The last thing you'd expect out of an Eddie Murphy comedy is a character- and story-driven piece — especially when his co-star is Martin Lawrence. But, believe it or not, that's exactly what "Life" attempts.

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.

Though they're innocent, the two are convicted and sentenced to life in one of the Mississippi State Prison work camps. There, the two have to put aside their petty squabbles just to survive.

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.