoot within real New York City locations, but its plot lacks substance and coherence. Set over a single night, the story revolves around two ‘fixers’—played by Clooney and Pitt—brought together by coincidence to clean up a scandal involving a district attorney and a young male escort. Tension and chaos ensue when they discover a hidden stash of heroin, upping the stakes.
However, Watts fails to create scenes worthy of his stars’ talents. Even with a reputed $35 million paycheck each, Pitt and Clooney appear disinterested, unable to bring any energy to the poorly crafted narrative. The film is chock-full of action sequences—banter, brawls, car chases, gunfights, and even a dance-off—but these moments fall flat, with both actors looking like they’d rather be elsewhere.
Despite its visual glossiness, thanks to cinematographer Larkin Seiple, and a few ambitious action scenes, “Wolfs” ultimately disappoints. The narrative is convoluted and lacks a credible antagonist, making it difficult to stay engaged. Speculations arise that a director like Shane Black could’ve brought the necessary whimsy the film so desperately seeks.
In the end, “Wolfs” is a missed opportunity, a film that demonstrates even the magnetic combo of Pitt and Clooney can falter under weak direction and a deficient script. Rating – 2/5 stars.
Original Story https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/wolfs-movie-review-jon-watts-sucks-brad-pitt-and-george-clooney-star-wattage-9589112/
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