Blues Brothers (1980)

 

Genre: Musical/Comedy              Time: 2h 13min              Director: John Landis

Quick summary: When they learn that their childhood orphanage is about to be torn down, brothers Jake and Elwood Blues set out to save it by reuniting their old R & B band for a fundraising performance.

This film is absolutely wild! It's pure chaos, but it is very much enjoyable. Jam-packed with funky music, and slapstick humor, it's a joy from start to finish. 

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are Jake and Elwood Blues, two Chicago petty criminals who thrive on rhythm and blues. In the opening scene, Jake is released from Prison for good behavior. A visit to the Catholic orphanage where they were raised gives the brothers something of value to strive for — the orphanage needs $5000 to pay its taxes or the place will be closed. 

Later, in the Triple Rock Baptists Church, the Blues Brothers are zapped by the Spirit. Convinced that they are on a "mission from God," Jake and Elwood go out to reassemble their band.

One of the things this film is most known for is the car chase scenes, and man are they good. They're pushed to the extreme to really capture how chaotic this pair is, such as jumping over an open drawbridge with their car. Though I will say now, for such a high-energy film the pacing is kinda slow and the scenes go on for just a bit too long for my taste. 

I do think the jokes are still funny, they don't focus on jokes from the 80s which I'm really glad about, it was pure dumb shenanigans and setups, such as when they get up on stage to start their band there is a wire mesh in front of them to protect them from potential flying glass bottles.

The pair are even outlandish for their time, but they really do work together really well. Their comedy chemistry really hits off great, and they're not afraid to go to lengths to play up their silliness. 

There are a lot of already well know singers, such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown, and boy do they go all out for the songs, let alone the acting. Songs will suddenly burst out spontaneously, really adding to the madness. They're funky and really feet-tap-worthy. Everyone goes all out, there are flash mobs, random instruments pulled out of thin air, and notes belted out with such joy. It really is a pure pleasure to watch this film.

The script is pure genius when it comes to comedy, with funny one-liners and charismatic zingers. My absolute favorite joke was at the beginning when Elewood picks up Jake from prison in an old police car and he turns to him and says, "The day I get outta prison, my own brother picks me up in a Police car!"

It was a shame about the runtime of this film as it really did bring it down for me, I was finding myself getting bored in some scenes, wanting the pacing to pick up again or I felt like I was waiting for something to happen. But I still do recommend you watch this film at least once, as it's not plot-heavy at all. It's very much easy watching, and you don't really tend to focus on the plot too much as you get captivated by the dynamic duo and their Chaotic and Hilarious Life. 

6/10

• "Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses.      Jake: Hit it."

•  "Why da ya gotta be so negative all the time? Why can't ya offer some... constructive criticism?"