1 Funny and feel good
This movie is really funny. When you pair up Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence together, you're bound for rib tickling comedy. The part when Claude (Lawrence) steals the pie is funny and when Ray (Murphy) tells the young inmate how he smuggled drugs into prison. And talk about your supporting cast. They were loaded with comedic talent such as Bernie Mac, Michael "Bear" Talifeiro, Miguel A. Nunez, Guy Torry, and Anthony Anderson. The part when Gold Mouth (Talifeiro) beats up Ray in the yard was funny and when Jangle Leg (Mac) says I'm the baby's papi and everyone laughs and the warden walks away pissed off was funny also. There's also a feel good story in this movie as well and that is the friendship that develops between Ray and Claude. Two men framed for murder and having their lives taken away from them realizing all they got is each other. Another part that was cool was when the cop that framed them got put in his place. Classic payback! And the end of the movie was great too when they escape and wind up in Yankees Stadium. Such a great escape plan! If you want a movie loaded with laughs and teaches you that friendship can never be taken for granted, then this movie is it. A must have for Murphy, Lawrence, and even Mac fans!
2 Life and the power of human perseverance........
Ted Demme has done a brilliant job of depicting the power of hope and persistence under terrible circumstances. And he has done it by using one of the most powerful defense mechanisms human beings possess, HUMOR. In a way "Life" may be viewed as a methaphor for the struggles of everyday people and particularly African-Americans who in the face of historic injustice and oppression have managed to survive and flourish.
3 A movie worth watching!
Definitely a wonderful movie, Life, brings to the screen the story of two New Yorkers, during Prohibition and the Great Depression, as they make their way to a small rural town in Mississippi, in order to stock up on some moonshine, which in turn is to be delivered to a NYC speakeasy.
The setting is the early 30's, specifically 1932, and it is a film about human relations, hope and second chances, but most importantly about how trust, friendship, endurance, and inner strength, can lead out of situations, which might seem bleak or desperate at first glance.
On the negative side, the only setback was the scene with the baby. They could have found another way to show the strong sense of solidarity that had developed.
Needless to say, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence and the rest of the cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are outstanding to say the least!
The film combines drama and humor, making it one of the best of its kind, and one that can be watched over and over again.
Life is sure to provide for an evening's entertainment.
4 Eddie can do Comedy AND Drama...
Really, this was not a bad movie. This was passed on to me by somebody who was rather disappointed by the film,but I enjoyed it. The ending was particularly touching. Great story...kept me interested.
Eddie and Martin, so often recognized as smart-allecks, will surprise you. This movie is sentimental and sweet, but not nauseatingly so.
5 A serious movie that also happens to be pretty funny
Yes, this movie has plenty of funny moments, but there is a very real and sometimes rather touching story that takes precedence over everything that happens. You can't get through the most serious of situations without the palliative of laughter now and again, and Life actually does tell a serious story. Eddie Murphy proves once again that he is a great actor, and Martin Lawrence was surprisingly good as the more serious of two men sentenced to life in prison for a murder they didn't commit. One night in 1932, fate brought Rayford Gibson (Murphy), a smooth-talking hustler with big dreams, and Claude Banks (Lawrence) a respectable fellow about to start a good job, together in a New York nightclub. For entirely different reasons, both guys have to face the displeasure of the club owner's wrath; and so it is that Gibson and Banks end up going on a bootlegging run to Mississippi. One dead man later, and both men are sentenced to life in prison for murder. Since Banks blames Gibson for getting him into all this mess, there relationship varies in quality as the years go by, but gradually a real friendship develops between them. They try to escape several times but end up spending basically their whole lives in prison. Along the way, we meet with several sub-plots involving some of their fellow inmates, but the movie never strays far from the lives of Gibson and Banks. The passage of time is marked by clips of historical events, and some excellent makeup works makes both men look old and worn out as they advance into their senior years.
