Starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as Jake and Elwood, the plot of this 1980 comedy classic is simple enough to have been written on a scrap of paper: to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised, two brothers attempt to raise money by getting their old band together and put on a show. But given their tendency to get on people's nerves, what was already a simplistic plot quickly becomes irrelevant, as the movie develops into a massive manhunt, interrupted only by musical numbers. The Blues Brothers features some of the most impressive car chases ever put on screen. As Jake and Elwood hurl their 1974 Dodge Monaco "Bluesmobile" across Chicago and zoom through the petrified passers-by, dozens of police cars are sent flying through the air and crash in sensational pile-ups. However, it's really the reaction or rather the absence thereof of the brothers towards the mayhem they cause that makes the film so fun to watch. In an indelible scene, they are driving through a shopping center to escape a posse of police cars. Elwood notes casually "Lots of space in this mall.", while shoppers everywhere are running for safety in the middle of what can be best described as a demolition symphony. The Blues Brothers characters were originally created by Aykroyd and Belushi themselves during their partnership on Saturday Night Live, out of their sincere love for rhythm and blues. They show fantastic-on screen chemistry as the lead singers of their band and give energetic interpretations of Rythm and Blues and Country classics. They are also supported by sensational performances from soul and R&B legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, and many more. The Blues Brothers can definitely be enjoyed by people who don't usually get into musicals. It's pure unadulterated fun, with iconic lead performers, snappy dialogue, a vibrant soundtrack, and action rampage at its finest. I hope you had a good time reading this list. Do you agree with these choices? Feel free to write in the comments below.
