In today’s television scene, many shows struggle to stand out. This is true even for reboots and revivals that rely on nostalgia. Many attempts to bring back old shows fail, whether they bring back the original cast or simply update the concept.
When CBS announced they would revive Matlock, not everyone reacted with excitement. It took over a year for the reimagining of the classic legal drama to air.
However, when Kathy Bates, a well-known actress, was announced as the lead, fans felt a cautious sense of hope.
The timing can be tricky for certain shows to return, especially on network television. Fortunately, this Matlock, developed by Jennie Snyder Urman and directed by Kat Coiro, seems well-timed.
It is one of the few reboots that has a clear purpose. It stands out as a strong legal drama with only a few connections to the original show.
What Is ‘Matlock’ About?
Madeline Matlock, played by Bates, is often underestimated. She has been away from the professional scene for a long time and struggles to get back to her former life.
As a 75-year-old widow and guardian of her grandson, Alfie, Matty looks for ways to support both of them financially.
Using her wits and keen observation, she secures a job at the law firm Jacobson Moore. She boldly walks into a boardroom meeting and refuses to leave until she gets hired.
This boldness raises suspicion from Olympia Lawrence, one of the firm’s top lawyers. She does not get to ask Matty many questions about her past, especially since she is now part of the team with junior associates Sarah and Billy.
Even though Matty gets a job at Jacobson Moore, she must prove herself regardless of her age. She has to jump right into assisting Olympia with whatever is needed, even though she struggles with new technology.
This leads to a case-of-the-week format, with the characters tackling various crimes, from murder to wrongful imprisonment.
Still from Matlock (Credit: Paramount+)
Other storylines sometimes overlap, such as Olympia juggling her responsibilities as a divorced mother while working with her ex-husband and his father.
One reassuring aspect of this show is knowing that each case will be solved by the end of the episode, just like in the original series.
‘Matlock’ Is an Acting Showcase for Kathy Bates
Madeline Matlock starts as a modest, grandmotherly character with Southern charm, but Bates never feels limited in her role. The CBS legal drama allows her to show her full range of talent as the episodes progress.
In one scene, Matty fumbles with sending a photo to her grandson, and in another, she provides comfort to a client.
While Matty may seem warm and gentle at first, she is also observant and can understand people in ways others may not. Matty shows a range of emotions, including sadness and frustration.
It is a joy to watch an actress of Bates’ caliber take on such a multi-dimensional role. This new version of Matlock acknowledges the original show, as Matty often mentions being a fan.
This adds clever nods to the past without diminishing Bates’ character. The series encourages viewers to rethink their judgments about Matty, especially with a surprising twist in the pilot that hints at how the rest of the season will unfold.
‘Matlock’ Is Anchored by a Charming Supporting Cast
Bates’ performance in Matlock may be one of her best yet, and she is supported by a talented ensemble. Some characters take longer to develop, but Skye P. Marshall, who plays Olympia, stands out early on. She brings warmth and strength to a character that could have easily become one-dimensional.
Marshall’s portrayal allows Olympia to balance her dedication to her job with her role as a mother. When Marshall and Bates interact, their chemistry shines. A memorable scene shows Matty and Olympia celebrating a legal win with a spontaneous dance party.
The quieter moments between the supporting cast, such as Marshall with Jason Ritter or Leah Lewis with David Del Rio, add depth to the story.
The law firm feels more like a family rather than just a group of co-workers. In this version of Matlock, Matty feels invisible due to her age.
We become damn near invisible.” As the characters soon discover, this does not apply to the actress playing her. Although Matty believes she is invisible, viewers will not be able to look away from Kathy Bates in Matlock.
CBS’s revival of Matlock features Kathy Bates as Madeline Matlock, a 75-year-old widow striving to re-enter the legal profession while caring for her grandson, Alfie.
Despite her age, Matty boldly secures a job at Jacobson Moore by marching into a boardroom and demanding a position.
Still from Matlock (Credit: Paramount+)
She faces challenges as she must quickly adapt to modern technology and prove her worth. The show adopts a case-of-the-week format, where Matty and her team tackle various legal issues, from murder to wrongful imprisonment.
Bates delivers an attractive performance, showcasing a range of emotions from warmth to frustration. The supporting cast, including Skye P. Marshall as Olympia, adds depth to the story, making the law firm feel like a close-knit family.
The series pays homage to the original Matlock while establishing its own identity, with Matty humorously reflecting on the invisibility women face as they age. Matlock premiered on September 22 and will continue on October 17.
Buddy comedies have always thrived on balancing tension with unlikely friendships. The success of these films usually depends on how well the leading pair connects.
If there’s no real chemistry, the film can feel forced and awkward. But when the connection works, it creates an enjoyable mix of witty conversations and exciting action.
George Clooney and Brad Pitt are a great example of this, with their proven on-screen chemistry. This dynamic shines in Jon Watts’ new action-comedy Wolfs.
