Eddie Murphy’s latest film, “The Pickup,” has sparked a wave of disappointment among fans and critics alike, with many considering it one of his weakest outings in recent memory. Critics have drawn unfavorable comparisons to some of his previous underperforming films, like “A Thousand Words” and “Norbit,” yet there was a sense that those flicks still allowed Murphy to exhibit his talent. In “The Pickup,” however, he reportedly appears to struggle, seemingly trapped in a lackluster script.
Set as a heist comedy, the film features a supporting cast that includes Eva Longoria, Pete Davidson, and Keke Palmer. Despite their comedic backgrounds, the script crafted by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider, whose previous work involved a web series about anthropomorphic lobsters, seems to stifle their performances. The film is described as a tedious 90 minutes with a storyline that borrows heavily from films like “Lethal Weapon” and “Oceans 11,” but fails to bring any fresh energy to the genre.
Murphy plays Russell, an armored truck guard facing retirement, and Davidson portrays his clumsy partner, Travis. As their heist attempts spiral into chaos, the film attempts to introduce romantic comedy elements between Davidson’s character and Palmer’s Zoe without much success. Murphy’s eagerness to perform stunts appears to wane, which some fans might find disheartening given his legacy in the action-comedy genre.
Critics highlight the implausibility of the film’s action sequences and the squandering of comedic talent, especially with appearances from heavyweights like Marshawn Lynch and Andrew Dice Clay, who are not given the material to shine. The film attempts to deliver commentaries on themes of capitalism, but these moments often come off as forced.
While “The Pickup” may not tarnish Murphy’s long-standing career, especially with exciting projects like his role as Inspector Clouseau on the horizon, it showcases the challenges of adapting to a modern film landscape that may not cater well to legacy stars. Hope remains that future endeavors will bring back the captivating humor and heart that fans have come to love from Eddie Murphy.