Keke Palmer Serves Looks in ‘The Pickup’ – Too Bad About Everything Else
Darlings, let’s discuss fashion’s most devastating truth: even the most exquisite pieces can’t rescue a collection that’s fundamentally misunderstood. Tim Story’s “The Pickup” arrives like a poorly conceived capsule wardrobe – individual elements that should work beautifully together, yet somehow create absolute sartorial chaos.
For those keeping tabs on Hollywood’s it-list, the cast reads like a dream collaboration. Pete Davidson, our beloved Saturday Night Live alumnus with that effortlessly disheveled aesthetic that somehow always works, brings his signature millennial melancholy to the screen. Meanwhile, Keke Palmer – a true style chameleon who can pivot from enigmatic sophisticate to bold trendsetter without missing a beat – commands attention in every frame. And then there’s Eddie Murphy, the undisputed icon whose very presence should elevate any production to legendary status.
Yet here’s where this fashion metaphor becomes painfully apt: “The Pickup” commits the cardinal sin of prioritizing flash over substance, action over the comedy gold that should be its crown jewel. It’s like designing a haute couture gown and then covering it with sequins from a craft store – the foundation is there, but the execution completely misses the mark.
The plot follows Murphy’s Russell, an armored truck veteran who embodies that classic working-man elegance – think James Dean meets your favorite security guard. He’s paired with Davidson’s Travis, an eager newcomer whose barely-there competence reads like wearing designer sneakers with a tuxedo: technically functional, but aesthetically questionable. Their eight-hour journey feels reminiscent of those iconic buddy comedies we adore, channeling everything from “48 Hrs.” to Story’s own “Ride Along.”
But here’s where the styling goes catastrophically wrong: the script by Kevin Burrows and Matt Mider gives Davidson absolutely nothing to work with beyond juvenile humor that feels as outdated as last decade’s low-rise jeans. When your material is this thin, even the most talented performer can only do so much – it’s like asking Gigi Hadid to make fast fashion look couture.
The film’s professional polish can’t disguise its fundamental aesthetic confusion. Story, the visionary behind “Barbershop” and the original “Ride Along,” delivers technically competent filmmaking that feels emotionally distant – like viewing a stunning outfit through a shop window rather than experiencing its actual texture and craftsmanship.
Where “The Pickup” truly finds its voice is through Palmer’s Zoe, who emerges as the collection’s standout piece. Her heist mastermind radiates the kind of confidence that transforms a simple black dress into a statement look. Palmer’s anti-establishment motivations give the film its only authentic edge – she’s the underground designer in a world of mainstream retailers, manipulating the bumbling security duo with the finesse of someone who truly understands power dynamics.
The mystery of her romantic entanglement with Davidson’s character initially puzzles, but the revelation that it’s all strategic makes perfect sense. It’s classic fashion psychology – sometimes the most unlikely pairings create the most memorable moments, though the emotional authenticity of their connection remains beautifully ambiguous.
What makes this particularly heartbreaking is glimpsing Palmer’s natural comedic brilliance despite having virtually no material to showcase it. She’s like a master tailor working with budget fabric – the skill shines through regardless of limitations. Similarly, Eva Longoria’s brief appearances radiate such effortless sophistication that you immediately want more. Her character’s B&B aspirations feel deliciously subversive – imagine Anna Wintour announcing she wants to run a small-town café.
The real tragedy is watching Murphy, whose comedic genius once set industry standards, reduced to playing straight man. It’s like casting Tom Ford to design basics – technically proficient, but such an underutilization of extraordinary talent. His presence constantly reminds us of what’s missing, like seeing a couture label on a ready-to-wear piece.
Ultimately, “The Pickup” serves as a masterclass in how star power alone cannot overcome fundamental creative missteps. It’s a cautionary tale about mistaking individual brilliance for collective magic – even the most stunning pieces need proper curation to create something truly special.
