Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson’s ‘The Pickup’ Faces Harsh Criticism

Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson’s much-anticipated collaboration in the action-comedy film “The Pickup” has been met with a barrage of criticism from both audiences and critics alike. Released on August 6, 2025, the Amazon MGM Studios production promised an intriguing heist storyline, a mix of seasoned comedic brilliance from Murphy and the millennial humor of Davidson. However, the film has largely failed to deliver, with a Rotten Tomatoes score of just 32% as of its premiere date. Directed by Tim Story, known for hits like “Barbershop” and “Think Like a Man,” the film has been described as formulaic, uninspired, and a wasted opportunity for its talented cast.

A Plot That Struggles to Take Off

“The Pickup” follows the story of Russell (Eddie Murphy), a no-nonsense armored truck driver nearing retirement, and his new, bumbling partner Travis (Pete Davidson). Their routine day takes an unexpected turn when a group of criminals, led by Zoe (Keke Palmer), ambushes their truck. What adds a twist to the chaos is that Travis had unknowingly shared information with Zoe during a brief romantic encounter. The heist, which involves a $60 million jackpot, sets off a chain of events filled with car chases, explosions, and attempts at humor. Despite the high stakes, critics argue that the narrative fails to captivate, falling into the trap of predictable action-comedy tropes.

According to Newsday, the screenplay by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows is “so full of clichés that its stars barely have room to breathe.” The review highlights how Murphy’s character is reduced to a straight-man role, a far cry from his iconic performances in “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Coming to America.” Davidson, on the other hand, relies heavily on his usual quirky, offbeat humor, which critics feel does little to elevate the film.

Harsh Reception from Critics

Critics have not held back in their assessments of “The Pickup.” Michael Ordoña of The Los Angeles Times criticized the film’s disregard for logic and physics, while Nick Schager of The Daily Beast noted that Murphy spends most of the movie looking “alternately bored and really bored.” Even the usually reliable charm of Keke Palmer was unable to salvage the film, with reviewers pointing out the lack of chemistry among the lead characters.

Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com summed it up succinctly: “It is as generic and forgettable as its title suggests.” The film’s action sequences, described by Decider as “moronically bog-standard car chases,” failed to provide the excitement or innovation expected from a modern heist movie. The same review noted that the film’s attempt at humor was often grating, with forced meta-references and unoriginal gags.

Missed Opportunities

One of the most glaring criticisms is the film’s inability to utilize its cast effectively. Eddie Murphy, a legendary comedian, is given little room to showcase his improvisational brilliance. Instead, his character is saddled with uninspired dialogue and a lack of development. Pete Davidson, while energetic, fails to bring depth to his character, relying on his typical “nebbish-on-hallucinogens” persona that does not resonate with all audiences. Even supporting actors like Eva Longoria and Andrew Dice Clay are underutilized, leaving viewers wondering what could have been with a stronger script and direction.

Tim Story, who has successfully helmed comedies in the past, seems to have struggled with balancing the film’s action and humor. Forbes noted that the film felt more like a streaming filler than a cinematic experience, with little to differentiate it from other forgettable action-comedies on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.

A Glimmer of Positivity

Despite the overwhelmingly negative reviews, a few critics did find redeeming qualities in “The Pickup.” Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter praised the natural chemistry between the leads, stating that their dynamic was “compelling enough to buy into their increasingly ridiculous situation.” However, even this praise was tempered by the acknowledgment that the film’s script and direction failed to capitalize on the cast’s potential.

Conclusion

“The Pickup” serves as a reminder that even the most talented actors and directors can fall victim to weak scripts and uninspired storytelling. While the film may find some fans among those looking for a light, mindless watch, it is unlikely to leave a lasting impression. For Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson, this project will likely be remembered as a missed opportunity rather than a career highlight.