Double Feature of "Life": From Prison Sentences to Alien Encounters
Ever scroll through streaming services and feel overwhelmed? You are not alone. The best choice is to pick a theme and jump in. Today's theme is "Life." Not in a deep, existential way, but in movies. Today, we break down two films called "Life," separated by nearly two decades and genre. Get ready; it will be a wild ride.
Life (1999): Mississippi Blues Behind Bars
First, let's tackle "Life" from 1999. This is no space alien story. This "Life" mixes comedy and drama, often with gallows humor. Picture this: being in the wrong place next to a dead body. Now, you receive a life sentence. This is Ray and Claude's tough reality. They now belong to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for 65 years. A dreadful situation indeed.
Plot and Premise: Wrongfully Convicted, Endlessly Jailed
The MPAA rating for "Life" (1999) tells us there is "strong language and a shooting." It's an understatement. The strong language fits the prison setting. Yet, it’s the emotional pain that lasts. Ray and Claude’s journey shows resilience and friendship in the face of injustice. This film nods to "Harlem Nights" (1989), another Eddie Murphy film. Instead of nightclubs, our duo is stuck in prison.
Meet the Inmates: Characters of "Life" (1999)
Now, let’s introduce our colorful characters:
- Ray: Eddie Murphy portrays Ray. He is part of the wrongly accused duo. At one point, Ray is revealed to be 90 years old in the timeline, born around 1907. He has witnessed a lot in life prior to his prison experience.
- Claude: Martin Lawrence plays Claude. He is also wrongly sentenced to life. Claude offers a grounded counterpart to Ray's more flamboyant side. Their interaction fuels the film's heart.
- Biscuit: Anthony Anderson plays Biscuit, whose fate takes a tragic turn. In a heartbreaking moment, he chooses to end his life rather than face societal prejudice as a gay black man in the 1940s South.
- Can't Get Right: Bokeem Woodbine embodies this character whose very name suggests continual misfortune.
- Daisy: Sanaa Lathan plays Daisy, another critical character in the narrative.
Key Events: From Conviction to Conflagration
Life in "Life" (1999) is event-filled, even within prison's confines:
- Wrongful Imprisonment: The tale begins here. Ray and Claude are innocent but sentenced to life. Their long struggle through prison forms the narrative backbone.
- Biscuit's Tragic Choice: Biscuit's suicide serves as an emotional touchstone, emphasizing racism and homophobia's harsh realities.
- Fiery Fate?: In 1997, elder Ray and Claude plot a plan in the infirmary. This culminates in a fire consuming the infirmary, leaving their fate ambiguous yet poignant. Did they find freedom even in death? It remains open-ended.
Where to Watch "Life" (1999): Streaming and Rental Options
Want to experience this journey? Here’s how:
- Streaming: Currently, "Life" (1999) streams on Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel, and Amazon Prime Video with Ads.
- Rental/Purchase: Prefer ownership or a rental? Check Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home for rental and purchase options.
Life (2017): Houston, We Have a Killer Alien
Now, let’s shift from Mississippi to space. "Life" (2017) changes everything. Think less "Shawshank Redemption," more "Alien" infused with "Gravity" tension. This "Life" is a sci-fi horror film focused on "a killer alien creature loose aboard a satellite." Definitely not family-friendly unless you want some sleepless nights.
Genre and Reception: Tense Sci-Fi Thrills
"Life" (2017) generally receives acclaim within the sci-fi horror genre. Critics praise its tense atmosphere and the strong cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds, who deviates from his usual roles. Yet, some critiques mention it feels derivative. Comparisons to "Alien" arise and originality suffers, but the execution remains solid.
Calvin: Not Your Friendly Martian
Meet Calvin. Sounds harmless? Wrong. Calvin refers to the single-celled organism found in Martian soil samples. Initially a scientific breakthrough leads to excitement. Then Calvin shows signs of intelligence and later homicidal behavior. Things spiral quickly.
