It is often said that artists make their best work when they are young and hungry, and if they become old and rich, there is far less danger in that later work. Exceptions abound, and hope springs eternal. Sadly, that thought about rich old actors bubbled into my brain more than a couple times during “Wolfs.”
In so many films Brad Pitt and George Clooney have been a delight. Their comfort in front of the camera is consistently evident and our belief in their respective characters comes pretty quickly.
What we have here is a pretty decent plot; each of our two main characters is a fixer accustomed to working as a lone wolf, yet they join forces to fix a problem with a New York City district attorney. The DA’s one night stand leaves her in a compromising position.
Much like the production of the film itself, the characters discover that one plus one can equal far less than two in terms of overall effectiveness.
The plot invariably unspools with often intriguing and comedic effect. Jon (“Spider-Man”) Watts directs from his own screenplay, and we can trust he is therefore familiar with the material. He also wrote one of the songs. (Sade’s songs are well-placed and Air Supply will enjoy some unexpected dollars). Pitt and Clooney know their way around a script and film set, so they are well at ease. Their banter is admittedly excellent; we have come to expect no less.
Regardless, the film doesn’t fully deliver on its promise.
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