Eddie Murphy has secured another number one film on streaming platforms with the release of The Pickup, which debuted on August 6 via Amazon Prime Video. Despite receiving a low Rotten Tomatoes score, this latest action comedy demonstrates Murphy’s continuing ability to dominate in the streaming space. The 64-year-old actor, who is known for iconic box office hits like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America, has shifted his focus predominantly to digital releases after his last wide theatrical release, A Thousand Words, underperformed in 2012.
Plot and Cast of The Pickup Highlight New Dynamic
The Pickup pairs Eddie Murphy with Keke Palmer and Pete Davidson, telling the story of a routine cash collection that rapidly spins out of control. Murphy stars as Russell, a veteran armored truck driver who respects order and dreams of a peaceful retirement running a bed and breakfast with his wife Natalie, played by Eva Longoria. His plans are disrupted when he is forced to partner with Travis, portrayed by Pete Davidson, an energetic but inexperienced former police cadet. The duo faces off against a group of violent hijackers led by Zoe, played by Palmer, as they navigate a chaotic and dangerous day.
The film is directed by Tim Story, known for works such as Barbershop and Ride Along, with the screenplay written by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider. The narrative focuses on the clash between Russell’s seasoned approach and Travis’s spirited enthusiasm, highlighting unexpected teamwork amid rising threats.
Streaming Chart Performance and Audience Reception
Upon release, The Pickup quickly took the top spot on Prime Video’s chart, displacing Ice Cube’s sci-fi film War of the Worlds, which had earned a rare 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and was widely panned. It also outperformed other recent action comedies like Heads of State featuring John Cena and Idris Elba, pushing that film down to third place.
The Prime Video Top 10 also included exclusives such as Housefull 5 and The Accountant 2, alongside PVOD titles like Flight Risk and Terrifier 3. Despite topping the charts, The Pickup received a 33% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, trailing behind Murphy’s prior streaming titles like Candy Cane Lane (46%) and far below his best-reviewed film, Dolemite Is My Name at 97%. It surpassed some earlier failures such as A Thousand Words (0%) and The Adventures of Pluto Nash (6%).
Audience response has been mixed, with The Pickup scoring 47% on Popcornmeter and an average star rating of 3.1 out of 5. Some viewers expressed disappointment while others found entertaining qualities in the film.
Fan Reactions Highlight Divided Opinions
Feedback from viewers reflects differing opinions about the film’s quality. Michael G gave the movie a harsh critique, questioning Murphy’s choice of projects:
“I like Eddie Murphy, but why does he always choose the worst movies to star in?”
—Michael G, user
Similarly, Will G stated,
“I’m an Eddie Murphy fan, but he’s wasted in this.”
—Will G, user
Conversely, some offered positive comments. Katie S described the film as a perfect summer comedy, while Lindsey P regarded it as
the best Eddie [Murphy] movie I have seen in ages.
—Lindsey P, user
The Role of Streaming in Eddie Murphy’s Career Revival
Since 2019, Eddie Murphy’s films have found a receptive audience on streaming services, even as critical reception fluctuates. His last five movies have topped charts on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, including titles such as Dolemite Is My Name, You People, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Coming 2 America, and Candy Cane Lane. This pattern highlights a shift in Murphy’s career strategy focusing on streaming releases rather than traditional theatrical runs.
His most acclaimed streaming film, Dolemite Is My Name, earned critical praise and stands as a benchmark of success, while some sequels and new efforts have garnered more polarized reviews. Despite varying ratings, Murphy remains a prominent figure in digital entertainment.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Future Projects
The Pickup continuing to reach number one on Prime Video charts underscores the significance of streaming platforms in reaching wide audiences, even when critical reviews are lukewarm. For Eddie Murphy, this success may encourage more projects tailored for streaming media, allowing him to maintain visibility and connect with both loyal fans and new viewers.
This trend also reflects wider industry changes where major stars pivot toward digital releases that can generate significant viewership without relying solely on box office performance. Murphy’s collaborations with directors like Tim Story and writers such as Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider are likely to expand within this evolving market.
The Pickup is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
