Eddie Murphy Delivers Old-School Charm in Netflix’s The Pickup

Genre: Action-Comedy
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director: Tim Story
Writer: Kevin Burrows, Matt Mider
Key Cast: Eddie Murphy, Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, Eva Longoria, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Andrew Dice Clay
Studio: Netflix / Davis Entertainment

Score: 7.8 / 10

Netflix’s The Pickup proves that Eddie Murphy hasn’t lost his knack for blending razor-sharp wit with effortless charisma. Directed by Tim Story (Ride Along, Think Like a Man), this action-comedy channels the kind of high-energy, caper-style entertainment that made Murphy a household name in the ‘80s and ‘90s — but with a modern streaming twist.

The story follows a seasoned con artist (Murphy) and his misfit crew as they stumble into a dangerous situation involving a wealthy socialite, a high-stakes heist, and a hilariously unpredictable chain of events. Pete Davidson plays a hapless rookie whose timing is as disastrous as it is comedic, while Keke Palmer steals every scene she’s in with her fierce confidence and quick one-liners. Eva Longoria brings sophisticated firepower to the ensemble, and Ismael Cruz Córdova adds a dash of unpredictable menace as the main antagonist.

Vintage Murphy — a mix of sly, street-smart humor and magnetic presence. He elevates even the simplest line with a perfectly timed pause or knowing grin. Murphy and Davidson’s odd-couple dynamic works surprisingly well, and Palmer’s energy injects the film with spark. Pacing is brisk, balancing comedic beats with slick, choreographed action. Fans of Beverly Hills Cop and 48 Hrs. will appreciate the throwback buddy-heist tone

The film shines when Murphy is allowed to improvise — his banter with Davidson feels authentic, and you can see the younger cast feeding off his rhythm. There’s also a breezy escapist quality; The Pickup doesn’t pretend to be more than a fun ride, and that self-awareness works in its favor. The plot leans on familiar heist tropes, and while the action is slick, some set pieces feel predictable. A couple of subplots could have been trimmed to keep the focus on Murphy and the core heist.

The Pickup isn’t reinventing the genre, but it doesn’t have to. This is about Eddie Murphy doing what Eddie Murphy does best — making us laugh, making us root for him, and making the ride worth it. Netflix subscribers looking for a fast, funny, and star-powered escape will find this an easy watch.