Shadows on the Wall | The Pickup

The Pickup

dir Tim Story
scr Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider
prd Charisse Hewitt-Webster, Tim Story, Eddie Murphy, John Davis, John Fox
with Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Cordova, Jack Kesy, Andrew Dice Clay, Marshawn Lynch, Joe "Roman Reigns" Anoa'i, Jef Holbrook, Lara Grive, Nelson Bonilla
release US/UK 8.Aug.25
25/US MGM 1h34

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Fast-paced banter between Eddie Murphy and Pete Davidson is pretty much the entire point of this dopey action comedy. Director Tim Story keeps the pace brisk as every character bristles with oversized attitude. Of course this quickly gets rather exhausting, largely because the script only indulges in the most formulaic character details. That said, the dialog is snappy and some undemanding, entertaining twists make it just about watchable.

After an awkward but cute meeting, chucklehead New Jersey armoured truck guard Travis (Davidson) can't believe he's dating the gorgeous Zoe (Palmer). While veteran guard Russell (Murphy) is annoyed that he has to get through a shift with Travis before he can celebrate 25 years with his wife Natalie (Longoria). This is going to require a lot of patience. What they don't know is that Zoe is planning a high-speed heist working with two goons (Cordova and Kesy). Rather than give up, Russell and Travis take them on. But Zoe doesn't give up easily.

Lots of nutty car stunts ensue, well-staged driving mayhem that is energetic and explosive, but not particularly innovative. When Zoe catches up with them about a half-hour into the movie, she proposes a collaboration on another big robbery, which leaves her henchmen to become the baddies. Further wrinkles complicate things along the way, creating a snaky plot that's fun to follow even though there's never any doubt about where it's headed. And an epilog ties everything up with the expected happy bow.

Murphy and Davidson commit to their characters and keep them grounded even as everything around them becomes absurdly heightened. Russell's barbed retorts are smart and focussed. By contrast, Travis is an over-confident idiot who is honoured to be teamed up with a legend like Russell. Naturally, they'll find a way to work together. Palmer's Zoe is also supremely sure that she can control every loose end. And Longoria's plucky Natalie gets in on the action too. Each of these people have a standard back-story that drives them forward.

As mindless entertainment, the movie will perhaps do the trick. But it's frustrating that the script uses so many off-the-shelf story elements that most of the confrontations feel oddly underpowered, especially as they remove all potential sharp edges. This also eliminates any surprises, as everything happens just on schedule. But as comfort cinema, this might hit the spot as it ticks off every single action, comedy and romcom beat.

themes, language, violence 6.Aug.25

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