Wolfs (2024): Does It Hit or Miss?

In a world where movie stars are often eclipsed by superhero franchises and big-budget spectacles, it’s refreshing to see two of Hollywood’s most enduring icons, George Clooney and Brad Pitt, reuniting on screen in Wolfs (2024). Directed by Jon Watts, this movie has garnered plenty of buzz, mainly due to the star power it wields, but does it live up to the hype? Is Wolfs a cinematic gem, or is it simply a vehicle for its lead actors to flex their chemistry? Let’s dive into the movie and see whether it hits or misses the mark.

The Charm of Clooney and Pitt

One thing that is abundantly clear from the start is the undeniable chemistry between George Clooney and Brad Pitt. Ever since their time together in the Ocean’s Eleven franchise, audiences have enjoyed watching these two effortlessly play off each other. In Wolfs, they once again share the screen as rival fixers forced to team up in a crime-riddled caper. The plot itself may not be groundbreaking, but their performances elevate the material, making even the most mundane moments enjoyable.

H3: The Duo’s Magic

Clooney and Pitt’s banter throughout the film is easily one of the highlights. Whether they’re exchanging sharp quips or working through the awkward dynamics of being forced to collaborate, it’s clear that the two actors are having fun. Critics like Liz Shannon Miller of Consequence praised their on-screen dynamic, describing the film as “classy, smart, fun, and engaging storytelling” . It’s this charm that keeps the movie afloat, even when the plot begins to falter.

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“Wolfs is not breaking new ground, but it is an entertaining couple of hours at the movies. That works for me.”
— Karen Gordon, Original-Cin

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Plot: Predictable but Entertaining

The plot of Wolfs is a relatively simple one, reminiscent of classic crime comedies but updated for modern audiences. Clooney and Pitt play fixers called to clean up after a politician’s scandalous night goes wrong, and as they get embroiled in a web of drugs, dead bodies, and mobsters, things quickly spiral out of control. While this setup has all the makings of an intriguing crime thriller, the movie tends to lean on familiar tropes and predictable twists.

Critics have pointed out that the plot doesn’t do much to push boundaries. As Richard Lawson of Vanity Fair noted, Wolfs isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s just trying to entertain, and in that regard, it succeeds . However, for those expecting more complexity, the film’s straightforward narrative may be disappointing.

Script and Direction: Mixed Reception

Jon Watts, who penned the script and directed the film, brings a certain level of polish to Wolfs, but the script often feels like it’s more focused on giving its leads room to shine than on telling a tightly crafted story. Critics like Michael Phillips of Chicago Tribune pointed out that the movie “is about genre tropes, distilled to minimalist quipping amid maximalist mayhem” . The result is a film that feels light and breezy but lacks depth.

H3: A Familiar Formula

At times, Wolfs feels like a throwback to 90s crime comedies—stylized, dialogue-driven, and reliant on the charm of its leads. Screen Daily called it a “tightly written and directed action comedy” that brings back the basics of the genre without alienating itself from modern audiences . However, the pacing can be uneven, and the narrative, while entertaining, rarely surprises.

While the script does have some witty moments, it often falls into repetitive banter territory. The jokes, as Peter Travers of ABC News noted, can feel overplayed , and the movie doesn’t always find the balance between humor and tension.

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“It’s a star vehicle that reminds us of why star power still counts for something, even if the comic thriller you park this pairing of Butch and Sundance in has them upstaged by a kid still young enough to be willing to not just wear tidy whiteys, but to run all over New York in them.”
— Roger Moore, Movie Nation

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Visuals: Slick but Lacking Depth

One thing that Wolfs does well is its visual style. The movie is sleek, with beautifully shot scenes of New York City, bathed in neon lights and framed against a cold, snowy backdrop. But much like the script, the visuals can feel a little too polished, lacking the grit that a movie like this could benefit from.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety praised the film’s timing and visual flair, pointing out that Clooney and Pitt revel in the “crack timing” of their interactions . However, even with the movie’s aesthetic appeal, it never quite reaches the level of visual storytelling that could make it truly stand out.

Critical Reception: Divided Opinions

The critical reception for Wolfs has been mixed, with scores ranging from 91 (Consequence) to 20 (The Daily Beast). Some critics praised the film for its lighthearted approach and the undeniable chemistry between the leads, while others felt that the movie was too reliant on Clooney and Pitt to make up for its narrative shortcomings. Here’s a breakdown of some key reviews:

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Top Reviews:

• Consequence (91): “Wolfs is classy, smart, fun, and engaging storytelling, a solid film that plays great in a full theater.”
• Screen Daily (90): “Jon Watts’ self-penned script possesses a faultless sense of timing, and it becomes the gift that keeps on giving in the hands of Clooney, Pitt, and a fine supporting cast.”

Mid-Range Reviews:

• RogerEbert.com (75): “This is neither a trifle nor a truly Major Motion Picture; it’s an entertainment maybe in the sense that Graham Greene used the term.”
• Collider (70): “Wolfs draws most of its strength from Clooney and Pitt’s effortless interplay, despite its narrative shortcomings.”

Low Reviews:

• The New York Times (50): “The movie is a trifle, and it knows it. Mostly, though, Wolfs is an excuse for its two leads to riff on their own personas.”
• IGN (40): “The premise may be intriguing, but the repetitive approach and nearly identical lead characters render the Ocean’s duo without their signature chemistry.”

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User Reactions: A Fun Ride but Flawed

Much like the critics, audiences have been split on Wolfs. Some appreciated the movie for what it is—a fun, lighthearted crime comedy—while others found it to be shallow and predictable. Jasmineblue gave the movie a glowing 10/10 review, saying:

“Wolfs is a savvy and smart action comedy that capitalizes on the charisma and chemistry of the stellar cast. I had fun watching it.”

On the other hand, tjorven13 was less impressed, calling the movie “a waste of time” and giving it a 0/10 . The general consensus among users seems to be that while the movie isn’t groundbreaking, it’s an entertaining way to spend a couple of hours.

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What’s After the Movie: Dive Deeper into Wolfs

If you’re looking to dive deeper into Wolfs and test your knowledge of the movie, visit the What’s After the Movie page. Our platform offers more than just reviews—you’ll find movie summaries, quizzes, and links to stream or purchase the film. You can also check out our blog for in-depth articles about Wolfs and other recent releases.

Whether you’re a fan of Clooney and Pitt or just looking for a light-hearted crime comedy, Wolfs has something for everyone. Join the conversation and let us know: does Wolfs hit or miss for you?

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Final Verdict: A Light, Entertaining Romp

In the end, Wolfs (2024) is a movie that succeeds more because of its stars than its story. Clooney and Pitt are as charming and magnetic as ever, and their chemistry alone makes the movie worth watching. While the plot may not break new ground and the script leaves something to be desired, it’s still an entertaining ride for fans of light crime comedies.

So, does Wolfs hit or miss? If you’re looking for deep, thought-provoking cinema, this might not be the film for you. But if you’re in the mood for a fun, easy watch that lets two of Hollywood’s biggest stars do what they do best, Wolfs delivers exactly what it promises.