This is not a prison story of hopelessness, however. While no pardon ever comes their way, justice has a way of willing out eventually, and the final ten minutes of the film are just terrific. Since the story does take place in Mississippi in 1932 and beyond, race plays a major part in the film, but it does not define the movie by any means. There are a number of funny scenes, especially those involving pie and cornbread, and Eddie Murphy will definitely make you laugh - Martin Lawrence sort of plays the heavy here to Murphy's periodic antics. Some familiar faces pop up in the movie: Rick James plays the New York club owner, Bernie Mac has a relatively minor role, and Heavy D plays a small but important part. Wyclef Jean contributes an original score for the film. The whole cast is excellent, and a very good script keeps the film on pace and lively.
This isn't Stir Crazy; there are plenty of laughs, but I wouldn't call this a comedy - Life the movie is funny in the way life itself can sometimes be - laughter can get us through the hard times, but it doesn't hide the fact that the hard times are there. This movie really deserves more attention than it has received; with its serious underlying quality, it ranks among Eddie Murphy's most impressive films.
6 FUNEEEEE!!!
I may be biased cause I love Martin and Eddie, but this movie has me in stitches every time!!!
7 Boring!!!
After watching this movie, I felt as if my own life was wasted just from watching it. What a piece of garbage. Eddie Murphy is funny, but not always and this movie is the exception. This is by far one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Anyway.. here's the basic plot:
In the mid-1990s, two inmates bury the burned bodies of two lifers at Mississippi's Parchman Farm; a third old-timer relates their story. They'd served 65 years for a murder they didn't commit, framed by a local sheriff while buying moonshine whiskey for a Manhattan club owner to whom they owed money. Although the plot may sound good.. trust me it's not.
8 Great Film!
This film was perhaps the last film that Eddie Murphy was geniunely funny in and Martin Lawrance was a geniunely effective actor. Both comedians truly shined in this film and were funny as hell! I recall the scene where Murphy and Martain's character staged a fight and Murphy spelled out SOFT and his taughts against Claude. Funny film and great acting!
9 Funny & Brilliant; Not a Comedy
This movie is one of the best films I've ever seen. It has its funny, even hilarious moments - but it's not a comedy, by a longshot. It's one of the best, most heartwrenching dramas, and was all the more pleasant for being completely unexpected.
The plot concerns two men, who were framed for a crime they didn't commit, and their lives in jail after they are sent to prison for life. It does a wonderful job of subtly showing the racial tensions and interplays in the time period and also showing the changes that come about later on in the time and how it affects their lives in the prison.
Get this movie. You won't be disappointed.
10 The Supporting Cast Made this Movie Soooo Funny!!
At this writing, the previous reviews have given you the basic premise of this Comedy/Drama. Circumstances bring two total strangers together. They wind up going to jail serving life sentences. They go throught event which cause them to hate each other but eventually they realize they are friends for LIFE.
Thinking of only Eddie and Martin, I initially planned to give this movie only 3 stars. However, I quickly recalled the supporting cast!! H I L A R I O U S!!
You had Miguel A. Nœ–ez Jr. and Bernie Mac's characters messing w/Martin all the time. Oh my, did I laugh. And of course, in most of Eddie's movies, the costume and make-up transformation is always top notch!
11 Not the aggressive Lawrence/Murphy humor; still a good movie
I did enjoy this movie, even as I enjoyed Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy's more popular and critically acclaimed work. They are a pair of convicts, one of whom caught up after being "along for the ride", but jailed nonetheless for life in the South some fifty years ago. They do persevere after, through and despite any number of bad (some unbelievable) circumstances. Life in prison makes them close.
It is very different from my other favorite prison movie, Cool Hand Luke. Like C.H.L., the brutality of prison life is left mercifully for other films. There is one scene common to both, though, with the prisoners resolving their issue boxing in the prison yard with typical results.
As they age, their mutual disappointment makes their friendship ebb and flow from like to dislike and back (of course). Conservative Lawrence (yeah, him) not only blames the typically hustling Murphy for getting him into the situation in the first place. Murphy wants more assertiveness from his sidekick, vowing not to die having given up hope like his Father. As we know they must though, they find some hope, some enjoyment, and even some meaning in their circumstance.
