The Pickup Review
Eddie Murphy’s latest release, The Pickup, attempts to blend heist action and comedy but falls short due to a thin script and uneven pacing. Despite strong performances by Murphy and Keke Palmer, the film fails to leave a lasting impact. This The Pickup review explores how the movie loses its charm in execution.
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A Promising Cast Fails to Deliver
Premiered on Amazon Prime Video on August 6, 2025, The Pickup stars Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer. Directed by Tim Story, the film follows Russell (Murphy), a seasoned armored truck driver, and Travis (Davidson), his immature new partner. Their routine shift takes a chaotic turn when they’re ambushed by criminals led by Zoe (Palmer). While the premise promises an engaging ride, the lack of narrative depth and inconsistent tone make it feel flat. Audiences expecting a high-energy, character-driven experience are left disappointed, especially given the film’s talented ensemble.
Eddie Murphy Brings Charm, Not Cohesion
Murphy plays Russell with the finesse fans expect, but even his charisma cannot save a disjointed script. Known for classics like Beverly Hills Cop, Murphy brings heart and humor to his role. However, critics argue that the story gives him little to work with. His interactions with Eva Longoria, who plays his on-screen wife Natalie, hint at emotional layers but are never explored. Reviewers from outlets such as India Today have noted that the film substitutes character arcs for high-speed chases and gunfights, diluting any real connection with viewers.
Keke Palmer Impresses, Davidson Falls Flat
Keke Palmer’s portrayal of Zoe stands out. She adds vibrancy and complexity to a role that could have easily felt one-dimensional. Variety praised her for elevating lackluster material with a commanding presence. Unfortunately, Pete Davidson’s portrayal of Travis doesn’t match that energy. His humor feels repetitive, and his chemistry with Palmer’s Zoe is unconvincing. As a result, their subplot drags the pacing further, hindering any momentum the film builds.
Streaming Formula Over Substance
In today’s content-heavy streaming era, The Pickup seems more like a checkbox project than a passion-driven production. The 94-minute runtime is packed with cliché action sequences, but few are memorable. Critics from The Guardian and Collider describe it as forgettable and uninspired, noting that the movie lacks a unique voice or compelling visual flair. Instead of innovating within the heist action comedy genre, it settles for mediocrity.
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Final Verdict
The Pickup aimed to be a slick, star-powered thrill ride but stumbles due to weak writing and direction. While Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer do their best to inject life into the film, they’re ultimately let down by a narrative that prioritizes noise over nuance. For those browsing the latest movie reviews, this film serves as a cautionary tale: even big names can’t always deliver a big win.
