I guess you’d classify this as a film-noir, but it’s reasonably light on the elements of that genre. It was pretty good. It was directed well, with plenty of nice shots and camera movements. The lead actor, Richard Widmark, was great and reminded me of his performance in Night and the City (1950). The plot was a bit silly and bare. The romantic sub-plot is especially ridiculous and not at all believable. Still, at only 80 minutes in length, it’s easily enjoyed.

Sam Fuller likes close-ups.

This is a stupid stupid movie.

Intriguing look at the politics of the day. The creme of "B" movies.

A very cool film about a bunch of lowlifes, made crazier by its rabid anti-Communism. It makes pickpocketing as exciting as sex, and give Thelma Ritter the most memorable and moving screen exit of her career.

Mostly great.

An entertaining, quick noir movie that boils a nice simmering tension. It really picks up once the violence starts and the final fight scene is the tits. Thelma Ritter is fantastic. I had to dock a couple of points for the unnecessary romantic subplot, but it's good stuff all the rest of the way.

A good crime movie. But it lacks something to be a great movie.

I wanted to love this film. I really did. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Fuller weaves a good yarn, and I was completely ensnared. The problem? Most of the action hinges on a ludicrous romantic subplot. If someone punched me out and dumped beer on my head, I wouldn't want to kiss them. I'd want to kill them. Phenomenal film ruined by this silliness.

737

717

Tougher and better than almost any contemporary crime movie. Jean Peters is terrific.

Not a brilliant story, but an excellent director's effort.

This quick noir is really light on its feet. The short running time and fast tempo makes sure that it hits all the right notes without ever overstaying its welcome. Within that 80 minutes it packs in so much good stuff, including a fantastic Thelma Ritter performance. Plus, it's just so fifties that it would be impossible for me to dislike it...seriously, fucking commies.

Hammy acting and terrible character development (Oh, I've just met you, and now I love you!!! Love you enough to take a bullet for you.....after one day) Sheesh

The hard-boiled dialogue, the grittiness, the beautiful cinematography, the memorable performances by Widmark, Ritter, Peters, Kiley... heck, everyone. There's a lot of wonderful moments and touches. Ritter's final scene is absolutely brilliant, one of the poignant and touching scenes I've ever seen in a noir. I also love the structure of the bookending the film with pickpockets... it takes one to spin everything into chaos and another to set everything right again. A true classic.

Over-looked in style, substance and class; Pickup is as much about reds as it is about red-herrings, and the only one who seems to get it is a jump, hop and a Skip away from the big time.

Very good - brief, well-shot, entertaining, great acting. Not sure it met my high expectations, but a fun time.

needs a rewatch

Another one of those films where I have no idea why it's so acclaimed.

Engaging and exciting from beginning to end with surprisingly wellrounded charactors for a B-movie noir. Better than a lot of the more prestigious movies in this genre.

Pickpockets vs. Commies. Really? REALLY?