Another reviewer hit the nail on the head: this movie was erroneously marketed. The trailers show hilarity, and lead one to think this is a true comedy. Those expecting just that may be disappointed (unless they go straight to the hilarious outtakes). But it is much much more.
Fantastic ending. Worth the price itself.
12 Eddie is hilarious!!
This is a wonderful movie. Eddie Murphy is totally hilarious in this movie. Its basically about two guys (Eddie and Martin) who have to serve a life sentence in jail for a crime in which they were framed. Its about them forming a bond of friendship, but as you will see this takes years. Great effects on ageing Martin and Eddie in different stages of their lives. The only bad thing about this film was that it tended to drag at certian points. This type of movie reminds me of Oh Brother Where Art Thou with its southern humor and setting in the past. I highly recommend both of these movies.
13 They're Nuts
This movie had me in stitches! Eddy Murphy alone is bad enough. But Eddy and Martin Lawrence together? haha These are two great comedians! I dont know how they got that movie completed without busting a gut!! BUY IT!
14 very good
this movie shows you how a bunch of prisoners become close friends. I wasn't expecting this sort of movie when i rented it. I thought it was going to be a typical eddie murphy story but i was very wrong. poeple who hate eddie murphy can enjoy this movie. To bad he tries to be like in his other movies allthough this clearly doesn't fit in the story. another bad thing is the ending. It isn't appropriate for this movie.
15 I loved this movie
I dont know why everyone else is saying that this movie is no good just because it isnt a "straight up" comedy. They obviously missed the whole point of the movie. This is a movie about two guys- Murphy and Lawrence- who are framed for murder and sentenced to LIFE in prison. I loved it because of the mix of drama and comedy and because of how realistic it was. Don't get me wrong- there were some funny parts.(for example, when Martin Lawrence runs to steal the pie, and after taking the first bite, has to scream because it is too hot) Also, the special effect makeup couldn't have been better.
16 DON'T LISTEN TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS...TRUST ME!!!
If you're expecting a staight-up comedy movie, then you probably will be disappointed. This movie mixes drama and comedy in the most perfect way. Anyone that says this movie is not good, obviously missed the whole point of the movie. The movie takes place during the 1930's...the set and costumes were great. I feel that the chemistry between Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence was superb. Kudos to Rick James as his roll of 'Spanky'...he played the role well.
17 Boring!
This has got to be the most boring movie I've seen in the past couple of years. The people writing good reviews for this movie must be friends of people who made it or have some financial interest in promoting it because it is BORING!
Do not waste your money on this yawner.
18 Funny
Funny, Funny, Funny from beginning to end. That's all I can say.
19 Excellent Movie
I saw this at the movies and can't wait to get it on DVD. It is a dramatic movie mixed with comedy which makes it well-rounded. Perfect characters portrayed by Eddie, Martin, Bernie Mac & the other guy(can't remember his name, I think Sparks). Plus everyone else. If you didn't like it b/c you were expecting 2hrs of nonstop humor then you missed out totally on what the movie was about.
20 One of the funniest movies Martin made!!!!
This movie is in the top 3 of my chart with Martin Lawrence. He is my favorite actor and putting him with Eddie Murphy is just genius. I really enjoyed this movie and if I had the time i would watch it everyday!
21 Martin + Eddie = BAD
Who had the bright idea of putting Eddie "Egomanic" Murphy and Martin "Big Unfunny Momma" Lawrence together in one film. The result of these 2 actors teaming up is box office poison. This film was very heavily billed as a comedy. I will admit it, some parts were trying to be funny, but not trying that hard. The "funny" moments were all shown in the trailer. This movie was a drama, a bad drama, but a drama nonetheless. It showed the hardships of being in this prison camp, but did not try to go out of their way to make it humorous. This film is the kind of lowbrow film that only the uneducated could really sit there and think that they got a fair deal. The rest of the semi-educated population of this fine country will walk away feeling that they got ripped off, not of just their money, but of their time, and some of their intelligence.
22 Not The Funniest, But Still A Great Movie!
Okay, so most people were expecting another "Beverly Hill's Cop" or another "Bad Boys" LIFE wasn't the all time funniest movie...but it certainly wasn't the all time worst movie, either. I must say, I really enjoyed it!
