Brad Pitt And George Clooney ‘Still Have Their Magic’ In Wolfs, But What Are Critics Saying About The Action-Comedy Overall?

by

Brad Pitt And George Clooney ‘Still Have Their Magic’ In Wolfs, But What Are Critics Saying About The Action-Comedy Overall?

As a long-time admirer of Hollywood glamour and a connoisseur of action-comedy films, I must say that the prospect of seeing Brad Pitt and George Clooney reunite on the silver screen once again has me positively giddy with anticipation. Having grown up watching their iconic performances in films like Ocean’s Eleven, it’s a thrill to see them teaming up again for Wolfs.

In the early 21st century, it’s hard to think of anyone who embodied Hollywood glamour more than Brad Pitt and George Clooney, even though they may have reached ‘silver fox’ age. For their latest joint project, however, these two are playing lone wolves, or Wolves as the 2024 movie calendar labels them. The Jon Watts action-comedy premiered at the Venice Film Festival on September 1 and critics say that the stars still have their charm, but that’s pretty much all there is to this film. Whether that’s a good or bad thing remains to be seen.

George Clooney and Brad Pitt reunite in their latest project, where they portray independent professionals who must work together on a new assignment. Their collaboration showcases both camaraderie and conflict in “Wolves,” hitting select cinemas from September 20th. A week later, audiences with Apple TV+ subscriptions can stream the film. Critics have started sharing their thoughts on this intriguing duo.

William Bibbiani of The Wrap praises the cinematography and says writer/director Jon Watts seems to be stretching his legs a bit after his foray into the MCU. While the critic says the movie is good, it doesn’t really go much deeper than its stars standing next to each other, looking cool and saying cool things. Bibbiani continues:

The movie “Wolfs” is quite entertaining, but its appeal largely comes from light-heartedness rather than deep substance. It showcases stylish characters exuding coolness, appealing to viewers who might not be as cool themselves. This charisma is often referred to as ‘star quality’ since it sparkles. However, the issue lies in the lack of conflict or tension, which has two interpretations. Creating a smooth and attractive film solely for general satisfaction is acceptable. But without any real grit or risk, this satisfaction doesn’t endure for long. In essence, “Wolfs” illuminates brilliantly, fades quickly, and leaves an attractive imprint on the screen.

According to Jordan Mintzer of The Hollywood Reporter, the two main actors keep the movie going from beginning to end, despite there not being much substance for them to work with. It’s unclear if younger audiences (teens and 20-somethings) will find the A-list stars as appealing as those who watched Ocean’s Eleven in cinemas, Mintzer ponders. However, Jon Watts has still managed to create a witty but rather thin comedy, the critic notes. In other words, the movie is entertaining but lacks depth.

The film Wolf, helmed by Jon Watts, is a work that would shine brilliantly on the big screen rather than being watched from bed on a MacBook perched on your lap. Reminiscent of his 2015 hit Cop Car, this movie offers numerous unexpected turns and flaunts a stylish, understated vibe seldom seen in contemporary Hollywood productions. Despite its lightweight nature, it manages to be amusing while still being somewhat shallow. Essentially, it’s an exploration of whether Pitt and Clooney can recapture their on-screen magic, which they largely succeed in doing.

According to Nicholas Barber from BBC, “Wolfs” may not be suitable for a grand cinema experience. Despite Brad Pitt and George Clooney exuding an unmatched coolness reminiscent of chilled cucumbers, the movie falls into the category of entertaining yet easily forgettable films that are perfect for passing time on popular streaming platforms. Barber awards it 3 out of 5 stars in his review.

The issue lies in that their two leading characters seem more like wolves disguised as sheep – or vice versa. Pitt is the more playful of the pair, while Clooney takes on a grumpier role, but both are reserved men who move and speak quietly. Their arguments are minimal, consisting mainly of subtle jabs and minor disputes. They’re not like Deadpool or Wolverine in terms of action or attitude. To maintain a relaxed atmosphere, the storyline lacks some of the unexpected twists and shocking revelations typical of this type of nighttime adventure.

According to Damon Wise from Deadline, the main actors seem to argue and make sarcastic remarks with an ease, giving off a vibe that they could be enjoying themselves even more than the spectators do. In his words, “It appears they might be having a blast while we’re watching.”

Their camaraderie feels genuine and heartfelt, yet their quick wit appears contrived compared to the natural physical humor they excel at, as demonstrated in their finest collaboration, the Coens’ 2008 film Burn After Reading. The rapid-fire dialogue sometimes seems more like self-praise than humor, detracting from the excessive verbiage of the climactic reveal, which leaves one confused by its dizzying back-and-forth exchanges.

It’s uncertain if Brad Pitt and George Clooney can generate substantial box office revenue, but regardless, the sequel to Wolfs, titled Wolfs 2, will be back with the fixers. To catch this action comedy in its limited release on September 20, refer to your local listings. Alternatively, you can stream it exclusively on Apple TV+ starting from September 27.

Read More

2024-09-02 01:07