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From Amazon.co.uk
Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy play it surprisingly straight in this film by director Ted Demme. Though there are laughs to be had, this is a story about perseverance in the face of a life of disappointment (yet the film was sold as a prison comedy). But Stir Crazy this isn't. Rather, Lawrence and Murphy play a couple of New Yorkers making a moonshine run from New York to Mississippi during the Prohibition who find themselves framed for murder and sentenced for life to a prison chain gang. As they age, the two become close friends, although the strait-laced Lawrence always resents the freewheeling Murphy for getting him into the situation in the first place. Ultimately, these two men learn to find meaning where they can, taking value from friendship and their limited ability to affect the lives of others. At times preachy, it ends on an upbeat note; the film's biggest laughs are reserved for the final section, in which Lawrence and Murphy don age makeup and play octogenarians. --Marshall Fine, Amazon.com
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It plays like the shawshank redemption meets trading places -- -Empire
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By "westkel2"
Format:DVD
Two of the funniest comics of recent times, Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence team up in this side splitting comedy where both are sent to jail for a murder they didn't commit. Small time criminal Murphy and goody goody banker Lawrence are thrown together after a mis-understanding with murphy's criminal boss in which they have to bring back cases of alcohol across the country or face fatal repurcussions. Whilst on the job a man is murdered and the two become the main suspects, both are convicted and must spend the remainder of their lives behind bars. Even though the hate for one another is evident they must now become friends in order to survive the prison world. The two stars have a comedic chemistry on camera which would rival anyone and the outtakes at the end are hilarious. Don't miss out.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Darren doyle
Format:DVD
This movie is so fast paced that you could miss it all if you blink! Murphy and Lawrence are majic together. Its a barrel of laughs. I seriously recommend it to anyone who has a sense of humour! Take my advice and BUY THIS FILM!!!
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4.3 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than expected
I bought this in the 3 for £17 offer and I'm glad that I did. I found this film great, it was a good comedy but also a good story which is hard to come across these days. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Nikki17
5.0 out of 5 stars
Purchased this film for a family member
I purchased this film for a family member as he loved this film.. delighted with it. i would recommend this film to all
Published 1 month ago by AMF
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the very best !!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the very best value for money , we love it . And will allways thank you for this special offer. Wishing the very best in the furture. Great Stuff ***** 5 Stars !
Published 4 months ago by Janson
5.0 out of 5 stars
LIFE - Eddie and Martin
Good DVD quality - sound and visual, this is one of my favourite films, one of the best comedies and good value for money. Arrived very quickly too.
Published 9 months ago by DJBIZIA
4.0 out of 5 stars
it is what it is
yes this film would never win an oscar or create a buzz, but this is a great friday night film with some mates and drinks... Read more
Published 11 months ago by winchcarl
5.0 out of 5 stars
a great film
Martin Lawrence and Eddie murphy are the perfect double act in this touching but funny movie. I have watched it probably about 100+ times over the years. Definitely a must buy
Published 12 months ago by kayla
4.0 out of 5 stars
Comedy on a plate
this film is a rely ggod one in my books and the comedy in it is wall to wall, Eddie Murphy plays a blinder
Published 15 months ago by hammerman84
5.0 out of 5 stars
Haha pretty funny
I've always loved Eddie Murphy and Martin Laurence soooo i had to like this film, it's actually quite a well put together film, usually you would think a storyline like this... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mr. C. J. Davies
5.0 out of 5 stars
life
1 of eddie murphy's best films ever .well worth watching ,thanks to this the kids now have a lif long love of film
Published 18 months ago by ddpp68
5.0 out of 5 stars
A must buy for comedy fan's
I watched this when it first came out and i still think it's funny from start to finish it ill have you hooked a very smart movie because the storyline is sad but the things eddie... Read more
Published 18 months ago by joe
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