The Blues Brothers poster & wallpaper
Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, John Candy, Ray Charles ... see more see more... , Carrie Fisher , Cab Calloway , Aretha Franklin , Henry Gibson , John Lee Hooker , Murphy Dunne , Steve Cropper , Donald "Duck" Dunn , Willie "Too Big" Hall , Tom Malone , Frank Oz , Kathleen Freeman , Steven Williams , Charles Napier , Twiggy , Joe Cirillo , Cindy Fisher , Toni Fleming , Ralph Foody , Sean Hayden , Gary Houston , Steve Lawrence , Lou Marini , Norman Matlock , Jeff Morris , Jack Orend , Lou Perry , Ben Piazza , John Ring , De'voreaux White , Stephen Bishop , Dean Hill , Chaka Khan , John Landis , Gary McLarty , Paul Reubens , Shotgun Britton , Jack Callahan , Andrew Goodman , Elizabeth Hoy , Stan Mazin , Rosie Schuster , Joe Walsh , Walter Horton , Blair Burrows , Matt Murphy , Alan Rubin

Expanding on their Saturday Night Live characters, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star as Jake and Elwood Blues, two white boys with black soul. Sporting cool shades and look-alike suits, Jake and Elwoo... read more read more...d are dispatched on a "mission from God" by their former teacher, Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman). Said mission is to raise $5000 to save an orphanage. In the course of their zany adventures, the Blues Brothers run afoul of neo-Nazi Henry Gibson, perform the theme from Rawhide before the most unruly bar crowd in written history, and lay waste to hundreds of cars on the streets and freeways of Chicago. In case you aren't swept up in the infectuous nuttiness of the brothers Blue, you might have fun spotting film's legion of guest stars, including James Brown, Cab Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, John Candy, Carrie Fisher, Steve Lawrence, Twiggy, Paul Reubens (aka Pee-Wee Herman), Frank Oz, and Steven Spielberg. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

89% liked it

232,292 ratings

Critics

85% liked it

48 critics

R, 2 hr. 13 min.

Directed by: John Landis

Release Date: June 20, 1980

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: August 30, 2005

Get It:

Stats: 13,251 reviews

report incorrect info

Photos

Joliet Blues The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers Are you the police? Belushi and Aykroyd The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers Aretha Franklin The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers The Blues Brothers
Upload a Photo | View All The Blues Brothers Photos

Your Rating


clear rating

Flixster Reviews (13,251)

  • aquateen2
    May 28, 2012
    aquateen2
    [img]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/user/icons/icon14.gif[/img]

    This cult classic is both funny and full of quirky charm, despite it's unnecessary length, and a few of it's comedy sketches going to desperately over the top, which consequently misfires some of the gag... read mores. However, it's the comedic chemistry and energy shared between Dan Aykroyd and the hilarious late John Belushi that makes it work, along with of course, the catchy soundtrack. It's not a solid movie, in fact it's one of the messiest comedies i've ever watched, but I dont care, it's your rare stupid comedy that ends up being lot of fun to watch.
  • spielberg00
    October 9, 2011
    spielberg00
    John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star as the titular characters in this very first SNL spin-off...and they're "on a mission from God"? Okay, really. That line is uttered as early as fifteen minutes into the film, and with all the recklessness, drugs, profanity (quite infamously tow... read moreard a nun!), and crime we have a chance to laugh at in just that amount of time; there's no way that statement is true in any way. That statement has to be one of the most snappy, most unbelievable quotes in movie history; and it's just part of what made THE BLUES BROTHERS a cult classic.

    Like SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE itself, this film has the tendency to create the most bizarre satire imaginable. From the scene in which the two are crashing a car through the mall, to when Aretha Franklin gets up and starts singing out of the blue, every moment defines the essence of ridiculousness.

