REVIEW: “Wolfs” (2024)

As a seasoned cinephile with decades of movie-going experiences under my belt, I must admit that the landscape of cinema has undergone a seismic shift, and “Wolfs” is a stark example of this transformation. The sheer star power and colossal budget of this action comedy would have once guaranteed a grandiose theatrical release. However, in the era of streaming giants, it’s now finding its home on AppleTV+. It’s like watching a blockbuster on a smartphone – unimaginable just a few years ago!


If you’re seeking proof of how the film industry has evolved, simply consider “Wolfs”. This fresh action-comedy boasts a hefty $200 million budget and is graced by the dazzling stardom of its top-tier actors, George Clooney and Brad Pitt. In the past, such elements would guarantee a blockbuster cinematic experience. However, in the case of “Wolfs”, it’s skipping theaters entirely and debuting on AppleTV+. Indeed, the film landscape has undergone significant transformation.

The main topic in many discussions about the film “Wolfs” has been its significant budget, with particular focus on the high salaries given to its two main actors. While some sources claim they received $35 million each, Clooney has disputed these figures. Regardless, due to the lack of a cinema release, the movie must recoup its costs independently. This can be done, although calculating revenue from streaming platforms may feel like solving advanced mathematical problems for many, including myself.

REVIEW: “Wolfs” (2024)

The film “Wolfs” is directed by Jon Watts, who is well-known for his Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man trilogy. In this production, George Clooney and Brad Pitt portray rival New York City negotiators compelled to collaborate during a lengthy winter night. While the narrative lacks significant originality and experiences periods of sluggishness, the captivating charm and humor between the two leads help maintain interest.

The film commences at an extravagant $10,000-per-night penthouse, home to a well-known district attorney named Amy Ryan. In the heat of a passionate encounter with her younger lover, Austin Abrams, a tragic accident occurs, leaving him dead. To prevent a career-damaging scandal from surfacing, she urgently contacts a number given for emergencies, connecting her to a seasoned fixer portrayed by George Clooney (his name remains undisclosed). Upon receiving the call, he swiftly makes his way to the hotel.

Upon his arrival, he heads directly to work, only for his routine to be disrupted by another character, played by Pitt (who remains unnamed), summoned to address the same issue. Reluctantly, they are compelled to collaborate. However, what was expected to be a straightforward task spirals into a nightmare when they stumble upon a cache of $250,000 worth of heroin concealed within a cabinet behind a dresser. To make matters worse, the corpse they were supposed to dispose of is miraculously still alive.

REVIEW: “Wolfs” (2024)

In the movie, I’m the one who tags along as our pair of fixers navigate through the messy business of figuring out who owns the drugs and how to deal with me, a college kid. Throughout this, Watts keeps the conversation lively with his witty remarks, often centered around our mutual suspicions and independent natures. Clooney and Pitt throw in some sharp one-liners, but they seem to be more about lazily cursing at the right moments than contributing much else. However, their on-screen chemistry is undeniable – a skill they’ve perfected in their three Ocean’s films and other projects together.

Still, great hair and million-dollar smiles from two former Sexiest Man Alive honorees can only carry a movie so far. A cluttered story, a few dull patches, and some comic misfires keep “Wolfs” from being the satisfying crowd-pleaser it could’ve been. But it’s still George Clooney and Brad Pitt – two actors who emanate charm and charisma. And when you put them on screen together, you have the kind of chemistry that makes overlooking shortcomings a little bit easier. “Wolfs” premieres today on AppleTV+.

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2024-09-27 17:56