I think that Eddie and Martin make an excellent team....and I like how the movie takes place in the 1930's. Anyways, you won't find this movie hilarious, but you still may get a kick out of it.
23 Good Rental
I love it when Martin Lawerence isn't acting so over the top. If you have nothing to do on the weekend this makes a great rental.
24 Funny AND realistic
There are not many movies who manages to be funny and is trying to tell a dramatic story. But "Life" is both of it. And the humor doesn't take anything away of the drama and the drama doesn't make it less funny.
I think there is just enough drama and humour to make this movie very entertaining. There is also very good music in the movie which is a perfect mix of music of around 1940 and R&B of this time (which I really liked).
I also want to say that this movie is not as funny as the distributors are saying, because this is a story about two men who have to be in jail for the rest of their life's while they are innocent. And you can't tell a story like that while being hilarious all the time.
The movie also shows pretty realistic how it was back then for a black man to be in jail (though, some things are a little bit unbelieveble).
The movie also has an original (and VERY surprising) ending which I won't tell, because you have to see it for yourself.
And after the movie thee are of course (almost standard with Imagine comedys) bloopers, which are really funny!
25 Best movie I've ever seen in my LIFE!
This was an excellent film. The story was well-written and the dialogue was well thought out. The character development, too, of even the most minor of players, was excellent and amazing. Even though the premise of the story is perhaps a depressing one, this movie was handled with just enough comedy and had a happy ending to make up for the scary thought that anyone at any time could be wrongly convicted of a crime. Kudos to Murphy and Lawrence for great chemistry and wonderful acting, and to Baker for great, subtle makeup; this film is truly a unique classic, and one that will be my favorite until something else is able to top it.
26 This is the south if you don't know
This movie is worth seening for the one's that have not seen it. The other reviewer that rated this movie under a 4 star need to see it again and get the plot of the movie. If you can't get it let me tell you. The is the way that Afican-American got treated in that time and still is being treated that way. Serving time for something they didn't comment. If you don't get the plot now that just tells the other reviewer about yourself.
27 Exceptional Dramatic Comedy from Murphy and Lawrence
I found this to be a surprisingly rich movie, not one where you have a yuk a minute but a more human and complex experience. Murphy the consummate scalawag and Lawrence the wrong-place-at-the-wrong-time neophyte get framed for murder in 1930s Mississippi. Throughout the film, they tug against prison life, tug against each other, and find ways to endure their raw deal while hoping to find a way out. Good cast, good story development that keeps you off-balance, very good special effects on aging through 40-plus years, and very good straight performances from Murphy and especially Lawrence. You don't forget this movie a few hours after you see it.
28 Warm and funny drama of friendship
Both Murphy and Lawrence are quite fine in this warm and funny drama about a lifelong friendship behind the bars of a Southern prison camp during the depression. The make-up as they slowly age was deservedly Oscar-nommed. Both prove here they are fine actors as well as fine comedians. This is not an extraordinary work but it is quite competent and entertaining. Worth a watch.
29 whasup homeboys and homegirls
thiz movie was funny! the cast was whoa it was good. if anyone did not like the movie they must not have a sense of humor. whooooooooooooooooowe thiz movie was funny i happen to be a friend of martin lawerence and he let me in to a privet screening! peace and buttermilk!
30 LIFE
I love the move "Life" because I am big on comedy films. In "Life", Ray Gibson (Eddie Murphy) and Claude Banks (Martin Lawrence) are wrongfully accused of a murder and are thrown on the farm for a lifetime sentence. This film has non-stop laughs that will keep this movie in your mind for days. If you are offended by profanity then this is definitely not the film for you. But if you are like me, you just feel that cuss words add to the humor of the movie.
