Review of The Blues Brothers (1980) by James R — 22 Apr 2011

"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".

"Hit it!".

After 3 years in prison, "Joliet" Jake Blues has been released and picked up by his brother, Elwood. The two of them need to raise $5000 (legally!) to save the orphanage they grew up in, and decide to do so by reuniting their band, The Blues Brothers, and aren't fazed by the unending chases from the police, angry rednecks and Illinois nazis as they're convinced nothing can stop them, because they're on a mission from God.

What a magnificent film! Dan Akroyd and John Belushi make a brilliant duo and carry this film with their mission. The cast is utterly magnificent. Ray Charles, James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, this film is like The Expendables of musical films. The musical numbers throughout this film are utterly brilliant, especially Minnie The Moocher and Everybody Needs Somebody (I would've liked a rendition of Soul Man, though).

It's magnificently over the top, what with the number of officers storming the building at the end, has the most car crashes in a single film I have ever seen, and more magnificent car handling than in the entire Fast and Furious franchise. This film doesn't intend on taking itself seriously and with that, pulls off a brilliant comedy film which will ensure you'll have a good time watching.