JosephGabriel
Member
I feel so inadequate to review a movie that has such legends behind it and feel that saying anything other than 'it was perfect' might as well be blasphemy, considering the cast list is most musicians wet-dream! Aretha Franklin, James Brown and Ray Charles to name but a few. But I will try and be objective about it all, for the sake of Stonerkind!
The story is quite a simple one really.
Joliet Jake (John Belushi) is released from prison after a three year stint and is met by his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd). After visiting the orphanage where they grew up and talking to 'The Penguin' who is the nun in charge, they find out that the orphanage will be closed down in 11 days if they don't find $5000. After a bit of devine intervention, delivered wonderfully by James Brown the preacher, The Blues Brothers decide to get their old band back together and raise the money that the nun needs.
When it was first released, this film wasn't a success. The critics pined on about the cost of the movie and were riled about how much collateral damage occured on screen, saying it was a waste. In the modern era of destruction in films such as The Bourne series and James Bond, however, I don't think anyone would even think twice about it. In all, it had to be worth the money for the cast they secured, obviously someone had the respect of the Soul and Blues greats.
The film does seem, in places, to be an excuse for a very expensive jam session between all of these great musicians. However, there is a story in there somewhere, a very funny, slapstick story. The story and action is most definately extremely far fetched. But if you can suspend your disbelief at a car falling from a bridge and making a hole about 20 feet deep in the concrete road, then this is a film that you'll most definately enjoy.
I do think though, that with such an amazing cast, that maybe The Blues Brothers would have been much more enjoyable with some more musically talented people at the helm, playing Ellwood and Jake. They're not fantastic singers or performers in my opinion. Also, there's the fact that it doesn't seem much thought was given to the characters and their personalities. Yes they do have a little bit of something, but in my view, not enough to carry off a role such as this.
I would recommend seeing it, but only if it's on TV or if your friend has the DVD. I wouldn't say go out and buy it. But if you're a huge Blues or Soul fan, then go for it.
The story is quite a simple one really.
Joliet Jake (John Belushi) is released from prison after a three year stint and is met by his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd). After visiting the orphanage where they grew up and talking to 'The Penguin' who is the nun in charge, they find out that the orphanage will be closed down in 11 days if they don't find $5000. After a bit of devine intervention, delivered wonderfully by James Brown the preacher, The Blues Brothers decide to get their old band back together and raise the money that the nun needs.
When it was first released, this film wasn't a success. The critics pined on about the cost of the movie and were riled about how much collateral damage occured on screen, saying it was a waste. In the modern era of destruction in films such as The Bourne series and James Bond, however, I don't think anyone would even think twice about it. In all, it had to be worth the money for the cast they secured, obviously someone had the respect of the Soul and Blues greats.
The film does seem, in places, to be an excuse for a very expensive jam session between all of these great musicians. However, there is a story in there somewhere, a very funny, slapstick story. The story and action is most definately extremely far fetched. But if you can suspend your disbelief at a car falling from a bridge and making a hole about 20 feet deep in the concrete road, then this is a film that you'll most definately enjoy.
I do think though, that with such an amazing cast, that maybe The Blues Brothers would have been much more enjoyable with some more musically talented people at the helm, playing Ellwood and Jake. They're not fantastic singers or performers in my opinion. Also, there's the fact that it doesn't seem much thought was given to the characters and their personalities. Yes they do have a little bit of something, but in my view, not enough to carry off a role such as this.
I would recommend seeing it, but only if it's on TV or if your friend has the DVD. I wouldn't say go out and buy it. But if you're a huge Blues or Soul fan, then go for it.
