Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson face harsh criticism in new heist film

In recent weeks, Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer collaborated on an action-comedy film titled 'The Pickup', which premiered on Prime Video. This film, set to entertain audiences with a comedic twist on a heist plot, depicts Murphy and Davidson as armored truck drivers who become entangled in a robbery led by the character Zoe, played by Keke Palmer. The movie had garnered notable attention during its production phase in Atlanta, where it faced challenges, including crew injuries resulting from a collision. These concerns were overshadowed by the release and subsequent reviews. Upon its release, 'The Pickup' has received a divided reception from critics, with many providing unfavorable reviews. The Rotten Tomatoes critics rated the film as 'rotten' with a score of 32%, based on 28 reviews. Critics were quick to express their disappointment, highlighting what they viewed as a lackluster execution and the film's failure to engage audiences. Reviews pointed out that despite a gifted cast, including Murphy, Davidson, and Palmer, the film fell short of expectations, resulting in many critics dubbing it one of the most forgettable entries of the year. Among the voices critiquing the film, Michael Ordoña and Nick Schager voiced their disillusionment, describing it as overly improbable and unfunny. They emphasized that even an esteemed actor such as Eddie Murphy could appear bored in this role. This perception resonated throughout multiple reviews, creating a consensus that the film did not utilize its talented cast effectively. Despite the harsh criticism, one reviewer commended the chemistry between the leading actors, suggesting that their dynamic could salvage portions of the film's narrative. The varied reception indicates that while some viewers may appreciate the comedic approach to the heist genre, an overwhelming majority found it lacking in substance. Moving forward, whether this film can find an audience willing to embrace its humor remains to be seen, and it exemplifies the risk of taking on projects that struggle to balance entertainment with coherence.