Known for directing the Spider-Man trilogy, Watts teams up with Clooney and Pitt for a film about rival fixers who must work together on a high-stakes mission. Though Wolfs benefits from its charismatic leads, it struggles at times due to a thin plot and uneven pacing.
The film runs for 108 minutes and is visually impressive, making good use of a cold winter setting to highlight the emotional distance between the two “lone wolves.”
This environment almost becomes a character of its own, adding to the tension and chaos between Clooney and Pitt’s characters.
Watts shows he can step away from superhero films and focus on more relatable human characters. While the film keeps viewers interested with its characters, it sometimes falls short in pacing and story depth, especially considering the star power involved.
What Is Wolfs About?
Directed with smooth precision, Wolfs focuses on Jack (Clooney) and Nick (Pitt), two lone wolf fixers who handle high-profile messes. Their story kicks off at a fancy Manhattan hotel, where Amy Ryan’s character Margaret finds herself in trouble.
She is a district attorney caught in an affair with a clueless young man known as “The Kid” (played by Austin Abrams). When The Kid is found lying on the hotel floor in his underwear, seemingly dead, Jack and Nick are called to clean up the situation.
However, they’re not happy about having to work together. Their sarcastic banter and refusal to get along add humor to the movie, bringing back a nostalgic feeling that recalls old-school buddy comedies.
As Jack and Nick work to erase the mess, they discover The Kid isn’t dead. Instead, he’s a fast-talking business student who might have overdosed on heroin he was delivering for a friend.
With The Kid alive and in need of help, Jack and Nick must tolerate his sloppy behavior while helping him return the drugs to their rightful owners, a group of Albanian mobsters.
As the night goes on, the relationship between the trio starts to change. The cold, hostile atmosphere of New York City reflects their growing bond, which develops as they face chaotic situations.
Clooney and Pitt’s performances bring laughter and excitement, especially in scenes like the body disposal and the hilarious chase, where Nick, despite his age, chases a drug-fueled man in his underwear through the streets of Manhattan. The production design and noir-inspired cinematography add to the film’s relaxed, old Hollywood charm.
George Clooney & Brad Pitt Shine
The real magic of Wolfs comes from the chemistry between Clooney and Pitt. Their natural charisma and perfect comedic timing keep the film entertaining. The back-and-forth conversations between the two remind viewers of their famous roles in Ocean’s Eleven.
Still from Wolfs (Credit: Apple TV+)
Watts does an excellent job of combining action with comedy and suspense, allowing Clooney and Pitt to bring the movie to life with their banter and tension.
Their performances show that even without much dialogue, their characters communicate effectively, often through subtle gestures. For example, scenes where they both reach for painkillers or reading glasses show quiet, self-aware humor.
Clooney is at his best, displaying his trademark charm while portraying a seasoned fixer whose calm demeanor hides his deep experience. His character is commanding and relatable at the same time. On the other hand, Pitt plays Nick with a cocky, yet likable energy, giving his performance an unpredictable edge.
While Jack seems more grounded, Nick is harder to read, making their partnership even more enjoyable. This dynamic elevates the film and adds depth to the slower moments, as their interactions are memorable and full of charm.
Austin Abrams, best known for Euphoria and Dash & Lily, also delivers a standout performance as The Kid. His character adds a fresh contrast to the older, more experienced Jack and Nick.
Despite the chaos surrounding him, Abrams manages to ground the film’s more ridiculous moments with emotional stakes. His awkward but witty delivery adds an extra layer to the plot, without overshadowing the leads.
Wolfs Has a Softer Bite Than Expected
Despite Clooney and Pitt’s strong chemistry and comedic timing, Wolfs misses some opportunities for deeper storytelling. That’s not to say the movie won’t be enjoyable for audiences, especially when it arrives on Apple TV+ after its limited theatrical release.
However, it could have benefited from a more detailed plot and more twists to make it stand out. The pacing slows down in certain scenes, such as the hotel cleanup and the chase sequence, which feel overly long and drag the story.
Additionally, there are several unanswered questions, like the backstory of Margaret, the district attorney, and the Albanian drug dealers.
The film’s ending feels abrupt, likely because Watts is setting up the story for a sequel, which has already been confirmed. While Wolfs has classier star power than many other streaming platform releases, it doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression.
The narrative often relies on the charm of Clooney and Pitt, rather than diving into deeper themes. Some parts of the story are only hinted at, leaving the characters feeling underdeveloped.
The bickering between Jack and Nick, for example, doesn’t evolve into something more meaningful, unlike other successful buddy comedies.
Still from Wolfs (Credit: Apple TV+)
Even with these flaws, Wolfs is undeniably fun. As an action-comedy, it focuses more on humor than violence, with a surprisingly low body count.
One of the funniest moments in the film is a slow-motion car crash, a perfect example of Watts’ talent for visual comedy.
This scene highlights Wolfs’ distinct style and sets it apart from modern comedies. While the movie doesn’t have a deep or complicated plot, it’s a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
Clooney and Pitt’s undeniable chemistry carries the film, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of action comedies.
