The Pickup

The Pickup, starring Eddie Murphy, is a 2025 action-comedy that follows the misadventures of Danny Foster (Murphy), a quick-witted cab driver in bustling New York City. When Danny unknowingly picks up a passenger carrying a mysterious package, he finds himself entangled in a high-stakes chase involving criminals, law enforcement, and unexpected allies. Blending sharp humor with adrenaline-fueled sequences, the film explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about. Eddie Murphy brings his signature charm and comedic timing to a role that balances laughter with heartfelt moments, making The Pickup both entertaining and engaging for a broad audience.

Critics offered mixed to positive reviews for The Pickup. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 72% approval rating, with many praising Eddie Murphy's charismatic performance. The site's consensus notes, "Murphy's comedic prowess shines, elevating a familiar action-comedy formula." IMDb audiences gave the film a solid 7.3/10, highlighting its energetic pacing and witty dialogue. However, some critiques pointed out that the storyline occasionally dips into predictability and cliché, with Metacritic assigning a score of 63 out of 100, reflecting generally favorable reviews but noting the film's reliance on genre tropes. The New York Times remarked, "While the plot treads familiar ground, Murphy's presence injects a refreshing vivacity that keeps viewers engaged." Conversely, Variety commented, "The Pickup entertains but struggles to break free from conventional beats, leaving some moments feeling recycled." Overall, The Pickup is appreciated for its humor and Murphy's performance, despite some narrative shortcomings.