Film

The Pickup, directed by Tim Story and now streaming on Amazon Prime Video, pairs Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson in a breezy action-comedy that blends heist hijinks with odd-couple chemistry. Murphy plays Russell, a seasoned armored truck driver who knows the business inside and out, while Davidson’s Travis is a new recruit whose impulsive nature draws them both into an elaborate scheme orchestrated by the magnetic Zoe, played by Keke Palmer.

The film moves at a brisk pace, clocking in at just over 90 minutes, and it’s at its best when leaning into light, playful banter between its leads. Murphy brings a steady, understated presence that anchors the more over-the-top moments, while Davidson injects the story with energy and unpredictability. Palmer, meanwhile, delivers a vibrant performance, commanding the screen with charm and confidence.

Tim Story keeps the tone airy, making The Pickup an easy watch. The action sequences—though not aiming for blockbuster spectacle—are cleanly staged, with a couple of well-timed set pieces that provide bursts of excitement. The film also sprinkles in quick gags and winks at heist-movie tropes, giving it an approachable, self-aware edge without getting bogged down in heavy plotting.

Supporting turns from Eva Longoria, Marshawn Lynch, and Andrew Dice Clay add variety, even if they aren’t given extensive screen time. Lynch, in particular, gets a few amusing beats that break up the main storyline, while Longoria lends warmth to her scenes opposite Murphy.

While The Pickup doesn’t reinvent the heist genre, it doesn’t really try to. Instead, it focuses on being a relaxed, fun outing that’s easy to stream on a weeknight. The humor is broad but good-natured, and the interplay among the cast—especially between Murphy’s calm, measured delivery and Davidson’s off-the-cuff style—provides enough spark to carry the film through its breezy runtime.

For viewers looking for a light, unpretentious caper with a likable cast, The Pickup delivers. It may not have the intricate twists of a high-stakes thriller, but it offers a playful mix of comedy and action that makes for an enjoyable ride from start to finish.

Published by Tandy Culpepper

Tandy Culpepper is a veteran broadcast television, radio, and online journalist. He has reported extensively for multiple outlets including CNN Radio, CNN.com, People.com, He was senior correspondent for CNN's internationally-syndicated television news service, Turner Entertainment Report.

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