Watch 52 Pick-Up

Roy Scheider leads the 1986 crime thriller, 52 Pick-Up. Based on the novel of the same name by Elmore Leonard, the movie tells the story of Harry Mitchell, a successful businessman who quickly becomes entangled in a high-stakes game of blackmail and murder. Scheider's Harry Mitchell is a charming and affluent man who seems to have it all: a successful business, a beautiful wife, Barbara (played by Ann-Margret), and a comfortable lifestyle. However, his world crumbles when he is confronted with a videotape that shows him in a compromising position with a young woman named Cini (played by Vanity).

Cini has been working with a group of sleazy criminals, led by the dangerous and manipulative Alan Raimy (played by John Glover), who are seeking to extort money from Harry in exchange for keeping the videotape a secret. Harry initially resists the blackmail attempt, but when Raimy threatens to release the video to his wife and the press, the businessman must take action.

The movie follows Harry's attempts to outsmart the blackmailers and turn the tables on Raimy and his team. Along the way, Harry enlists the help of a private investigator, but the situation quickly escalates into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse.

As the story unfolds, 52 Pick-Up ramps up the tension, and the viewer is drawn into a world of criminality and revenge. Scheider's portrayal of Harry is spot-on, capturing his desperation and determination to protect his reputation and his family. He is ably supported by a strong cast, with Ann-Margret and Vanity both delivering convincing performances in their respective roles.

The film benefits from a solid script, co-written by Leonard himself, which keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. The plot twists are cleverly crafted, and the pacing is tight, ensuring that there is never a dull moment.

Director John Frankenheimer masterfully creates a dark and gritty atmosphere that perfectly suits the movie's themes. The use of night scenes, dimly lit interiors, and shadowy figures adds to the sense of danger and uncertainty that permeates the story.

The movie also benefits from a strong soundtrack, featuring a mix of jazz and rock music that perfectly captures the mood of the era. The title music by Gary Chang is particularly memorable, adding a sense of urgency to the proceedings.

Overall, 52 Pick-Up is an engrossing crime thriller that delivers on all fronts. With a solid script, strong performances, and expert direction, it is a movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

52 Pick-Up is a 1986 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 55.