31 Disappointing movie, superb DVD
Before I saw the movie I thought this would be a very funny and good movie. This because of the outstanding heroic and funny cast of Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy. But when I saw the movie I was very disappointed, because it was rarely funny and more a dramatic movie. And I think the talents of these normally ( not always ) funny comedians/actors wasn't used at all in this movie. In the movie there are some funny parts but you can count them on one hand. And I would think that they had the intention of making a comedy instead of a drama. But I would like to comment the make-op effects in this movie, because these were really good. The reason that I give this movie 3 stars is because of the DVD. The DVD is superb with a real fine picture quality and a very good sound quality. It is also packed with a lot of extra features and that makes this DVD after all worth a little look. My conclusion is the DVD a plus, the movie a minus.
32 Fantastic Movie
This film was an excellent surprise, mixed with varying emotions and a clever plot. The hilarious banter between Murphy's and Lawrence's characters alone made the movie worth seeing. Particularly funny was the dialogue between the two in their older years. Regardless of the reviews, if you like these two actors, see it and decide for yourself.
33 NO Chemistry&Very Average
Eddie Murphy&Martin Lawrence just don't click on this Average Film.My Only Real Highlight was Seeing The Funkateer Rick James.This Film SHould Have Been The Biggest Event of The Year.With All The Talent Involved.but it isn't Happening at all.I Prefer Murphy&Lawrence in Boomering.
34 I expected more
When I saw this movie, I thought that it was really slow. I expected it to be way more funny than it was. After I finished watching it, I thought that the out-takes at the end of the movie were more funny than the rest of the movie! That's too bad considering that Eddie Murphey and Martin Lawerence are two very talented actors.
35 LIFE
this movie is da bomb ya'll i don't know whats wrong with you all. if you have not seen this movie you need to check if out cause it is funny as hell.
36 GREAT MOVIE!
DON'T READ THE OTHER REVIEWS THAT KNOCK THIS MOVIE! This movie was excellent! People expect it to JUST BE A FUNNY MOVIE because of the staring actors who play in it. It's funny at times, but that is not what this movie is about at all. It's good, it's real, it's what happens to way too many people. Just don't expect to sit down and watch a comedy, because it's not.
37 A return to laughter
Praises for Eddie. Hats off to Martin. I was worried about the decline of humor in Eddie Murphy films. As well as dismayed at the thought of an hour and a half of Martin Lawrence slap stick. However, LIFE, was truly a funny film. the direction and acting were very well done, complimenting a very funny script. The duo brought to Life a story of "friendship". Proving that no matter how things begin, they are what you make them. A must see. Take the time, take a friend,and be open to laugh.
38 big eddie muphey fan
I think with a combination of eddie muphey and martin lawrence you have a hit their alone,There is no need to write a script for these two as i think they could make anybody laugh for hours by them selves. but the writers have done a great job writing a class film to go with two class actors. this is a film i would recoment to all my friends.
39 Advertised incorrectly, but entertaining nonetheless
I think if this hadn't been billed as a comedy, more people perhaps would have liked it. It reminded me of a frenetic "Shawshank Redemption" about two guys in a Mississippi prison for life who grow to be friends. Eddie Murphy is good as man who survives by quick and fast mouth and Martin Lawrence is the straight man. What probably got most people is that the movie changed tone midway. It really had been a comedy but it changed into a movie that examined what it would be like to realize that you will probably never get out of prison. What's also fun about the movie is the impact the two guys had on everyone else around them. They kept hope alive, even while eventually resigning themselves to their fate. The best thing I can say is that this movie is part "Shawshank Redemption" "Harlem Nights" and "Coming to America" (with the makeup). Just remember that the movie shifts tones from what was originally advertised.
40 What the hell?
Whats wrong with the movie? Even though it wasn't completely as funny as it was advertised doesn't mean it isn't a good movie. I thought it was great and the ending was funny and clever. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes Eddie Murphy or Martin Lawrence.
41 It's nothing.
Please disregard the 1 star I gave - it's a technicality to proceed with the review. The film is total zero. The cassette's cover advertised "2 hours of the hysterical laughter." Who was the reviewer? He should be treated medically for his hysteria.
This film is nothing. It's beyond good or bad. I've watched for more than an hour, said - " What the hell! " - and switched it off.
It does not mean I began to continue my work on the new jet engine after that but believe me - no matter what you do instead of watching this you'll be much better off!
