Eddie Murphy’s name on a marquee still commands attention from audiences worldwide. His distinctive comedic style—simultaneously sharp-edged and familiar—continues to resonate with viewers across generations. When Murphy’s 2025 film “The Pick Up” was announced, industry watchers took immediate notice, though the project’s ultimate success would depend on numerous factors beyond star power alone.
Murphy Back At Home
Eddie Murphy’s extensive film career is well recorded, showcasing his versatility over the years. Returning to acting at any stage of his career is like slipping into a familiar, cozy pair of slippers; it’s an integral part of who he is. It’s been about a year since Murphy last appeared in a production, with the 2024 Netflix release “Axel F” marking his return as the iconic character Axel Foley in a Beverly Hills Cop sequel. This comes after two releases the previous year, “You People” and “Candy Cane Lane,” which presented a lighter, less edgy but still humorous side of Murphy.
“The Pickup”
“The Pickup” promised to showcase Murphy in his element—recalling the wisecracking, quick-thinking cop that made him a household name in the 1980s. This time, Murphy trades his police badge for an armored truck driver’s uniform, paired with comedian Pete Davidson as his unlikely partner. According to the film’s promotional materials, their chemistry would be put to the ultimate test when
“A routine cash pickup becomes a fight for survival after an ambush by criminals whose plans extend far beyond mere robbery.”
Contrasting Comedic Energies Shine
The casting deserves particular praise, especially the inspired pairing of Murphy and Davidson. On screen, their contrasting comedic energies—Murphy’s practiced precision against Davidson’s chaotic vulnerability—create moments of genuine chemistry that elevate otherwise standard scenes. Keke Palmer, cast as the film’s antagonist, brings nuance to what could have been a one-dimensional role, though her performance occasionally falters when required to display the character’s more ruthless tendencies. Her natural warmth shines through convincingly, but her attempts at menace lack the necessary edge to make her truly threatening.
Unfortunately, the film’s first half squanders its runtime on extended comedy bits and sporadic action sequences that do little to advance the narrative. While these scenes successfully establish the central partnership and hint at Palmer’s character’s motivations, they ultimately feel like a prolonged setup for a payoff that arrives too late.
“The Pick Up”: Fun and a Little Flawed
The storyline strained credibility, compelling viewers to navigate through complex layers to understand Zoe’s (Palmer’s) true motivations and the forces propelling her actions. When examining the core of her objectives, the film lacked the necessary intensity to convincingly validate the high stakes, leading to a somewhat underwhelming experience. This shortcoming was less about the script itself and more about the depth Palmer could inject into her dialogue to secure audience investment. Nevertheless, the film wasn’t entirely devoid of strengths. It delivered an enjoyable narrative, punctuated by strong comedic moments and a gratifying conclusion, allowing Murphy to present his unique style to his dedicated audience. These aspects collectively contributed to the film’s overall success.
“The Pickup,” Meets Modest Expectations
“The Pick Up” offers precisely what it promises: a serviceable comedy vehicle for Murphy’s talents without breaking new ground. While it won’t likely enter the pantheon of the actor’s most memorable work, it delivers enough genuine laughs and competent action sequences to justify its runtime. In today’s content-saturated landscape, sometimes meeting modest expectations is achievement enough. Viewers interested in experiencing Murphy and Davidson’s chemistry can stream “The Pickup.”
Uncut Diamonds 