A brand new Eddie Murphy film was an EVENT within the ’80s.
The “Saturday Night time Dwell” alum gave Hollywood an electrical star who might mine laughter from any state of affairs – even “The Golden Youngster.”
Murphy later flexed his dramatic chops, incomes an Oscar nomination for his flip in 2006’a “Dreamgirls.” And, alongside the way in which, he starred in some of the embarrassing flops in trendy movie historical past.
“The Adventures of Pluto Nash,” anybody?
But director Craig Brewer revived Murphy’s profession with “Dolemite Is My Title,” a 2019 Netflix comedy that reminded us simply how good the famous person will be on display screen.
Eddie’s again … however for the way lengthy?
He adopted that skilled shakeup with a trio of doubtful selections – the woke and wobbly “Coming 2 America,” “You Individuals” and “Sweet Cane Lane.” All three debuted on streaming platforms. Every made poor use of his singular presents.
The one gem within the bunch? Final yr’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” a surprisingly sturdy sequel to his best-known franchise. Even that went straight to streaming – Netflix.
Nonetheless, watching Prime Video’s “The Pickup” felt dispiriting, even unhappy.
The motion comedy pairs Murphy with fellow “SNL” alum Pete Davidson, who inexplicably retains getting work regardless of being one of many weaker present alums. They play armored truck drivers who get caught up in a scheme to steal thousands and thousands by a classy criminal (Keke Palmer).
The critiques, up to now, have been depressing. The movie sits at a unhappy 29 % “rotten” ranking at Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s as generic and forgettable as its title suggests: a bland action-comedy that can absolutely find yourself being one of many yr’s worst films, if just for the egregious method it squanders its gifted forged. – RogerEbert.com
The viewers rating isn’t significantly better – 39 % “rotten.”
Maybe essentially the most alarming a part of the movie’s rollout was the dearth of pleasure. Amazon launched the movie’s first trailer only a few quick weeks in the past, and the movie hardly generated buzz then … or now.
“The Pickup” is the top-rated film in the intervening time on Prime Video, however as an authentic movie with recognizable stars (together with Eva Longoria) that isn’t as spectacular because it sounds.
Eddie Murphy is aware of he helped open doorways in Hollywood — however he’s not one to brag. Now starring in “The Pickup” with Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, he says actual mentorship is all about motion, not recommendation. pic.twitter.com/dqIzeXxxDN
— AP Leisure (@APEntertainment) August 6, 2025
A part of that is Murphy’s fault, after all. He may very well be extra selective along with his movie tasks. Or, he may workforce with unsung skills to make sure his tasks are worthy of his ability set.
Few stars shine as brightly as Murphy when given the proper materials. And, no, that isn’t “Norbit.”
He co-produced “The Pickup,” which means he did greater than lend his presence to the motion comedy. He helped convey it to life, as doubtful as that sounds given the completed product.
Murphy just lately confirmed he’ll be starring in a “Pink Panther” reboot, hardly a undertaking that smacks of something however IP desperation. He’s on extra stable floor with the fifth “Shrek” installment, principally as a result of his voice work within the franchise stays stellar and he gained’t be held accountable if the movie fails to ignite.
At 64, Murphy has loads of time to remind us he’s considered one of our greatest entertainers. Movies like “The Pickup” can’t assist however argue in any other case.