In the 1982 action comedy 48 Hours, a young Eddie Murphy portrayed a wisecracking criminal helping a veteran cop, Nick Nolte, solve a case. Fast forward forty-three years, and the roles are reversed in Murphy’s latest film, The Pickup.
The Pickup Review: A Mixed Bag of Action and Comedy
In the 1982 action comedy 48 Hours, a young Eddie Murphy portrayed a wisecracking criminal helping a veteran cop, Nick Nolte, solve a case. Fast forward forty-three years, and the roles are reversed in Murphy’s latest film, The Pickup.
Plot Overview
This film is packed with high-octane action but falls short on the comedic front, especially from Murphy, who now plays the straight man. He is Russell, a veteran armored truck driver about to retire, paired with bumbling wannabe cop Travis, played by Pete Davidson. Their routine cash pickup turns chaotic when they are hijacked.
Character Dynamics
Russell is gearing up for a special anniversary dinner with his wife, Natalie (Eva Longoria), but his plans are derailed by Travis, a complete nitwit. Their truck is hijacked by Zoe (Keke Palmer) and her accomplices, aiming for a $60 million casino heist. The plot thickens when Travis discovers Zoe is the same woman he had a one-night stand with.
Action vs. Comedy
While the action sequences are engaging, the expected humor from this pairing of SNL alumni is largely absent, leaving Davidson to carry the comedic weight. Despite his potential, the screenplay by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider fails to capitalize on the chemistry between Murphy and Davidson.
Direction and Performances
Director Tim Story seems more focused on the action than delivering a clever heist narrative. Comparatively, the animated film The Bad Guys 2 executes a similar plot with greater finesse. Although Murphy has starred in several successful films recently, The Pickup feels like a minor entry in his illustrious career.
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Supporting Cast
Palmer does her part effectively, and Longoria manages to retain her dignity despite a contrived role. Andrew Dice Clay adds some energy as the dispatcher, while cameos from NFL star Marshawn Lynch and WWE’s Roman Reigns provide brief moments of interest.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Pickup offers a blend of action and a few laughs but ultimately lacks the comedic brilliance one would expect from its star-studded cast.
