These days, Pete Davidson is smiling. He was even questioned by Eddie Murphy about his smile in their new comedy The Pickup. In ancient Greece, the happy-sad, comedy/tragedy mask served as an early theater symbol. As Davidson’s career progresses, he’s decided to diversify his repertoire, wearing a grimaced look in another film The Home.
When Davidson began on Saturday Night Live, he was an unknown kid who made cool music videos. Audiences watched him grow up. The actor and comedian proved he’s good at playing nice guy roles. Meanwhile under a microscope, media outlets keep tabs on his off-screen personal life; he’s recently seen photographed with girlfriend Elsie Hewitt. The man’s an entertainment enigma.
It’s hard to ignore the “skull and crossbones” curse when it comes to ex-S.N.L. alumni pursuing television and movie careers. Impatient TikTok audience mindsets are eager to shout “Next!” always craving the next new heartthrob. Metaphorically speaking, Pete Davidson acts as a gateway drug for his rabid fans. Devoted moviegoers need a fix. Just picturing Mr. Pete on the red-carpet receiving movie star treatment is a rush. Supporters are ecstatic. Putting in all those extra hours earning Hollywood paychecks has increased his net worth. He certainly has a strong casting agent negotiating contracts.
Davidson’s first feature film The King of Staten Island was directed by Judd Apatow. It’s a semi-autobiographical portrayal of a young man growing-up in New York’s orphan borough. A few tears were wiped in movie theaters. Reviews called it “one of the best films of 2020, a new talent.” The film was released during Covid and did modest box office numbers, it’s a popular video on demand. Audiences saw Pete Davidson deliver a moving performance.
At eye level, it didn’t happen for him again in Bodies Bodies Bodies. Maybe casting all those budding, young screen sirens was too much of a distraction. Directed by Halina Reijn, the 2022 tongue-in-cheek Gen Z’er is a modern whodunit gem. Davidson dials-in a paint-by-numbers supporting role as a stoner.
Now 31, Davidson appears in two new movies. First up, director Tim Story’s The Pickup, a throwback to 1980s comedy action blockbusters. Returning to the funny fold; Eddie Murphy as Russ, with Davidson taking over the wheel as partner Travis. They make a sublime comedy duo.
If you want a joyride, here’s the ticket. The plot involves a heist: two-armed truck drivers on a regular run are pursued by a stick-up gang on a highway. They’re ambushed and taken hostage. Get ready for wild car crashes and raunchy talk, along with a sweet Cobra Mustang GT and a monkey joke thrown in for good measure. Eva Longoria, Keke Palmer and an unrecognizable boss Andrew Dice-Clay power pack the cast.
On the flip side, Pete Davidson dives headfirst into a dark horror film. The Home is directed by James DeMonaco who’s responsible for The Purge series. Davidson and DeMonaco have ties to Staten Island. It’s another hold-on-to-the-edge-of-your-seat movie, or your lunch. This one falls under the barbaric camp category. Wonder what some of Pete’s more timid fans will think.
In The Home, graffiti artist Max is caught tagging a building. He’s committed to doing community service janitor work at rural Green Meadows. The creepy, senior care facility has a strict “no fourth floor” policy. Max receives a word of advice, courtesy of elderly resident Norma played by the wonderful Mary Beth Peil. She delivers the friendly, understatement of the year: “There’s something very wrong with this place.”
Naturally, everything goes berserk when Max checks out the fourth floor. You axed for it, it’s time for trouble. Max finds himself in an extreme, mentally deranged bloodletting escapade full of plot twists and horror clichés. There’s a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange at a certain point.
The reviews weren’t so kind. Rodger Ebert.com said “The Home might be the worst movie of the year.” MovieWeb quotes “This is one Home that should be condemned.” The Guardian’s review noted “... a film that falls short on internal logic.” Now that Pete Davidson’s lost his nice guy persona and given the level of his success, it’s no surprise he’s smiling. Diehard fans still in detox look forward to his next project.