The Blues Brothers - 1980

Universal Pictures

Directed by John Landis

Cast:

• ”Joliet Jake” Blues – John Belushi
• Elwood Blues – Dan Ackroyd
• Curtis – Cab Calloway
• Reverend Cleophus James – James Brown
• Ray – Ray Charles
• Mrs. Murphy – Aretha Franklin
• Mystery Woman – Carrie Fisher
• Sister Mary Stigmata (The Penguin) – Kathleen Freeman

Story: “Joliet Jake” Blues is getting out of Joliet prison. His brother, Elwood, is there to pick him up in a used Mt. Prospect police cruiser. Elwood drives him to the orphanage where they were both raised to visit “The Penguin” aka Sister Mary Stigmata, who informs them the orphanage will close unless she has $5,000.00 to pay for tax assessment. The church is not interested in keeping the orphanage open, but when Jake offers to come up with the money, The Penguin refuses to accept what she knows will be stolen money. They meet Curtis, the caretaker who lives it the basement and taught the boys to play music. He tells Jake to get straight, to get to church, so the brothers go to the church of the Reverend Cleophus James, where Jake receives a vision. From that moment on, the brothers are on a mission from God to put their band back together, raise the money to save the orphanage, and redeem themselves while evading the police, the Illinois Nazi party, an irate country band, and a jilted fiance of Jake's.

Review: One of the most hilarious movies to ever come out of a Saturday Night Live skit. Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi lead us from one ridiculous situation to another as they proceed on their mission from God. James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker, and the Blues Brothers Band fill your ears with some of the greatest rhythm and blues hits of the 50's and 60's, complete with choreography and dance that is sure to please. The stunts are amazing, the acting excellent, and the plot is cohesive and well thought out, as ridiculous as it is. This is a classic film for the entire family, even though there is some profanity, a few off color jokes, and a lot of overt violence that is all played for laughs. Probably more for the 13 and older set, but frankly, a fun film that is too ridiculous to miss. A definite collector's item as one of the top live action comedies of all time.