Overview
The Pickup (2025), directed by Tim Story and now streaming on Prime Video, pairs Eddie Murphy with Pete Davidson in a chaotic, offbeat action comedy. Murphy plays Russell, a weary armored-truck driver close to retirement, while Davidson plays his reckless new partner, Travis. Their routine job turns into a full-throttle heist led by Zoe (Keke Palmer), whose scheme unravels across Atlanta’s chaotic streets.
Early in development, the screenplay was positioned as a comedic take on the buddy-heist genre. However, despite its promising cast and premise, the final result struggles to find balance between humor and action.
Production teams used script breakdown and film production calendar tools to organize complicated sequences, especially after a real-life accident involving a flipped truck disrupted filming. The commitment to wrapping on time may have affected the overall pacing and polish.
A Star-Studded Cast in a Mismatched Vehicle
Keke Palmer later said filming steamy scenes with Davidson felt natural due to their “comic timing and trust.” Still, their chemistry doesn’t carry the plot. The Pickup (2025) leans heavily on quirky cameos—Roman Reigns as a fighter and Marshawn Lynch as a rogue mechanic—but these moments feel disconnected.
Eva Longoria, Jack Kesy, and Ismael Cruz Córdova have minimal screen time. Eddie Murphy delivers a subdued performance, while Davidson’s energy often feels out of place, turning the tone inconsistent.
Critics React: The Pickup (2025) Falls Flat
Reception has been largely negative:
- RogerEbert.com called it “forgettable” and “visually uninspired,” criticizing the lack of cohesion.
- The Guardian described The Pickup (2025) as Murphy’s most forgettable film in years, plagued by outdated writing.
- Decider urged viewers to “skip it,” citing poor pacing, dull action, and lack of genuine humor.
- A few reviews on Rotten Tomatoes noted some charm in Murphy and Davidson’s rapport, though most found the movie a letdown.
Where Did The Pickup (2025) Go Wrong?
1. Weak Script Structure
Despite its dynamic setup, the story lacks a compelling arc. Characters don’t evolve, and tension fizzles before the climax.
2. Wasted Talent
Murphy seems checked out. Davidson tries too hard to inject energy into scenes that don’t support it. Supporting actors feel like afterthoughts.
3. Lifeless Action Sequences
Chase scenes and heist set pieces—likely structured through a detailed script breakdown—don’t generate suspense. Visuals are flat, and editing lacks rhythm.
4. Tone Confusion
Is it a buddy comedy? A heist thriller? A satire? The Pickup (2025) never makes a clear decision, making the film feel unsure of itself throughout.
Final Thoughts
The Pickup (2025) could have been a sharp, fast-paced comedy with the right balance of humor and heart. Instead, it’s a film that leaves viewers indifferent. Even with a high-profile cast and crew, the project underdelivers.
For fans of Murphy and Davidson, this might still be worth a curiosity watch. But for anyone else seeking a tight action comedy, The Pickup (2025) is more of a misfire than a must-see.
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