From Deseret News archives:
Life
Film review
Unfortunately, it still doesn't make the film anything more than a failed, if somewhat noble experiment for the two foul-mouthed comedians.
And, if anything, it's a bigger disappointment than some of Murphy's more recent work because there's actually the promise of something better.
But in their quest to explore a Great Major Theme about racial inequity in the justice system the filmmakers get off track and neglect the most important element of the story: the relationship between the two main characters.
Also, don't mistake "Life" for one of Murphy's so-called "family comedies" (as if "Dr. Dolittle" and "The Nutty Professor" really qualified). "Life" is very R-rated, peppered with four-letter words, racist humor and other dubious gags that don't serve the material at all.
The story revolves around two black New Yorkers, street-smart petty crook Ray Gibson (Murphy) and naive Claude Banks (Lawrence), who are charged with the murder of a hustler (Clarence Williams III) in 1932.
Unexpectedly, the experience doesn't break them, even as the years pass. In fact, they remain steadfast in their belief that they'll one day be free, with Ray hatching one escape plan after another and Claude desperately trying to get an appeal.
It's a story that shows promise, and Murphy and Lawrence have the necessary chemistry to pull it off. However, screenwriters Robert Ramsey and Matthew Stone stray too far from the subject, touching on other story lines that aren't germane, or worse, which trivialize some important topics.
Also, the film feels disjointed, as if some key scenes are missing. (Though at 108 minutes it still feels too long).
The best thing about the film is the pairing of Murphy and Lawrence, who tone down their usually abrasive personalities (at least a touch) and turn on the charm.
"Life" is rated R for excessive profanity and use of racial epithets, violent beatings and some gunplay, vulgar sexual humor and brief gore.
Recent comments
air plaine
emeel | Dec. 9, 2005 at 10:43 a.m.
Very very funny,it has that stupid sence of humor and if you
like...
Keldry | Aug. 9, 2004 at 4:15 p.m.
This was one of the funniest parodies of all those aviation...
Avi Green | Feb. 17, 2002 at 3:31 a.m.
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Obba Babatunde, Ned Beatty, Nick Cassavetes
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