THE PICKUP

The Pickup never for a second misses the mark with a hilarious leading cast of Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria, who prove to be a surefire comedic team, even if the more routine story prevents it from becoming a truly great summer comedy.

Going into the summer of 2025, no one would have guessed that MGM Studios and Amazon Prime Video were going to release some of the most entertaining streaming films of the summer featuring some of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars, but also bring back the mid budget studio film at the same time. After debuting Deep Cover and Heads of State already, both of which proved to be both crowd pleasing comedies and critically approved, they are closing out the summer with one more comedy that is hoping to have the same reception: The Pickup. Featuring a lead cast of Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria, it should come as no surprise that the film is never for a second short of laughter with such a strong comedic cast, but when paired with well executed action sequences, not even a generic story can prevent The Pickup from being yet another fun summer streaming flick.

Hostages, heists, and vehicle chases, that is what The Pickup has to offer in terms of storytelling. What unfolds over the ninety-four minute runtime are the plot beats you would expect from a heist thriller, never once subverting expectations as you can see the conclusion that this story is building towards, and there is nothing wrong with that. From an exciting chase sequence to cap off the film’s first act and kickstart the main plot, a fun (albeit short) heist sequence, and an action packed third act as all of the story elements come together, writers Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider know what this film needs to succeed. Never lingering too long on any one element, keeping the pacing quick and the excitement consistent, their writing gives the cast the comedic basis to make the most of their performances while moving the plot from point A to B. Sure, it does not reinvent the wheel when it comes to this type of film, but when your lead cast features such strong comedic talents as Murphy, Davidson and Palmer, it is the job of the writing team to lay the runway for the actors and then get out of their way and let them work their comedy magic.

Murphy and Davidson are best known for their comedic abilities, and Palmer has had great success in the comedy field with roles in One of Them Days and Scream Queens, so naturally they make for a killer leading trio for this film. Every second the three of them are on screen together, the laughter is flying as Davidson grapples with his character’s predicament of being attracted to Palmer’s Zoe despite being her hostage, while Murphy’s comedic wisdom ensures that the comedic moments work and you are instantly reminded why he is such a tour de force in this field and can sell a comedy on his name alone. Palmer is a scene stealer as Zoe and plays off Murphy and Davidson perfectly, making for a great femme fatale that is equally as funny as she is unpredictable and potentially dangerous. And when thrown into the mix, Longoria shines and only ups the absurdity and laughter as Murphy’s wife Natalie, generating some of the funniest moments alongside Palmer and Murphy.

While it is the cast who is the driving force behind the film, director Tim Story creates a production that supports their talents and further invests the audience in the stakes of the story. The centrepiece sequence of the film is the first act chase sequence as the robbers try to take control of Russell and Travis’s armoured vehicle, and the stunt team has outdone themselves with it. With precise stunt drivers, great practical explosions and a welcomed lack of CGI which adds stakes to the film, this sequence becomes a thrilling set piece that kicks the film into drive and it does not slow down until the credits begin rolling. This emphasis on practical filmmaking continues throughout to the film’s climax, and the editing supplements the action sequences, balancing the right amount of changing camera perspectives to capture all elements of each set piece while making sure it does not feel like these sequences are spliced together from multiple takes or too chaotic, which highlights the practical filmmaking and stunt work on display.

Promising lots of laughter and excitement, The Pickup continues Amazon MGM Studios successful attempt to bring back the mid budget studio thriller with their summer lineup of films debuting on Amazon Prime Video. Led by an all star of serious comedic threats, this heist action flick bursts into your living room with spectacle filled set pieces full of practical effects and stunt works, lots of laughter, and an entertaining story that makes the film’s short run time fly by. With the stellar comedic chemistry between Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria, The Pickup never for a second misses a beat and delivers laughter, entertainment and excitement in spades that makes for a fun movie night in.