The Blues Brothers [M]

Jake Blues is newly released from prison and, after his release, he and his brother Elwood go to visit the nun who raised them when they lived in an orphanage. To their dismay, they discover that the orphanage and the only home and family they’ve ever known is greatly in debt and in danger of closing down. After having an epiphany, they decide to get their band back together so that they can raise the money for the orphanage. But the road to regain success isn’t quite as smooth as they had hoped and soon, the brothers find themselves being chased all over the place by the police, the army, an angry country band, the Illinois branch of Nazis, and a murderous ex-girlfriend. 

I’ve seen this film a couple of times, but I keep forgetting just how clever the whole thing is and the familiar faces that make up the cast. The Blues Brothers is a real comedy classic as it samples and subtly takes the piss out of practically every mainstream genre, and all the while the main characters are completely nonchalant as to the dramas and dangerous situations that surround them. I LOVE THIS MOVIE! 

Jake Blues is newly released from prison and, after his release, he and his brother Elwood go to visit the nun who raised them when they lived in an orphanage. To their dismay, they discover that the orphanage and the only home and family that have known is greatly in debt and in danger of closing down. After having an epiphany, they decide to get their band back together to play some gigs and raise the money for the orphanage. But the road to regain success isn’t quite as smooth as they had hoped and soon, the brothers find themselves being chased all over the place by the police, the army, an angry country band, the Illinois branch of Nazis, and a murderous ex-girlfriend. 

There are so many things contained in this film that appeal and mean something to everyone, which makes it a great film for a variety of audiences. 

For a start, the film is technically a musical, as there are a few moments when the characters randomly burst into song, but at the same time, it is taking the piss out of musicals in an ironic way, as most of the musical numbers are done in a situation, which almost calls for it. 

Musicals are not the only genre that’s mocked in this film. There is a lot of action packed into it, but again the piss is taken out of the genre is an ironic and subtle way: the car chases practically never end! Seriously, they last for close to 10 minutes! And then there is the character of the murderous ex who just randomly turns up and begins bearing her wrath upon the brothers with the help of bombs, rifles, and flame-throwers. And, even in the face of all this, the lead characters, Jake and Eldwood, are completely nonchalant and un-phased by it. It’s effing hilarious! Like Chaplin tumbling down the stairs and just getting up, having a little shake, and moving on! 

And then we have a most amazing cast, which is packed with the familiar faces of both actors and musicians alike. Starring John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, James, Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Murphy Dunne, Willie Hall, Tom Malone, Lou Marini, Matt Murphy, Alan Rubin, Carrie Fisher, Henry Gibson, John Candy, John Lee Hooker, Kathleen Freeman, Steve Lawrence, Frank Oz, Twiggy, Jeff Moris, Charles Napier, Steven Williams, and Armand Cerami, The Blues Brothers is, without a doubt, a classic filled with action, comedy, drama, music, a great soundtrack, and practically everything in between. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS FILM! It’s bloody brilliant!