The Pickup (2025) – A Heist Comedy That Misses the Mark
Released on August 6, 2025, The Pickup is an action-comedy directed by Tim Story, featuring Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer. Despite the star-studded cast and promising premise, the film has garnered predominantly negative reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Plot Overview
The story centers around Russell Pierce (Eddie Murphy), a seasoned armored truck driver nearing retirement, and Travis Stolly (Pete Davidson), a rookie with aspirations of becoming a police officer. Their routine cash pickup takes an unexpected turn when they’re ambushed by Zoe (Keke Palmer), a criminal mastermind with a personal vendetta. As the duo is forced into a high-stakes casino heist, tensions rise, leading to a series of chaotic events that test their resilience and moral compasses.
Performances
- Eddie Murphy: Critics have expressed disappointment with Murphy’s portrayal of Russell. Rather than delivering his signature comedic flair, he adopts a subdued, straight-man role, which many felt lacked the energy expected from the veteran actor.
- Pete Davidson: Davidson’s performance as Travis has been met with mixed reactions. While some appreciate his comedic timing, others feel his character’s development is underwhelming, with the script not fully capitalizing on his potential.
- Keke Palmer: Palmer’s portrayal of Zoe adds a layer of complexity to the film, as her character’s motivations are rooted in a personal tragedy. However, some critics argue that the film’s focus on action detracts from exploring her character’s depth. (Wikipedia)
Cinematography
Larry Blanford’s cinematography captures the film’s high-octane sequences with clarity. The chase scenes are dynamic, and the urban settings provide a gritty backdrop that complements the film’s tone. However, some critics feel that the visual style doesn’t compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.
Editing
Craig Alpert’s editing ensures a brisk pace, maintaining momentum throughout the 94-minute runtime. Yet, some reviewers note that the rapid editing may contribute to a lack of character development and emotional depth.
Music
Christopher Lennertz’s score underscores the film’s action sequences effectively. The music heightens tension during heist moments and provides a rhythmic backdrop to chase scenes. However, the score’s impact is somewhat diminished by the film’s overall execution.
Direction and Writing
Tim Story’s direction, combined with the screenplay by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows, attempts to blend action with comedy. While the premise holds potential, the execution has been criticized for relying on clichés and lacking originality. The film’s attempt to balance humor with high-stakes action often feels disjointed, leading to a narrative that doesn’t fully engage the audience.
Overall Impact
The Pickup had the potential to be a standout action-comedy, leveraging the talents of its cast and the expertise of its director. However, the film’s reliance on familiar tropes, coupled with underdeveloped characters and a lackluster script, results in a forgettable viewing experience. For fans of the genre or the lead actors, the film might offer some entertainment, but it falls short of expectations.
Reception
The film has received predominantly negative reviews, with a 36% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 43% score on Metacritic. Critics have pointed out the film’s lack of originality and failure to capitalize on its talented cast. Many have expressed that The Pickup is a missed opportunity in the action-comedy genre.
Verdict
While The Pickup offers a familiar setup with a promising cast, it ultimately fails to deliver a compelling action-comedy experience. The film’s reliance on clichés, coupled with underwhelming performances and a lackluster script, makes it a forgettable addition to the genre. Viewers seeking a fresh take on the heist comedy should look elsewhere.
Ready for the high-stakes action and comedy of The Pickup? Stream it now exclusively on Amazon and experience the chaos unfold with Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson!”