The Blues Brothers

Since my birthday was yesterday, I thought I would give myself a belated birthday gift by reviewing the first DVD I ever bought, and one of my all time favorite comedies. On tap for today is the John Landis, 1980 film, The Blues Brothers.

For a movie that cost $30 million to make (at the time an enormous figure for a comedy), it had fairly minimalist beginnings. It was born out of a series of hilarious Saturday Night Live skits, when Landis and Dan Aykroyd co-wrote a feature-length screenplay that is chock full of jokes and movie references. Elwood and Jake Blues are a pair of bumbling brothers who can really only do one thing right. Play the blues. When they discover their old orphanage is in dire financial straights, the two are determined to do something right for a change. As Elwood classically puts it, "we're on a mission from god." The plot of the movie follows the misfit pair as they attempt to reassemble their old blues band, and then book a big enough show to haul in some cash.

The Blues Brothers is a classic screwball movie filled with iconic performances and set pieces. This film, set in Chicago, has not one, but two of the most memorable car chases in on-screen history. The city is almost a separate character in itself as the brothers travel from Joliet, to Wacker Drive, and hit everything in between. Aykroyd and John Belushi own the lead roles of Elwood and Jake and work off of each other perfectly. Belushi especially stands out in what has come to be one of his career defining roles. Cameos abound as Carrie Fisher, John Candy, Frank Oz, Paul Reubens, Steven Spielberg and Twiggy all make appearances. Supposedly Mr. T is in the background of a scene although I haven't spotted him yet.

Where the film really excels though, are the numerous blues performances by music legends. Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, Chaka Khan and James Brown all help provide one of the greatest soundtracks of all time. Not to mention the talent that makes up the rest of the Blues Brothers band, which by the way, is the same band that played with them as SNL musical guests.

Aykroyd and Belush as the Blues Brothers with Ray Charles

If you enjoy good blues music, this movie is an absolute must see. For all you unsophisticated heathens, don't worry. There is plenty here besides the blues. Loads of great comedy and some really funny and exciting set pieces will keep you interested. One of the best.

27/30