If it's wild, frantic energy that fuels adolescence, then The Blues Brothers is a summer entertainment par excellence for the young at heart. It is packed with lively music, fantastic chase sequences, and nonstop slapstick comedy. Everything in the movie is taken to the limit, which ought to please just about everyone who gets high on unbridled vim and vigor.
John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd (of Saturday Night Life fame) are Jake and Elwood Blues, two Chicago petty criminals who thrive on rhythm and blues. In the opening scene, Jake is being released from Joilet Prison for good behavior. A visit to the Catholic orphanage where they were raised gives the brothers something of value to strive for — the orphanage needs $5000 to pay its taxes or the place will be closed. Later, in the Triple Rock Baptists Church, the Blues Brothers are zapped by the Spirit. Convinced that they are on a "mission from God," Jake and Elwood go out to reassemble their band.
The script by Aykroyd and director John Landis focuses on the ensuing troubles which bedevil the black-suited heroes. Among their problems are two state troopers (Armand Cerami and Steve Williams), the head of a Nazi party (Henry Gibson) and his followers, a country band leader (Charles Napier) and his group, and a vengeful lady (Carrie Fischer) Jake once jilted.
The Blues Brothers has some of the most spectacular chase scenes ever put on celluloid — and that's saying alot considering the hundreds of films boasting stunt materials. The best are a three-vehicle demolition of an indoor shopping mall, a police car plunging into the side of a large truck, and the "Bluesmobile" leaping across a drawbridge open over water. Gary McLarty's stunt crew deserves a standing ovation.
Fans of the 1978 album A Briefcase Full of Blues by The Blues Brothers will not be disappointed with the performances in the movie. There are superb numbers by James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway, and Aretha Franklin. The last two are inspired bits: Calloway reprises "Minnie the Moocher" and Aretha belts out "Think." The zany dancing of Jake and Elwood during their own numbers is both humorous and clever.
So there you have it: comedy, adventure, music, and dance all fililng the screen with maximum effect. Enjoy!