| Life tracks the lives of two people
Ray (Eddie Murphy) and Claude (Martin Lawrence). The unlikely duo Ray, a
happy-go-lucky pickpocket and Claude a relatively normal guy, who plans to start a new job
and a family. In an effort to pay off Ray's debt and to restore Claude's reputation they
team together and travel to Mississippi to smuggle alcohol for an underworld boss for some
quick cash. Once there, Ray and Claude immediately
go to work gambling and whoring all of their money away. When a local gambler is later
found dead, the two are accidentally found standing over the body and immediately
suspected of the crime. However, what no one knows is that it was the local sheriff who
actually killed the gambler, and despite their pleas of innocence, Ray and Claude are
convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a Mississippi state prison.
The film then spans their lives in prison from 1932 to
1998, including their repeated attempts to escape, their constant bickering and their
fighting (This is what mainly provides the films comic relief). It's like an African
American version of Grumpy Old Men.
I enjoyed 'Life' overall but it's an unusual film. Both
Murphy & Lawrence are very funny together and there are some fantastic scenes, but the
film is not all comedy. It's kind of half comedy, half serious drama that alternates
between both with uncertainty. The movie carries some serious undertones about the life of
two imprisoned inmates and their struggle for justice, with attempts at serious dialogue
and scenes of character development which seem inappropriate, especially when they are
usually followed by 'comic' scenes involving abusive exchanges between Murphy and
Lawrence.
The problem with "Life" is that the filmmakers
aren't sure whether they wanted to make a comedy, an examination of prison life in the
Deep South or a political/social commentary on the treatment of African Americans.
They decide to do all these things, and the movie falls short.
So How Does This Transfer Hold Up?
VIDEO
The transfer which is anamorphically framed at 1.85:1 is generally excellent.
Colours are fresh and vivid. The contrast and brightness are also spot on. It is a nice,
crisp transfer which is free of film grain and other nasties. I did not see any
artifacting and it's an almost reference transfer.
AUDIO
On the disc you'll find not only an English Dolby Digital 5.1 mix but a French, Italian
and Spanish 5.1 mix as well. The English version is the one I listened to. It suits the
film perfectly, dialogue was clear and easy to understand. Although not an aggressive mix,
it has plenty of surround activity for ambient effects only.
EXTRAS
Extras are extensive and excellent. The disc contains:-
Spotlight on Location - A semi making of feature
with behind the scenes footage, interviews with cast and crew.
Outtakes - These contain some really funny scenes and has to be watched!.
Deleted Scenes - Director Ted Demme provides introduction commentary to two
extended scenes.
Audio Commentary - With the director Ted Demme.Theatrical Trailer. Music
Highlights, Production Notes ,
Animated menus, Cast Crew biographies - For Eddie Murphy, Martin
Lawrence and Director.
Overall an enjoyable film but recommended
for a rental first.
| PICTURE QUALITY |
9/10 near Reference |
SOUND -
Quality
5.1 WOW Factor |
.
8/10 Clean & Clear
5/10 Nothing too Aggressive |
| FEATURES |
9/10 Terrific |
Review Equipment
TV: Pioneer SD-T43W1 (43inch 16:9 RPTV)
DVD: Toshiba 2109 Region Free
Receiver: Yamaha RXV995 (DD/DTS)
Speakers:-
Fronts: Polk Audio RT55
Centre: Polk Audio CS350
Rears: Polk Audio AB705's
Sub: M&K V125
- Reviewed 13th May 2000 |
