Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heist comedy with A-list cast; language, violence, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Pickup
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Travis (Pete Davidson) and Russ (Eddie Murphy) are armored truck drivers thrown together at the last minute for a day-long collections run in THE PICKUP. Russ is the veteran of the two, nearing early retirement to start a B&B with his loving wife, Natalie (Eva Longoria). In fact, it's their 25th wedding anniversary, so Russ has a reason to want the day to go smoothly and end early. But the seemingly inept Travis arrives late, bragging about a weekend affair with a woman, Zoe (Keke Palmer), he'd just met. As the two guards embark on their run, they are attacked on the road by a trio of ruthless criminals, led by Zoe. She tells them that if they don't help her with a heist, they—and Natalie—will die. But very little goes according to plan.
Is It Any Good?
With an A-list cast exhibiting great chemistry, plenty of action, and some expected silliness, this film should have no problem drawing an audience. That's not to say there isn't loads of gratuitous violence, swearing, and crude sexual references in The Pickup. The film's target audience will be expecting this. So, it's actually a testament to the writers and cast that the film rises above the obvious gags and action, offering slightly more complex characters and a few very funny moments and interactions playing off the main actors' strengths (and reputations).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether or not they sympathize with Zoe's motives in The Pickup. She suggests there are gray areas between making money legally and illegally. Do you agree with her?
Are Pete Davidson and Eddie Murphy's characters what you would expect from each of these comedians? Do they play against type in any way?
Are traditional gender role stereotypes broken or reinforced in this film, or maybe both? Explain, with examples.
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 6, 2025
- Cast : Eddie Murphy , Pete Davidson , Keke Palmer
- Director : Tim Story
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Prime Video
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout, some sexual references and violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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