Overview of ‘The Pickup’
Emergency situations are no place for someone like Travis (Pete Davidson), the bumbling armored truck guard in Prime Video’s heist comedy, ‘The Pickup.’ His tendency to panic under pressure is evident from the film’s opening, where he mistakenly brandishes a gun at a bank customer, who is simply trying to offer him her phone number.
The Characters and Premise
Veteran armored truck driver Russ (Eddie Murphy) quickly recognizes Travis’s shortcomings, and their pairing for a work shift is particularly inconvenient. It’s Russ’s anniversary, and he aims to finish his route in time for dinner with his wife (Eva Longoria). However, their cantankerous manager (Andrew Dice Clay) has assigned them an especially difficult route. Just as they think they’re in the clear, armed robbers confront them with a harrowing choice: surrender the valuables and survive or fight back and risk their lives.
Film Details
- Release Date: Wednesday, Aug. 6
- Director: Tim Story
- Writers: Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider
- Cast: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy
- Rating: R
- Runtime: 1 hour 34 minutes
Comedy and Chemistry
Directed by Tim Story, known for films like ‘The Blackening’ and ‘Barbershop,’ the story unfolds with a blend of comedic thrills, leading to a somewhat satisfying conclusion. The strong comic ensemble, particularly the chemistry between Murphy, Davidson, and Keke Palmer, enhances the film’s narrative, making their outrageous predicaments more believable.
Dynamic Performances
Davidson plays the naive rookie, while Murphy is the impatient pro, and their contrasts work well together. Palmer and Longoria also deliver noteworthy performances, with Longoria injecting vibrant energy into the latter half of the film. While all four actors bring enthusiasm to the table, the plot eventually struggles to maintain momentum.
Facing the Robbers
As Russ and Travis navigate the robbers’ demands, both characters confront their own fears and aspirations. Russ, nearing retirement, is eager to get home, while Travis is desperate to prove himself as a future police officer, following in the footsteps of his family. To the robbers’ surprise, the duo attempts to defend the truck, leading to some impressive driving and hidden fighting skills from Russ.
Plot Twists
The situation escalates when Zoe, the earlier bank customer, is revealed as one of the robbers. Her desire to obtain the loot compels her to take Russ and Travis hostage. Although Travis begs Zoe not to reveal their connection to Russ, her character adds complexity to the narrative, offering a mildly intriguing perspective that revolved around her motivations.
Mixed Reception
Despite its chaotic nature, the film captures attention with its explosive action scenes—including tire slashing and fireball explosions—accompanied by an intense score from Christopher Lennertz. Yet ‘The Pickup’ suffers from clumsy storytelling, reminiscent of Netflix’s ‘Lift,’ leaving some moments feeling aimless.
Adventures in Atlantic City
After Zoe coerces Travis and Russ into joining her plan to rob a casino in Atlantic City, the journey unfolds across New Jersey’s scenic highways. This segment occasionally resembles a buddy comedy, showcasing unexpected teamwork among the trio. However, the humor fluctuates in energy, and some jokes and character dynamics feel overly simplistic, undermining the film’s potential.
Conclusion
While ‘The Pickup’ has its share of laugh-out-loud moments and thrilling tension, the enactment of its plot often becomes predictable, leading to a dwindling impact. The film gains momentum in its final act, particularly with Longoria’s character, Natalie, who enters the fray and adds depth, allowing the narrative to wrap up on a satisfyingly low-key note.
