George Clooney and Brad Pitt Reunite in Shane Black-Esque Crime Caper Wolfs
George Clooney and Brad Pitt’s new film, Wolfs, marks a return to the big screen for the iconic duo, delivering a movie that feels like a Shane Black-inspired crime caper. Directed by Jon Watts, known for his Spider-Man films, Wolfs takes us on a wild New York night with two old-school fixers tangled up in a mess that’s as chaotic as it is entertaining. Despite missing some of the sharp dialogue and style typically seen in a Shane Black movie, Wolfs still manages to charm, thanks to the undeniable chemistry between Clooney and Pitt.
From the outset, Wolfs establishes itself as a film that wears its influences on its sleeve, nodding heavily to classic crime dramas. The title alone feels like a playful wink to Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, referencing Harvey Keitel’s character, the problem-solving Wolf. However, the film’s true essence lies in its homage to Shane Black, blending Christmas settings, grumpy old protagonists, and a plot that spirals into a delightful disaster. Clooney and Pitt shine as veteran fixers called to clean up a botched body disposal in a New York hotel, only to find themselves embroiled in a larger conspiracy involving an Albanian crime family.
The plot itself is more a backdrop for the actors to play off each other than a meticulously crafted mystery. Amy Ryan appears as the panicked District Attorney who accidentally kicks off the chaos, though her role feels underused. The real joy comes from watching Clooney and Pitt, last seen together in Burn After Reading 16 years ago, relish in roles that allow them to embrace their age with a mix of charm and grumpiness. They’re not the slick Ocean’s duo here but rather two weary fixers navigating a long, treacherous night with more than a few snarky quips.
Jon Watts’ direction, however, doesn’t always capture the gritty, neon-soaked vibe of New York’s cinematic past. Unlike the atmospheric depths seen in classics like After Hours or The Warriors, Watts’ New York is polished but lacks a certain edge. Still, the film benefits from its authentic Manhattan setting, a refreshing change from the often Atlanta-doubled cityscapes in his Spider-Man trilogy.
While Wolfs misses some opportunities for tighter, sharper dialogue, it compensates with set-pieces that keep the pace lively. A standout is a slow-motion car crash that’s so exaggerated it borders on the ridiculous, yet it perfectly matches the film’s self-aware tone. Other highlights include a detour to a seedy motel that adds a welcome touch of sleaze, contrasting with the often too-clean aesthetics of the film.
Ultimately, Wolfs thrives on the star power of Clooney and Pitt. Even if the movie doesn’t quite hit the highs of its inspirations, the sheer pleasure of watching these two seasoned actors riff off each other is worth the price of admission. It’s not a groundbreaking film, but it’s a fun ride—a reminder that sometimes, star chemistry is all you need to make a movie work. So, while Wolfs might not roar with originality, it growls just enough to keep you entertained from start to finish.
For more insights into the creative influences behind crime capers like Wolfs, explore this detailed guide on classic crime film tropes to see how directors use familiar elements to captivate audiences.
[Image Credit: IMDB]
