Wolfs - A Good Night of Bad Choices

 

Streaming on Apple TV+

    One of the benefits of the modern streaming world is the opportunity for a return to the "Middle Movie, " as in films with modest budgets, A-list stars, and plots that don't require too much set-up or locations (usually). These films were made between the major blockbusters and the Oscar contenders that, in the past, helped elevate rising talent and allowed more risk with experimentation. They were also, more often than not, fillers for the times of year when fewer people were likely to go to the movies. With the rise in demand for nearly every major Hollywood release needing to be extravagant, attention-grabbing noise fests, with a few exceptions that prove the rule, there is little to no space for Middle Movies in the Hollywood system anymore. 

    Apple's original film, Wolfs, is just the kind of Middle Movie we need more of in this modern age. It may not be the most clever or impactful movie this year, but it will be a fun and engaging misadventure. 

    The story follows a professional "fixer" (George Clooney) who is called in the middle of the night by the D.A. to fix a problem, namely, the dead body in her hotel suite. Shortly after arriving at the hotel and quickly assessing the situation, the "fixer" is interrupted by another seemingly equally capable "fixer" (Brad Pitt) who works for the newly built hotel's manager and has also been tasked with fixing the problem. Under protest, the two professionals are forced to work together, and what follows can best be described as a delightful fusion of Adventures in Babysitting with Ocean's Eleven (the Steven Soderbergh version). 

    The film's best asset is the chemistry between its two leads, George and Brad. As mentioned earlier, the two actors work beautifully together and appear to have maintained their working chemistry from their experience with the Ocean's Eleven films. Their chemistry has aged like a fine wine, and seeing them bounce off each other so fluently is a delight. 

    Writer and director Jon Watts, best known for the MCU Spider-Man trilogy, delivers a witty script with a profound focus on character and performance. This is not at all surprising, given that his third MCU film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, was a masterpiece in character exploration and journey and is appropriately recognized as the most emotionally resonating Spider-Man film in the MCU. 

    While I look forward to seeing what else Jon Watts has in store for us, I hope he does so with another cinematographer. Because while the photography in Wolfs is fine, it's not what I would prefer. 

    Photographed by Larkin Seiple, the images sport a visual style that borders on being too dark, which appears to be the style of this time. Granted, the images never become entirely incomprehensible (unlike the final season of Game of Thrones), and a darker style suits the story's themes and subject matter. Still, even in the age of high-quality digital cameras, it's best to not play in the shadows too much. 

    Wolfs is a pleasant mid-level distraction that will make you laugh and feel that your time was well spent. It is just original enough to feel fresh and nuanced in all the right ways. If you have Apple TV+, check it out. 

Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.