Pete Davidson, Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer Join Forces for The Pickup

Eddie Murphy pretty immortalized and re-invigorated the buddy comedy genre with films like 48 Hours, Beverly Hills Cop and more. Now, he and SNL staple Pete Davidson have teamed up for a routine cash pickup taking a wild turn when their armored truck gets ambushed by ruthless criminals. As chaos unfolds, the unlikely duo comes to realization they must navigate high-risk danger while clashing personalities and experiencing one very bad day getting worse by the second.

For the most part the film delivers what it promises laughs, chaos and an endurable good time along the way. Unlike most heist, buddy films where the protagonist is male and white, Keke Palmer (Zoe) shakes it all loose as a daughter desiring nothing more than to avenge her father’s death with one last job. Palmer holds her own against these comedy heavyweights which speaks volumes the breadth and depth of her talent.

Murphy (Russell) comes off more like the straight man for an out of control Davidson (Travis) reminding me a bit of the onscreen chemistry that worked for Martin Lawrence and Will Smith in the Bad Boys franchise.  Of course, there are cute little moments like during the heist  road trip, Travis plays “Neutron Dance” by The Pointer Sisters prominently used in the Beverly Hills Cop   soundtrack and 2024 sequel, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Frankly, I was a bit taken aback that Eva Longoria’s character felt a little stereotypical as the fiery. fiercely overprotective Latina better half to Russell.  Her character was the only  one who fel a little underdeveloped plot wise.

On a fun note and in a fun promotional nod for the release, audiences were invited on a wild goose  throughout Los Angeles.  If one were to spot the armored truck featured in the film, one could walk home with some real cash.

Overall, pacing for The Pickup is a bit labored in a few spots, but for the most part, audiences will get their giggle on and have a good time doing it.