The Pickup, a new comedy thriller on Prime Video, boasts a talented ensemble cast including Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer. Directed by Tim Story, the film follows two unlikely truck drivers, Russ (Murphy) and Travis (Davidson), who must work together to stop a team of armed robbers.
The chemistry between Murphy and Davidson is undeniable, making their banter-filled partnership enjoyable to watch. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that all the energy can’t be channeled into something satisfying. The plot gets convoluted, and the jokes start to repeat themselves.
Despite this, there are moments where The Pickup shines, particularly in its third act when Eva Longoria’s character becomes embroiled in the heist. Her one-liners add some much-needed humor, and her presence helps fortify the existing dynamic between the characters.
The film’s biggest challenge is balancing its tone, veering wildly from comedy to action. While it tries to subvert expectations with a class analysis thread, it ends up feeling clunky and predictable. The action scenes, while explosive, are somewhat lacking in stakes.
Ultimately, The Pickup feels like a buddy comedy that loses steam fast. With a talented cast but a flawed script, the film manages to deliver some genuine reactions – laughs and scares alike – before fading into mediocrity.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/the-pickup-review-eddie-murphy-pete-davidson-keke-palmer-1236333719