The Pickup Movie Review: A Star-Studded Heist That Misses the Mark

By Abhishek Srivastava & Anurag Singh Bohra
Updated: August 7, 2025 | 2.5/5 ⭐
Streaming Now on: Prime Video

Story in a Nutshell

In this The Pickup movie review, we explore the story of veteran armored truck guard Russell (Eddie Murphy) and his unpredictable rookie partner Travis (Pete Davidson), whose routine job turns upside down when they cross paths with Zoe (Keke Palmer), a mysterious woman leading them into a dangerous heist. What begins as a simple duty turns into a mess of betrayal, hidden motives, and chaotic alliances.

Review: Big Stars, Small Payoff

The Pickup movie review reveals that while the film promises a fun mix of action and comedy, it stumbles on execution. Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, The Blackening), the movie brings together a star-powered cast—Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer—but fails to create the spark it promises.

Trying to blend emotional beats with slapstick humor and adrenaline-fueled chases, the film often feels disjointed. It plays like an Americanized Dhoom 3, but with less flair and more predictability.

The Cast: A Mixed Bag

In The Pickup movie review, it’s clear that the film’s biggest draw is its cast. Eddie Murphy, though charming in parts, appears too laid-back for a role that needed more bite. Pete Davidson plays his typical goofball character, getting a few laughs but nothing memorable. The real standout is Keke Palmer, whose presence elevates nearly every scene she’s in. She gives Zoe a compelling mix of swagger and vulnerability.

Direction and Screenplay: All Style, No Soul

As seen in The Pickup movie review, the film’s direction by Tim Story ensures a snappy pace, but the screenplay lacks originality. Jokes drag, action lacks urgency, and dramatic moments don’t quite land. It’s watchable, but only just.

The action scenes—from casino break-ins to street chases—are slick but emotionless. The movie feels like it’s checking genre boxes rather than crafting a fresh story. If you’ve seen one quirky heist movie, you’ve seen this.

What Works

• Keke Palmer’s magnetic performance
• Decent pacing and short runtime
• Visually polished sequences

What Doesn’t

• Emotionally shallow storytelling
• Predictable character arcs and plot twists
• Underused potential of a stellar cast

Final Verdict

The Pickup movie review concludes that the film is a missed opportunity. With big names like Murphy and Davidson onboard, this could have been a memorable action-comedy. Instead, it settles for mediocrity.

It’s the kind of movie you might play in the background during dinner. Not bad enough to turn off, but not good enough to revisit. While Keke Palmer gives it her all, even her performance can’t fully save the film.

Rating: 2.5/5

Quick Facts

• 🎬 Genre: Heist | Action | Comedy
• 📅 Release Date: August 6, 2025
• 📺 Streaming On: Prime Video
• ⭐ Cast: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria
• 🎥 Director: Tim Story

FAQs about The Pickup

According to this The Pickup movie review, it’s mildly entertaining if you’re in the mood for light heist comedy, but don’t expect depth or surprises.

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