There’s an undeniable pedigree to “Wolf,” which manages to be both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, director Mike Nichols first foray into horror is predictably a classy, well-structured affair, with clear characterizations and terrific work by an ensemble cast. In addition, leads Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer make a surprisingly effective pair and work well together despite the improbable age difference between the two, while the supporting cast is strong all the way through. However, the structured, careful approach to filmmaking with defines many of the movies directed by Nichols works against him here, as his approach to the suspense is too mannered for the movie to really come alive.
Rating: ★★★ (out of 5)
