The Blues Brothers: A Review of a Hilarious and Legendary Comedy
The Blues Brothers, a hilarious and legendary comedy, is a 1980 American musical comedy film directed by John Landis. It stars John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as “Joliet” Jake and Elwood Blues, characters developed from “The Blues Brothers” musical sketch on the NBC variety series Saturday Night Live.
The film’s screenplay was written by Aykroyd and Landis. It features musical numbers by rhythm and blues (R&B), soul, and blues singers James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker. The story is a tale of redemption for paroled convict Jake and his brother Elwood, who set out on “a mission from God” to save the Catholic home where they were raised.
Plot Summary
The Blues Brothers begin their mission by purchasing a used car with money they earn from a performance at a local blues club. With the help of a soul band, the brothers seek to raise $5,000 to pay the tax on the Catholic orphanage from which they were raised. Along the way, they are targeted by a destructive “mystery woman”, Neo-Nazis, and the police.
Musical Numbers
The film features several musical numbers, including performances by James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and John Lee Hooker. Aretha Franklin’s performance of “Think” is particularly memorable, and has become iconic. The film also features original songs written by members of the band, including “Soul Man” and “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.”
The Blues Brothers is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. Its mix of hilarious comedy and legendary musical numbers make it a must-see for any fan of classic Hollywood. Whether you’re a fan of the original SNL sketch or a newcomer to the story, The Blues Brothers is sure to provide plenty of laughs and toe-tapping tunes.
