The
Blues Brothers ranks among my favorite films of all
time -- not the best, just a favorite. With inspiration that never remotely
comes close to ceasing, Landis' (The
Kentucky Fried Movie, An American Werewolf in London) film is more an
experience than a conventional movie. It's a mix of loving homage to rhythm
and blues, scattershot comedy, on-the-spot musical, and the most outrageous
car chase film ever put to celluloid. It's a laugh-a-minute destruction derby
that defiantly refuses to conform to standard rules of moviemaking, frequently
transcending the simple story of a band reuniting with religious overtones,
wanton destruction, and one of the finest soundtracks to a movie ever.
The film starts out with Jake Blues (John Belushi, Animal House) being
released from prison, picked up by his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd,
Trading Places) in a
used cop car turned "Blues Mobile". They make good on a promise to visit the
orphanage they grew up in, only to find it is in danger of being shut down due
needing $5,000 in tax money owed. With only days to go before it is too late,
the Blues Brothers are inspired by a vision from God to save the orphanage,
which they plan to do by reuniting the band they played in. This proves to be
a tough task, as all of the members have moved on to other occupations. Not
only this, but along the way, they manage to piss off the police, the Illinois
Nazi Party, and just about everyone else they come across in their bid to make
enough money to deliver the money they need.
Exuding just the perfect
amount of comic cool, Belushi and Aykroyd strut their stuff with confidence,
giving oodles of personality to the characters they created during their stint
on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1970s. The band is quite a talented cover
band in their own right, demonstrating their love for the music and attitude
of blues and soul, and also the artists responsible for the continued
popularity of the genres. Strong cameo appearances are a major strength, with
some fantastic musical numbers by James Brown (performing Gospel), Aretha
Franklin, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, Cab Calloway, and of course, The Blues
Brothers themselves.
The comedy is so off-the-wall you can't help but laugh. The Blues Brothers go
on their comic odyssey in deadpan fashion, almost literally leaving behind
every stop destroyed, and yet, they seem almost oblivious to it all. Just
when you think the madcap nature of the film couldn't possibly get any more
silly, Landis ends the film with almost a half hour of the most expensive,
elaborate, and destructive chase sequences ever put on film. Cars speed down
the streets of Chicago, get dropped from tall heights, crash in and out of
buildings, and pile up on top of each other dozens of times.
The Blues Brothers is far from a perfect comedy, and can be uneven in
spots, but these momentary lapses are very difficult to remember when it's all
over. By the time the credits roll, you'll most likely have added many fond
memories to add to your favorite movie-watching experiences. Easily one of
the most entertaining films of its era, The Blues Brothers is a time
capsule worthy collection, not only in irreverent comedy, but also in its
reverence for some of the best music of the 1960s and 70s. It's a beautiful
thing.
-- The Collector's Edition DVD features 18 minutes of additional material cut
from the theatrical release.
-- Followed in 1998 by a needless, and unfunny, sequel,
Blues Brothers 2000.
Qwipster's rating:
©2005 Vince Leo