Plot Twists and Turns: Calvin's Cosmic Rampage
The crew aboard the International Space Station likely regrets bringing Calvin aboard. Here are their problems:
- Martian Genesis: The story begins with discovering a single-celled organism from Mars. Hope for life beyond Earth is palpable, yet doom looms.
- Rory's Fiery Fail and Calvin's Culinary Habits: In a misguided effort to terminate Calvin, Rory attempts to burn it alive. Bad decision – Calvin retaliates by crawling down Rory’s throat. Space can be deadly, just like Calvin.
- David's Selfless Sacrifice: Understanding Calvin poses a threat to humanity, David proposes to lure Calvin into an escape pod and eject himself into space. A true sacrifice for everyone else.
- Hugh's Hidden Hunger Pangs (for Calvin): Calvin attaches itself to Hugh’s leg unnoticed due to Hugh’s disability. Calvin then feeds on him causing blood loss. In his final moments, Hugh theorizes Calvin may have eradicated life on Mars.
- Sho's Spacial Departure: The unfortunate Sho Murakami meets his end described simply as "Sucked into space." No more needed; space is cold in this movie.
Rating and Box Office: R for Reasons
"Life" (2017) scores its R rating due to "language including sexual references, some violent images, and brief drug use." Typical for sci-fi horror films. It performed decently at the box office, gathering $101 million worldwide. Not a blockbuster but an admirable achievement nonetheless.
Brief Intermission: Other Cinematic Gems
While discussing movies, let's mention a few others referenced earlier. Consider this a cinematic sampler platter.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley's Enduring Appeal
"Beverly Hills Cop" is classic thanks to Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley. Some intriguing facts:
- Big
- Bucks for Part 2: Eddie Murphy earned $8 million to reprise his role in "Beverly Hills Cop II" (1987). That serves up many donuts and coffee.
- The Laugh Heard 'Round the World: Murphy's laugh, honed in the first "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984), almost faded. People mimicked him. Fame has its costs.
- Scorsese Passed? Say What?: Martin Scorsese was offered to direct the first "Beverly Hills Cop." He said no. Martin Brest became the director instead. A Scorsese version would have been... unusual.
The Truman Show: Reality is a Construct
"The Truman Show" (1998) is a psychological comedy-drama. Directed by Peter Weir and written by Andrew Niccol, it follows Truman Burbank. His life is actually a reality TV show. Paranoia and existential dread blend with dark humor. A unique combo.
Citizen Kane: The Gold Standard
Life Beyond the Silver Screen: Philosophical and Real-Life Notes
Let's shift from movie "Life" to real life. The text mentions heavy topics beyond entertainment.
The Purpose of Life: A Choose-Your-Own-Adventure
The purpose of life varies. Shocking, right? It involves "learning, growing, contributing, or finding fulfillment." Or maybe just surviving Monday. Life's beauty and anxiety comes from its open-ended nature.
End of Life: The Inevitable Curtain Call
The text discusses the "end of life." It's somber but necessary. It covers "physical and mental changes" as death approaches, like fatigue and confusion. Breathing may become "shallow and irregular." Skin can change color too. The "death rattle" occurs due to uncleared saliva. Not light breakfast talk but vital to know.
Celebrity Life: Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey
Now, some celebrity gossip:
- Murphy-Lawrence Family Merger: Martin Lawrence and Eddie Murphy are becoming in-laws. Their kids are engaged. Hollywood friendships intertwine – like a movie plot.
- Carrey's Cash Mountain: Jim Carrey often earned "approximately $20 million per movie." Not bad for funny faces.
There you have it. A quick tour through two movies named "Life," some other films, and a few real-life thoughts. Whether you prefer your "Life" as a prison drama or space horror, here's hoping this gives you food for thought or viewing options for your next streaming session. Excuse me while I seek out something to watch... perhaps a comedy without killer aliens or life sentences.
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