The 1980 musical comedy “The Blues Brothers” is the first time a popular SNL skit was brought to the big screen. The film has the iconic characters in their signature outfits. There’s also a great soundtrack.
Set in Chicago, the movie features real life friends and comics, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. The duo portray Jake and Elwood Blues; blues musicians and petty criminals who are attempting to track down the various members of their old band.
The opening sequence reveals the characters
The goofy Elwood (Aykroyd) is retrieving Jake (Belushi) from the Joliet Penitentiary. The comradery between the two is genuine. Students of film know the friendship the real life pair had, and it makes their on-screen roles together that much more special.
Travelling around in an old police car, the brothers encounter a variety of characters, breaking off into musical numbers throughout. Real life stars like James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles make appearances. Jake and Elwood need to make honest money to save their childhood church. “Were on a mission from God.” Elwood explains.
At 133 minutes its way too long
The pacing is slow. The scenes are overly elongated. It may be because of the time it was released. The problem is that most of the gags have not aged well, and jokes are unfunny.
The enjoyment comes from watching two iconic actors gallivanting around in the great city of Chicago.
“The Blues Brothers” is okay to watch once.
“The Blues Brothers” is currently available to stream or rent.
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