hilarious escapade of Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson in a comedic heist film, though lacking in believability and surprising plot twists, offers enjoyable camaraderie
The Pickup (2025): A Heist Comedy with an Uneven Script
In the world of heist comedies, "The Pickup" joins the ranks, directed by Tim Story, known for his work on "Barbershop" and "Ride Along." This action-packed film, premiering on Prime Video, brings together an ensemble cast including Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria.
The plot revolves around two armored truck drivers, Russell (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson), whose routine pickup takes an unexpected turn when they are ambushed by a crew of ruthless criminals led by the cunning Zoe (Palmer). The story unfolds on the day of Russell's 25th wedding anniversary, adding a layer of tension to the narrative.
Russell, a low-key and responsible adult, dreams of retiring and opening a bed and breakfast with his wife Natalie (Longoria), while Travis, a somewhat immature but secretly intelligent partner, harbours dreams of becoming a police officer. The hijacking occurs on a seemingly deserted 100-mile stretch near Atlantic City, where Zoe seduces Travis to gain inside information for her heist plan.
The film features car chases, stunts, and gunfights, with a focus on action sequences rather than character development. However, critics found the characters clichéd and the plot implausible, particularly Travis’s inconsistent characterization and Zoe's plan's believability. The action and comedy elements—particularly the hijacking scenes—were noted as the film's highlights but were undermined by plot holes and stereotypes, such as Eva Longoria’s underdeveloped role as a stereotypical "saucy Latina."
Despite these criticisms, "The Pickup" holds a moderate IMDb rating of 5.4/10 and a low Metascore of 38, reflecting mixed to negative critical reception. In summary, "The Pickup" offers a mix of action, comedy, and crime elements, but its weak script and uneven character development limit its comedic payoff, despite some thrilling heist scenes.
Meanwhile, Pete Davidson can also be seen in the Peacock series 'Bupkis,' based on his life, and featuring Joe Pesci. Additionally, fans of Mike Judge's "King of the Hill" and Ben Bocquelet's "The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball" will be pleased to know that these series are back after a hiatus, now streaming on Hulu.
- Set in the vibrant state of California, particularly near Los Angeles, "The Pickup" premiers on Prime Video, showcasing a blend of action, comedy, and crime genres.
- In the TV realm, Pete Davidson, one of the stars in "The Pickup," is also featured in the Peacock series 'Bupkis,' which provides a unique glimpse into his personal life and collaborates with Joe Pesci.
- Fans of entertainment, particularly movies and TV, can also revisit popular shows like Mike Judge's "King of the Hill" and Ben Bocquelet's "The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball" after a hiatus, streaming on Hulu.
- While "The Pickup" has been met with mixed reviews, the business of entertainment in California, including Los Angeles, continues to thrive with a steady stream of new projects and revivals of beloved series.
