Wolfs Movie Review: A Dull, Uninspired Action Comedy With Zero Surprises [VENICE 2024]

As someone who’s been following the evolution of Hollywood action comedies for decades, I must admit that “Wolfs” took me on a nostalgic trip back to the early 2000s, but not necessarily in a good way. It felt like I was watching a spiritual successor to “Ocean’s Eleven,” only this time without the charm and freshness that made the original so enjoyable.

When I settled to watch the movie “Wolfs” at the Venice Film Festival’s Sala Darsena, it seemed like I had accidentally entered a time capsule, as it seems to be a direct descendant of the 2002 action comedy genre. In essence, it carries on the legacy of “Ocean’s Eleven,” yet unlike its predecessor that felt modern (paradoxically, it was a remake of an earlier film), “Wolfs” feels dated. The duo of George Clooney and Brad Pitt, as always, share remarkable chemistry, fittingly portraying cunning, slightly past-their-prime fixers. However, the movie itself lacks creativity.

As a devoted admirer, let me share a gripping scene: I find myself, much like a public figure (portrayed by Amy Ryan), in an unwanted predicament – sharing a luxurious hotel suite with an unfortunate, deceased individual. The looming fear of scandal is palpable. My rescue? A discreet troubleshooter, who swiftly takes care of such inconvenient dilemmas, thus entering the stage: George Clooney, known as “Margaret’s Man,” distinct from Brad Pitt’s “Pam’s Man.” Although he initiates the resolution process, his efforts are momentarily disrupted by Pam’s Man, despatched by the hotel owner (Frances McDormand) to guarantee a flawless execution and shield the establishment from damaging publicity.

As solitary individuals, they aren’t particularly keen on collaborating due to being compelled to do so. However, they must put aside their reservations swiftly because they encounter two significant obstacles. Initially, there’s a bag filled with multiple blocks of heroin hidden in the same room. Secondly, the suspected sex worker is still alive, contrary to what they had assumed. Will these two hardened assassins be able to set aside their disagreements and complete the mission? We can only pray so.

Austin Abrams, MVP

Austin Abrams shines unexpectedly in his role as Kid, a college student pretending to be a sex worker to help a drug-dealing friend in deep trouble. He manages to outshine heavyweights like Clooney and Pitt, which is no small feat. Abrams’ comedic talents come as a pleasant surprise; he moves with the unpredictable grace of an oversized, hyperactive inflatable tube man who has recently binge-watched parkour videos on YouTube while snorting lines of cocaine. His extended monologue about a seedy motel is a memorable highlight of the movie. Even the usually grating assassin plotline becomes less irritating when it interacts with him, as he adds depth to both characters and triggers a protective instinct in the audience.

One significant flaw of the movie lies in its portrayal of the two main characters, the fixers: By attempting to emphasize their similarities, the movie overlooks giving them unique traits that set them apart. Additionally, their silent demeanor, limited dialogue, and reluctance to disclose personal information make them less intriguing than mere reflections of each other – they’re essentially blank slates. Despite George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s exceptional skills in screen presence and charm, these talents are wasted on characters as shallow and uninteresting as the ones portrayed here. Furthermore, the roles feel too comfortable for them, causing both actors to seem complacent, as if they were merely going through the motions instead of genuinely acting with depth or nuance – a stark contrast to the dynamic performances we’ve come to expect from them.

Let’s be honest, the old-fashioned acts are starting to feel repetitive. The constant grunting and popping of pills for minor ailments makes it seem like they’re trying out for a secret agent spinoff of “Grumpy Old Men,” which is ironic because George Clooney and Brad Pitt look…well, exactly like George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Their portrayal of masculinity might have been more appealing around fifteen years ago. Now, their tough guy act feels worn out and a bit lackluster.

Good for plane-viewing but not much else

As a gamer, I must confess that “Wolfs” didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The characters seemed underdeveloped, making it hard for me to invest any emotions in their stories. The action scenes, while not bad, lacked the originality and flair that could have elevated them. To add to my disappointment, despite being marketed as a comedy, the movie felt overly serious, missing the laughter and fun I was expecting. If you’re into watching George Clooney with an expression that could pass for mild constipation, then you might find something to enjoy here.

Have you ever heard about the film “Wolfs”? This is an ideal choice for watching during a flight when you anticipate falling asleep intermittently. “Wolfs” is straightforward, offering no unexpected plot developments or shocking twists. Instead, it provides a soothing predictability that’s comfortingly dull. If it had been released two decades ago, it wouldn’t have made much of an impact, and now it’s simply become an antique relic.

The movie titled “Wolfs” is scheduled for a restricted theatrical premiere on September 20, followed by its streaming debut on Apple TV+ from September 27.

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2024-09-02 14:00