The Pickup (2025) Movie Review – A Heist Comedy That Misses the Mark

Rating: ⭐⭐ (2/5)

The Pickup, directed and produced by Tim Story, premiered on Prime Video on August 6, 2025. It stars Eddie Murphy as Russell, an armored truck driver nearing retirement, and Pete Davidson as his rookie partner Travis. A routine cash pick-up degenerates into chaos when Travis unwittingly gives insider details to Zoe (Keke Palmer), setting off a bungled heist that spirals out of control.

Despite an ensemble cast brimming with potential—including Eva Longoria and Andrew Dice Clay—the film is weighed down by a lethargic script and lackluster execution.

Plot Synopsis
Russell, determined to retire soon and open a bed-and-breakfast, is paired with Travis, an erratic rookie. After Travis drunkenly reveals sensitive route info to Zoe, they’re plunged into a high-stakes hijacking. Zoe’s elaborate plan involves using the armored truck to rob a casino for $60 million, fueled by a personal vendetta. What could have been a high-concept thriller easily becomes muddled, filled with illogical decisions, contrived coincidences, and thinly drawn character motivations. 

Performances
Murphy appears disengaged and underutilized, delivering only occasional flashes of the charisma he's known for. Pete Davidson’s quirks dominate—but his charm quickly becomes grating. Keke Palmer adds the most spark as Zoe, though her performance is undermined by an underwritten romantic subplot. Eva Longoria appears sporadically, with minimal impact—another wasted opportunity.

Direction & Screenplay
Tim Story’s direction is functional but uninspired. The script by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider offers scant humor and coherence. Critics point out the mismatch between the talented cast and the flat writing, resulting in a film that feels like a checklist of clichés rather than original storytelling. 

Technical Merits
The film moves briskly—at a lean 94 minutes—but action sequences often lack logic or tension. Cinematography and production design do little to elevate the otherwise generic heist setup. Dialogue, pacing, and execution frequently feel dated. 

Audience & Critical Response
Critics were largely unimpressed. Descriptors like "generic," "forgettable," and "a squandered opportunity" dominate reviews, with many citing the film as a low point in Murphy’s career. 
Some audience members, however, found sporadic enjoyment—appreciating fleeting laughs or comedic chemistry—though these views are in the minority. 

Final Verdict
The Pickup is a rare misfire: despite its promising cast and high-concept premise, the movie fails to deliver coherent plot, engaging humor, or emotional stakes. It’s a forgettable heist comedy that squanders its potential on sloppy writing and weak execution. Only die-hard fans of the genre or cast might find something to enjoy—but most will find it easy to skip.