Clooney and Pitt's Buddy Comedy Delivers Thrilling Action and Unexpected Depth

George Clooney and Brad Pitt, two of Hollywood's biggest stars, have teamed up for a new action-packed buddy comedy that defies genre expectations. "Wolfs" (★★★ out of four; rated R; in theaters now and streaming Friday on Apple TV+) is a crafty, cool, and at times cliché film that showcases the undeniable chemistry between the two leading men. Directed by Jon Watts, the man behind the recent "Spider-Man" films, the movie blends workplace comedy, gunplay, and a college kid's wild chase through New York City, creating a thrilling and surprisingly heartfelt adventure.

Clooney and Pitt's Sizzling On-Screen Chemistry Elevates a Familiar Premise

Unlikely Allies Forced to Collaborate

The story follows two professional "fixers," played by Clooney and Pitt, who are hired for the same job – a situation neither of them is particularly happy about. When a night out for powerful district attorney Margaret (Amy Ryan) takes a deadly turn, she calls in the stoic Clooney to handle the situation. But soon after, hotel manager Pam (Frances McDormand) also calls in her own fixer, the more brash and dismissive Pitt, leading to an awkward standoff between the two men.

Banter and Mutual Respect

Clooney and Pitt recapture the chemistry they displayed in the "Ocean's" movies, but with a slightly more combative edge. Pitt's character initially looks down on his rival, though he can't help but admire the way Clooney's fixer works. Clooney, on the other hand, embodies a grumpily grizzled demeanor, hinting at the toll of his profession. As the plot thickens, the two men's icy relationship begins to melt, and they discover a mutual respect for each other's skills and a shared understanding of the challenges they face.

A Youthful Catalyst

The narrative is further complicated by the introduction of a presumed dead body that unexpectedly wakes up, as well as a bag of heroin that extends the fixers' night. This leads to a chaotic chase through the streets of New York, with a college-aged kid (Austin Abrams of "Euphoria" fame) tagging along and idolizing the two older men. The young character's presence serves as a catalyst, forcing Clooney and Pitt's characters to confront their own "lone wolf" tendencies and recognize the value of working together.

Familiar Tropes, Elevated by the Leads

"Wolfs" doesn't necessarily break new ground in the buddy comedy genre, with echoes of films like "Midnight Run" and "48 Hrs." The slowly unraveling mystery that connects Pitt and Clooney's characters doesn't quite stick the landing, and the overall plot can feel a bit convoluted at times. However, the sheer watchability of the film is elevated by the performances of its two leading men, who effortlessly navigate the clichés and deliver a lighthearted, yet engaging, cinematic experience.

A Cinematic Treat for Fans of Clooney and Pitt

Ultimately, "Wolfs" is a cinematic job well done, thanks in large part to the undeniable chemistry between Clooney and Pitt. Their sardonic banter and gradual development of mutual respect make the film a thoroughly enjoyable watch, even if the plot doesn't always hold up to scrutiny. With the added spark of the young college kid's presence, the movie offers a refreshing take on the buddy comedy genre, blending action, humor, and a touch of heart.