Review of The Blues Brothers (1980) by Jeremy H — 19 Jan 2014

"You traded the Bluesmobile for this?".

"No, for a microphone.".

"A microphone? Okay, I can see that.".

-Joliet Jake & Elwood Blues.

Pros-Fantastic performances by leads Belushi and Aykroyd, tons of talented performer cameos for music numbers (Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, etc.), ridiculously funny bits and over-the-top antics, a sick rhythm and blues and blues soundtrack, Princess Leia as Jake's ex-girlfriend with explosives, just a bit of John Candy goes a long way.

Cons-It's not long enough.

Verdict-Excellent. The Blues Brothers is a hilarious comedy directed by the masterful John Landis, starring Dan Aykroyd and the late John Belushi as a pair of delinquent musicians on a "mission from God." This Saturday Night Live sketch turned full-length feature film is the best of its kind, with witty writing and acting mixed with classy blues hits. It may get a little carried away with itself in the final few minutes of "unnecessary violence" but it still delivers in the over the top style you'd expect of SNL stars. Those looking for subtly are probably looking in the wrong place, but, if you're willing to accept all of the obvious impossibilities of the actions in this film, than it's certainly something you won't want to miss.

*-Bad.

**-Okay.

***-Good.

****-Really good.

*****-Excellent.