Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson’s heist comedy is implausible, predictable and good company

by

In days gone by, cinemas were a vibrant tapestry of varied visual stories – some grand, some modest, some intelligent, others playful. Today, with the movie industry shrinking around blockbusters, those smaller productions, the less mainstream ones and the comedic ones have vacated the silver screen for television, finding a welcoming home in its streaming abundance. The contemporary theatrical landscape can’t accommodate too many Adam Sandler-esque films, but Netflix is more than content to broadcast as many as he wishes to create.

In many cases, these specific aspects might get overlooked due to their tendency to slip through the gaps, much like a case in a disagreement over responsibility between law enforcement agencies, especially when they already have heavy workloads and this particular one may not seem significant enough for attention. However, sometimes there’s something intriguing that catches the eye, such as the ensemble cast of Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer in “The Pickup,” a heist comedy making its debut on Wednesday on Prime Video. Although it appears to be implausible, overly complex, and predictable, this doesn’t make it unique among caper films. In essence, it is television, but it could also be considered a movie – or perhaps it’s a movie, yet still has elements of television? In any case, I took a peek.

Murphy and Davidson, two young talents who gained fame as early cast members of “Saturday Night Live,” join the show at 19 and 20 respectively, portray the characters of Russell and Travis. These two are security personnel for an armored car company, collecting cash from various locations in northern New Jersey and depositing it at the bank. Russell is well-respected in the office, despite the occasional jibes from his superior (Andrew Dice Clay, essentially playing himself). Travis, a good-hearted but somewhat bumbling character, hails from a family of police officers but struggles to secure a spot on the force. However, he excels at math, which proves useful when mathematical tasks arise.

Review

‘Bupkis’ is not nothing. Pete Davidson stars in this deft comedy series based on his life

In the fresh series on Peacock, Pete Davidson portrays a character based on himself, focusing on his personal connection with his grandfather, played by Joe Pesci.

The movie is set on the day of Russell’s 25th wedding anniversary; despite a quarter-century together, his wife Natalie (Longoria) doesn’t appear weary of him, although she does seem somewhat tired of his job. There are discussions about opening a cozy bed and breakfast, not one that deals with air. Eager to wrap up work for their celebratory dinner, Russell is paired with Travis, the new employee who finds Russell almost divine, yet talks incessantly.

Previously, Travis thought Zoe was attempting to rob a bank and drew his gun on her. However, she had given him a note with her phone number instead, which he didn’t bother to read. Essentially, it seemed like she had a warning sign written on her forehead, but Travis, being too smitten by her attention, failed to notice. Yet, you won’t be deceived, and it will come as no surprise when Zoe arrives with a pair of henchmen – Jack Kesy’s character, Banner, being the only genuine antagonist in the movie – to seize control of the armored car on an isolated road.

As a devoted fan, I’m stepping forward to discuss a fascinating dynamic between two iconic figures in the world of entertainment – Eddie Murphy, who recently graced our screens with the “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” sequel on Netflix, and Pete Davidson, often referred to as his contemporary counterpart. In this unique duo, Davidson serves as the Jerry Lewis to Murphy’s Dean Martin, subtly embodying characters that range from the brilliant to the downright foolish.

In their more profound exchanges (when they do occur), there’s a clear focus on transformation – a testament to their ability to evolve and adapt in an ever-changing industry.

Review

‘King of the Hill’ and ‘Gumball’ are back, and I tell you what, it’s about time

Two much-loved animated shows, “King of the Hill” created by Mike Judge in a Texas setting, and “Gumball” from the mind of Ben Bocquelet, known for its quirky world, are making a comeback on Hulu after a significant break.

Russell: “I’m not retiring, I‘m moving on to a new career.”

Travis: “You’re pivoting. This late? … Your generation can’t pivot.”

The Pickup” – A Heist Film with a Twist

Written by Matt Mider and Kevin Burrows, directed by Tim Story (known for “Barbershop” and “Ride Along”), this film harks back to the style of heist movies from the 20th century. With its countdown clocks, wipes, and stylized titles, it’s a throwback that modern heist films might not be allowed to emulate. Despite some questionable logic, the story manages to create genuine tension leading up to its predictably happy ending.

The film is filled with thrilling car chases, action sequences, and gunfights, which take center stage over character development, beyond the typical enemies-turned-friends narrative. However, the cast delivers their performances with a sense of respect for the material, even though they seem as relaxed as a lazy house cat awakening from a nap. They’re seasoned professionals who manage to make the film’s absurd moments and plot holes appear inconsequential. While you might notice these inconsistencies, they may not detract significantly from your enjoyment of the movie.

Read More

2025-08-06 13:33