The long-anticipated action-comedy The Pickup brings together Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer for what promises to be a fun-filled ride—but the final product struggles to meet expectations. Directed by Tim Story, known for his work on comedy hits and action fare, the film delivers glimmers of charm but ultimately falters under the weight of a weak script and tonal confusion.
A Promising Setup That Goes Nowhere
The Pickup centers on a high-stakes heist involving an armored truck and a massive $60 million score. Eddie Murphy plays a veteran operative reluctantly paired with a brash newcomer played by Pete Davidson. Keke Palmer plays the slick, mysterious criminal mastermind who throws their routine into chaos.
The film starts strong with some stylish visual choices and the promise of comedic tension between its leads. However, the plot quickly slips into generic territory, relying on worn-out tropes and over-the-top sequences that fail to engage emotionally or comedically.
Star-Studded But Uneven
Eddie Murphy shows moments of his classic comedic brilliance but seems subdued throughout much of the runtime. Pete Davidson, who’s typically effective with dry, self-deprecating humor, feels out of sync in the high-octane setting. Keke Palmer brings energy and a cool-headed charisma to her role, standing out as the film’s most watchable presence.
Despite the trio’s potential, the chemistry never quite clicks. Scenes meant to build tension or spark laughs feel either rushed or underdeveloped. Supporting players—including Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch, and Roman Reigns—are given minimal material and mostly serve as filler in the chaotic narrative.
Action Without Impact
For an action-comedy, The Pickup leans too heavily on spectacle without the storytelling to back it up. The chase scenes, shootouts, and quick cuts are visually slick, but they lack real stakes. The film tries to inject humor throughout, but much of it feels forced, with a few recurring jokes falling flat due to repetition.
At just over 90 minutes, the pacing is brisk, but it doesn’t allow for character development or coherent world-building. The result is a movie that feels more like a flashy montage than a fully realized story.
Verdict
The Pickup isn’t without its moments—mainly thanks to Palmer’s committed performance and a few well-executed gags—but it squanders the talents of its cast on a script that never quite finds its voice. While fans of the actors may still enjoy seeing them in action, the film as a whole lacks the spark needed to leave a lasting impression.
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