Eddie Murphy’s new Prime Video comedy, featuring a collaboration with fellow Saturday Night Live alum Pete Davidson, has launched to a lukewarm critical reception. The film, titled The Pickup, debuted with a 36% score on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a less-than-stellar welcome from critics upon its release.
Known for iconic films like 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, and The Nutty Professor, Murphy has experienced a wide range of critical responses throughout his career. While some of his movies have garnered acclaim, others have faced harsh criticism and commercial failure.
The Pickup’s Story and Cast Draw Attention Despite Mixed Critical Reception
The Pickup stars Murphy alongside Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria. The plot centers around two armored truck drivers—Murphy’s character Russell and Davidson’s Travis—who become entangled with a cunning criminal mastermind and her accomplices. Despite the promising cast and edgy storyline, early reviews have not been overwhelmingly positive.
The 36% Rotten Tomatoes rating is based on just 14 critic reviews so far, suggesting that the movie’s score could still shift as more opinions come in. However, initial responses place the film well below many of Murphy’s celebrated works but above some of his most infamous misses.
How The Pickup Fits Into Eddie Murphy’s Career Trajectory
If the current Rotten Tomatoes rating holds, The Pickup will not stand among Murphy’s top-tier films, nor will it fall into the category of his most notable flops like Norbit, The Adventures of Pluto Nash, or Beverly Hills Cop III. Instead, it lands closer to the middle of his career’s critical range.
This middle ground places the movie alongside more forgettable efforts such as Imagine That, You People, and Dr. Dolittle 2. While it may not excite fans looking for the return of classics like Coming to America or Trading Places, the film importantly avoids descending into the level of Murphy’s most poorly received projects.
Though critical opinions are reserved, fans of Murphy’s edgier performances may find entertainment in the film. The presence of supporting actors Pete Davidson, Keke Palmer, and Eva Longoria adds some additional appeal for audiences seeking a contemporary comedy.
Audience Anticipation and Streaming Release Details
Prime Video subscribers will have the opportunity to judge The Pickup for themselves when it becomes available on the streaming platform on August 6, 2025. The audience response, including user ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, will be an important factor in determining the film’s longer-term reception and impact.
As the movie collects more viewer feedback, it will be telling to see whether fan enthusiasm can boost its reputation beyond the current critical lukewarmness. The film’s performance may also influence how Murphy’s future projects with major streaming services are received.
