The Pickup: A Wild Ride of Comedy and Chaos on Prime Video
If you ever find yourself in a bind, steer clear of Travis (Pete Davidson), one of the quirky characters in Prime Video’s heist comedy, The Pickup. This not-so-bright armored truck guard is known for his tendency to panic in high-pressure situations. In the opening scene of this Tim Story-directed feature, Travis mistakenly pulls a gun on a bank customer, believing she’s trying to rob him. In reality, Zoe (Keke Palmer) is simply trying to flirt and give him her number.
Russ (Eddie Murphy), a seasoned armored truck driver, can sense Travis’s ineptitude. When they are assigned to work together on a particularly challenging route, Russ is less than thrilled. It’s his anniversary, and he’s eager to wrap up the shift in time to enjoy a dinner with his wife, Natalie (Eva Longoria). However, their grumpy manager (Andrew Dice Clay) has other plans, and the duo soon finds themselves face-to-face with armed robbers who present them with a daunting choice: surrender the goods and live, or attempt to be heroes and face dire consequences.
The Pickup: A Hilarious and Chaotic Heist
Release Date: Wednesday, August 6
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy
Director: Tim Story
Screenwriters: Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider
Rating: R
Duration: 1 hour 34 minutes
Based on a screenplay by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider (known for Gentleman Lobsters and The Package), The Pickup is a comedic thriller that takes viewers on a bumpy ride to a somewhat satisfying conclusion. The film features a stellar cast, with Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer delivering captivating performances that bring their increasingly ridiculous predicament to life. Their chemistry adds depth to the story, particularly as Davidson’s goofy character bounces off Murphy’s no-nonsense veteran.
Palmer and Longoria also shine, with Longoria injecting much-needed energy into the latter part of the film. It’s refreshing to see Palmer showcase her cool demeanor in a role that demands both charm and cunning. However, despite the high-energy performances, The Pickup struggles to maintain its momentum as the plot unfolds.
As the robbers force Russ and Travis into a corner, both men grapple with their choices. Russ, nearing retirement, is just trying to get home, while Travis, eager to prove he can follow in his family’s law enforcement footsteps, faces his fear of dying in an unexpected situation. Surprisingly, they attempt to defend the armored truck, with Travis showcasing impressive driving skills while Russ reveals hidden combat abilities.
Amidst the chaos, one of the robbers turns out to be Zoe, who takes the drivers hostage in a bid to secure her prize. Although their arrangement seems shaky, Zoe emerges as a complex antagonist, her motivations adding an intriguing layer to the narrative. The film aims to subvert the typical comedy heist formula by weaving in elements of class analysis, reminiscent of both The Blackening and Carry-On, focusing on the working-class struggle for upward mobility.
Tim Story exhibits his directorial prowess through dynamic action sequences, complete with slashed tires, paint bombs, and explosive car crashes. The accompanying score by Christopher Lennertz accentuates the film’s thrilling moments.
However, The Pickup shares some of the clunky traits seen in Netflix’s Lift, which starred Kevin Hart. After Zoe kidnaps Travis and Russ, she coerces them into joining her audacious plan to rob a casino in Atlantic City. This twist takes the crew on a wild journey through New Jersey, blending buddy comedy elements with unexpected teamwork. Yet, the humor often feels disjointed, and the stakes lack urgency.
As the film progresses, the repetitive jokes and one-dimensional character dynamics begin to wear thin. Certain scenes, such as Travis brandishing a gun at Zoe, fail to land as intended. Nevertheless, The Pickup does deliver genuine reactions—laughter and tension alike—especially in the third act when Natalie, suspicious of her husband’s odd behavior, gets drawn into the chaotic heist. Longoria’s sharp one-liners and her character’s involvement enhance the film’s dynamics, ultimately guiding it to a satisfying conclusion.
In summary, The Pickup offers a mix of humor, action, and unexpected twists, making it a noteworthy addition to Prime Video’s lineup. If you enjoy lighthearted heist comedies with a sprinkle of chaos, this film is worth a watch!
