REVIEW: GEORGE CLOONEY, BRAD PITT ARE ‘WOLFS’ IN MOVIE STARS’ CLOTHING

Reports of a trend pointing to the “Death of the Movie Star” are an exaggeration, and George Clooney and Brad Pitt are here to prove it. 

The two buddies, frequent collaborators and Oscar winners with marquee name recognition reunite for a low-key romp, if there is such a thing, as competing mystery men in writer-director Jon Watts’ crime comedy “Wolfs.” It’s about as much fun as you’d expect, and maybe more.

Clooney and Pitt are lone “wolf” fixers akin to the Harvey Keitel “cleaner” character in “Pulp Fiction” (known, by the way, as “The Wolf”). When a politician’s (Amy Ryan) attempted fling with a goofy young dude (Austin Abrams) goes terribly wrong, they’re separately called in to erase the incident and, despite their objections, forced to work together. What unfolds is the usual reluctant-buddy-comedy formula: Complications arise — plenty amusing ones — and their snarky professional rivalry is good for easy laughs.

It’s not a return to “Cop Car” director Watts’ indie roots, but rather than the bright palettes of his massively successful “Spider-Man” movies, the look and feel of “Wolfs” is much more grown-up. And appropriately so. Theodore Shapiro’s score doesn’t cram the comedy down your throat. It’s reminiscent of the music used for ’70s mysteries: light, with a hint of menace. 

Meanwhile, the lighting and sets are moody and upscale. It’s a comedy, but shot like a noir. (Pitt’s previous “Killing Them Softly” comes to mind, visually.) Cinematographer Larkin Seiple, who has worked on Watt’s “Cop Car” as well as “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” shoots patiently, texturally (the occasional falling snow adding unexpected beauty) and, with editor Andrew Weisblum, allows us to see the acting. That’s particularly important when the main attraction is the rivalry of Pitt and Clooney.

And it is a pleasure to see them together again, Danny Ocean and Rusty of the “Ocean’s” films or Harry and Chad of “Burn After Reading” in new guises as hard men, cynical loners forced together. Yes, it’s a familiar formula, though instead of buddy cops, it’s buddy cleaners. What these “Wolfs” do is shades darker than the gentleman thievery of the “Ocean’s” larks, and the character comedy comes from a deeper place.

These two actors are now very much old pros, and they communicate a great deal without leaning on the dialogue — not that Watts’ script isn’t enjoyable. Clooney’s tricks of the trade are clever, and when Pitt wants to get out of a sketchy motel, he says, “I feel like I’m getting syphilis just standing here.” It’s the star chemistry we all came to see, and there’s plenty of it. We know they’re going to end up allies, but it’s just plain fun to watch them needle each other, and admit their creaking bones could use some Advil. They’re not quite Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, but these two performers are in complete control and look like they’re enjoying themselves. It’s hard not to enjoy their enjoyment.

The casting throughout is impeccable. Those who know Abrams from his, um, unpleasant turn in “The Walking Dead” will be surprised and delighted by what a spastic, lovable naif he is here. Then there’s Ryan, who is great in everything. In her limited role here, she brings emotional grounding and urgency and even sells some subtle physical comedy. Poorna Jagannathan, the best thing about “Never Have I Ever,” shines in an all-too brief appearance. (More of her, please.)

There is some action with a low body count, well handled by Watts and company. There’s only one extreme stunt, well-executed and hilarious. But it’s these two movie stars together again that elevate “Wolfs.” 

Michael Ordoña is a freelance writer.

2024-09-18T23:26:40Z dg43tfdfdgfd