The Pickup 2025

The Pickup (2025): A Heist Comedy That's Equal Parts Action and Awkward Charm

Overview & Creative Team

The Pickup is a 2025 American action-comedy film directed by Tim Story and penned by writers Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows. Produced by a powerhouse team—including John Davis, John Fox, Eddie Murphy, and Story himself—this project brings together Amazon MGM Studios, Davis Entertainment, Eddie Murphy Productions, and The Story Company. Prime Video served as the film's exclusive distributor, with the movie debuting digitally on August 6, 2025.

Plot Synopsis

The film follows Russell Pierce (Eddie Murphy), a seasoned armored-truck driver nearing retirement, and Travis Stolly (Pete Davidson), his eager but clueless rookie partner. What should have been a routine cash pickup spirals when they’re ambushed by criminals—led by the enigmatic Zoe (Keke Palmer). Travis recognizes Zoe as a one-night fling from the previous evening—she manipulated him into revealing route details.

Once captured, Zoe reveals that she isn’t after the money but needs an armored truck for a much bigger plan: intercepting a $60 million casino transfer. The plot thickens when Zoe’s associates—Banner and Miguel—who were thought to be dead, re-emerge and chase them, leading to betrayal, chaos, and a reluctant bond forming between the mismatched trio.

Cast & Cameos

• Eddie Murphy as grizzled veteran Russell Pierce

• Pete Davidson as rookie driver Travis Stolly

• Keke Palmer as mastermind Zoe

• Eva Longoria as Russell's wife, Natalie Pierce

• Andrew Dice Clay as their irritable boss, Clark

• Marshawn Lynch in a memorable turn as Chop Shop, the shady mechanic

• Additional appearances include Ismael Cruz Córdova (Miguel), Jack Kesy (Banner), and a cameo by WWE superstar Roman Reigns.

Behind the Scenes & Production

The project was green-lit by Amazon MGM Studios in March 2023, with Murphy attached from the start, according to. In late 2023 and early 2024, key cast members, including Keke Palmer, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay, and others, joined in rapid succession.

Filming began in Atlanta in April 2024—but not without incident: during an action sequence, an armored truck collided with a car, causing both to roll over and injuring several crew members.

Reception: Mixed Reviews for a Mixed Match

Critical Reception:

• Rotten Tomatoes shows a Tomatometer score of just 26% from critics, with a somewhat better 38% “Popcornmeter” from audience ratings.

• Christy Lemire of RogerEbert.com gave the film 1 out of 4 stars, calling it “as generic and forgettable as its title suggests,” lamenting the lack of chemistry and poor script.

• Lovia Gyarkye of The Hollywood Reporter offered a more tempered take, praising the cast’s chemistry as “naturally compelling,” even if the film’s conclusion felt “mildly satisfying.” 

Other Reviews:

• Cinemablend dubbed it a “major disappointment,” criticizing its weak scripting and direction while acknowledging Keke Palmer's standout performance.

• Filmmaker Tim Story, in an exclusive interview, described Murphy and Davidson as a “perfect recipe” for action-comedy, pointing to their dynamic interplay as a major selling point.

Fan Voices:
On Reddit, one user wrote:

“It’s neither clever, nor hilarious, nor thrilling—but it’s fine... just competent enough to deliver a mildly entertaining ride.” 
Another noted the action sequences stood out more than the humor:
“Chases, shootouts, hostages... blending comedy with action... though it’s the action that surprisingly comes out ahead.” 

What Shines (and What Doesn’t)

1. Strong Cast Chemistry

   • Tim Story, Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer reportedly leaned into improvisation, infusing scenes with energy and spontaneity.

   • Palmer, especially, has been praised for her performance and comfort working alongside Davidson and Murphy.

2. Action Sequences

   • The heist and chase scenes—including clever use of dye packs and practical stunts—are frequently cited as the film’s strongest points.

3. Script & Plot Issues

   • Critics commonly mention thin writing, illogical turns, and an over-reliance on genre tropes that fail to elevate the narrative.

4. Underused Supporting Talent

   • While Palmer earns praise, other players like Longoria and Dice Clay are seen as underwritten or underwhelming.

Conclusion: A Watchable but Forgettable Heist Comedy

The Pickup doesn’t aim to reinvent the action-comedy—its ambition lies in delivering a breezy, 94-minute (1h 34m) ride filled with banter, chase scenes, and a witty if implausible caper.

Fans of the genre or the performers may find enough moments of charm—especially in Palmer's performance and the stunt work—to enjoy it. But for others expecting a tight, clever screenplay or chemistry-driven comedy, the film may fall short.

Suggested Structure for a Full-Length Article (~2000 Words)

To expand this into a longer-form article, here’s a potential breakdown:

1. Introduction (150–200 words)

   • Set the tone: highlight Eddie Murphy’s return and the pairing with Pete Davidson, plus the film’s release on Prime.

2. Creative Origins (200–300 words)

   • Genesis of the project, script development, casting journey, Tim Story’s directorial vision, and the production mishap.

3. Character Profiles & Cast Dynamics (300–400 words)

   • Dive into character arcs, casting choices, and behind-the-camera chemistry, including improvisation stories and Palmer’s experience.

4. Plot Analysis & Themes (300–400 words)

   • Walk through the narrative, and interpret the film’s messaging (aging hero vs. rookie, betrayal, reluctant teamwork).

5. Action & Comedy Mechanics (300–400 words)

   • Breakdown of standout scenes: armored truck chase, dye pack innovation, stunts. Contrast comedic rhythm vs. action pacing.

6. Critical & Audience Reception (300–400 words)

   • Mix of reviews: Lemire’s harsh critique, Gyarkye’s tempered praise, Reddit verdicts, Cinemablend, and Rotten Tomatoes stats.

7. What Worked vs. What Didn't (300–400 words)

   • Balanced analysis of strengths (cast energy, action, brevity) and weaknesses (writing, logic, underused roles).

8. Conclusion & Final Thoughts (150–200 words)

   • Overall verdict: entertaining escapism for some, missed opportunity for others. Potential legacy in Murphy’s later output.