I've seen boring films but that is the boredom of the totally new level. Avoid seeng this movie by any means even if they are giving away the new BMW with every ticket bought.
42 Forget the other reviews
Don't listen to these other reviews. This was a really cool movie. So what if it wasn't hilarious? Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence make one somewhat serious movie and people are calling it a horrible. Bottom line: Don't see it as a laugh histerically comedy, see it as a more serious movie
43 Entertaining, but forgettable
I found parts of it to be hilarious and stayed with the story throughout it's feature so it wasn't that bad. It could have been better considering that it starred Eddie Murphy AND Martin Lawrence. Although I must say this...it was a heck of alot better than "Holy Man" and "Blue Streak".
44 Bad movie blues!
This movie had great reviews, but, in all reality, it is horrible... horrible ending, horrible story, stupid stuff. Good actors, bad movie!
45 Could have been funny
I had high expectations for this movie and sadly I was disappointed with the overall movie. While it was entertaining at times, the chemistry between Murphy and Lawrence just wasn't present. Both men are great comedic actors but this film did not display those talents. There were only a few funny moments and the movie seemed to drag at times.
46 THIS IS LIFE?
This movie was a complete waste of time. It was 1hr and 49min but it felt much longer because it shows Eddie and Martin grow old in the prison. I felt that this movie was not funny or entertaining. Sure there were some mild belly laughs but no laugh out loud laughs that allot of people long for. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence were awful. I think they were desperate for a movie role. This movie was a great dissapointment to me. Take my word for it Life sucks. You will have waste your money on a movie about stupidity.
47 Eddie and Martin... A top-notch comic team.
When I first saw the trailer for this film, I was very sceptical. I simply didn't beleive it would be funny. (even though I adour every other Eddie movie) But I made myself go and see it and I loved it. It never dwelled on the fact that they were in their for life, It was constantly funny, especially the out-takes at the end, they were hillarious.
48 Murphy's best since the Nutty Professor......
I watched Life last night on DVD and found it entertaining and hilarious. This light hearted comedy takes Murphy and Lawrence from 1930s Harlem to the Mississippi prison system. Through the decades, their antics, hard luck and views on life kept me laughing from start to finish. I would rank this as one the best comedies of 1999.
49 "Hilarious"
i couldn't stop laughing through the whole thing. "Atleast he ain't get my cornbread claude."
50 One of the very best comedies of '99
I've seen "Life" twice thus far, and I must concede that it has to be one of the best films to ever cast Eddie Murphy. He and Martin Lawrence are just as emotionally poignant as they are downright hysterical in this memorable comedy/drama of two Prohibition-era guys from Harlem NYC who inadvertently become framed for murder in the Deep South while on a bootlegging run for the local crime boss they each owe debts to back home. They are soon enough sentenced to life imprisonment in a Mississippi chain gang where they share a "Felix and Oscar"-esque relationship that spans 65 years through thick and thin times (including numerous escape attempts). However in the end, they literally become friends for life as they come to terms with their imprisonment. The make-up done by 6-time Oscar winner Rick Baker to transform Murphy & Lawrence from young to old over the course of so many years is the true showstopper of "Life". I wouldn't be the least surprised if Mr. Baker garners Oscar #7 come 2000; he and Murphy have been quite a dynamic duo since "Coming to America". A definite must-see!
51 Wonderful
This is the movie that has, once again, proven to me that these two gentlemen are wonderful actors. Don't be fooled, this is not merely a comedy movie, it is a heart-warming look at a life long friendship through hardship and pain.
52 Typical Murphy/Lawrence Comedy ...
This is one hysterical movie/DVD. I have just seen the DVD (released early in Australia) and it has many features, outtakes, and deleted scenes. Keeps you laughing for hours on end. Though, well written, a few comments are typical (and are expected) of Eddie.
53 Sad yet funny
murphy and lawrence, doing time for a crime they did not commit, getting along with one another, murphy hoping that one day he could own his own night club (the boom boom room) and being very high spirited and lawrence doing everything for his self realizing he needs murphy and disagree's with every plan for an exscape, but after all those years together they become the best of friends and they finally make it out