    If you have not yet seen this film, it is an absolute must-see. Aykroyd and Belushi make the most implausible, most sarcastic screen couple of the entire 1980s--and this was just made at the very start of the decade. Rent this for a night or two. You will not regret it.
  • fb1672039553
    September 10, 2011
    fb1672039553
    This movie shoots for the moon, more committed in its humor than any other comedy. Terrible acting normally contradicts this feeling of quality, but here it makes the script's surreal, off-the-wall sense of humor even better.
  • DreamExtractor
    August 17, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    Were on a mission from God. Hilarious and great music, a classic.
  • moonrivers
    August 7, 2011
    moonrivers
    the greatest musical ever made!...and i mean it this time...well, it'll do until one better comes along! unlike the musicals of old in this one nobody looks as if they're trying to get you to like them too hard, and there's the biggest selling point. of course i could mention a ... read morecast to die for, music to live for and a car chase so outrageous (in a musical? a car chase? say it ain't so!) you will wear out the rewind button on yer own memory. nobody in this film ever topped this film ... except Mr. Spielberg.
  • FilmFanatik
    June 22, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    There was a time when John Landis was one of the most genius directors in the business. There was also a time when Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were two of the most genius comic actors working in Hollywood. There was also also a time when rhythm and blues was the dominate scene i... read moren the music business. The Blues Brothers brings all of this together in one of the most memorable crowd pleasers in the history of the movie business. I love this movie and I put it on whenever I need a good, old-fashioned, fun time. Pure genius.
  • ajv2688
    January 10, 2011
    ajv2688
    A fantastic musical comedy, it's more comedy than music, which is great because it's hilarious. I highly recommend it.
  • newvogueravyn
    December 12, 2010
    newvogueravyn
    Quite frankly I think I'm one of those people who just doesn't get it. There were some funny moments (forcing the Nazis over the bridge for one), but overall I found it pretty dull.
  • FrizzDrop
    October 17, 2010
    FrizzDrop
    I had no idea what this movie was about when I first saw the cover, but when I started watching it I was amazed. I was thrilled, excited, beyond happy. There's comedy, amazing music, even Nazis falling through the Chicago skyline. Mesmerizing even thirty years later, you will lov... read moree if you're a fan of SNL, Animal House, and Ray Charles. 'Nough said.
  • cancercapricorn2002
    September 7, 2010
    cancercapricorn2002
    Ever since its initial broadcast "Saturday Night Live" has been the launching place for many comedians who use the chance of being in the show as a way to develop their talents and aim for a career on film. As members of the first generation of the show, Dan Aykroyd and John Belu... read moreshi were among the first to make the jump from the show to the film industry. Although the pair had moderate success at first, Belushi became a modern icon of American comedy in 1978 with "Animal House". It was after that success when the two friends decided to make a movie about one of the most successful "Saturday Night Live" characters, the pair of R&B singers: "The Blues Brothers". Being his most beloved creation, Aykroyd began to write the full story of the characters, but ended up with over 300 pages of script. It was director John Landis' task to transform Aykroyd's script into a realizable movie.

    The movie begins with the release from prison of Jake Blues (John Belushi), co-founder and singer of the Blues Brothers band. After being picked up by his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd), he is informed that the band broke up after his incarceration and that the Blues Brothers are apparently over. However, after discovering that the old Catholic home where they were raised as kids is going to be sold because of its debts, the brothers decide that its their mission, a mission from God, to get the money to save the house, and the only way to achieve that goal will be to reform the legendary Blues Brothers band. With this idea the brothers set to find the band's former members, but in their way they'll find new enemies in the form of a Neo-Nazi group, a country band, and a mysterious woman who just wants the brothers dead.

    Written by Aykroyd and Landis, the script is essentially a musical tale that cleverly mixes action and comedy while paying homage to that good old rhythm and blues music that both were so fond of. While Aykroyd's extensive and detailed account of the characters' history has been transformed into a simpler, straight forward plot by Landis, the change is very effective as this way to unfold the story is more in tone with the frank and raw attitude of the brothers. The story is fast paced, as the brothers' tale of redemption is one of high octane energy with powerful musical performances and insane car chases that never make the story boring or tiresome. Making up for the simple plot are the very likable personalities of the two main characters, who carry the movie with their charm and a presence that proves that a memorable character is more than a collection of one liners.

    In this his fourth movie as a director, John Landis once again demonstrated why he was one of the most promising directors of the early 80s, showing a significant growth in his style of directing comedy that clearly set the basis for his 1981 masterpiece, "An American Werewolf in London". Already a master of the direction of big and complex set pieces, Landis takes this to a new level with the amazing car chases conceived for the film. With a bigger budget than in his three previous efforts, Landis creates an explosive musical that perfectly represents everything that Aykroyd and Belushi conceived as "The Blues Brothers". The duo's main trait is the music, and Landis knew this well, so the film is filled not only with the brothers' interpretations of R&B classics, but also the ones by real R&B legends such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin and Cab Calloway among others.

    As expected, the performances by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are of an excellent quality. While less over the top than in "Animal House", Belushi's genius for comedy shines through the film in his energetic role of Jake Blues, who is the one who receives the "mission from God". As the laconic Elwood, Dan Aykroyd delivers the subtler comedy in the movie, and shows a complete domain of his character. Together the pair make an excellent team that not only deliver fun comedy but also make an outstanding musical duo. While the Blues brothers are certainly the focus of the story, the vast array of guest stars that appear through the film deliver terrific performances when singing (Ray Charles, James Brown), acting (John Candy, Carrie Fisher) or both (Cab Calloway). The musical performances are simply top notch and make the film really special.

    As written above, the movie is first and foremost a musical homage to Chicago, so those expecting a laugh riot comedy will definitely find a different kind of beast. This is not to say that there is no comedy, on the contrary, the movie is filled with a good amount of laughs, but the focus of the film remains on the music. Still, "The Blues Brothers" is not your typical musical, as its fast pace makes it a thrilling ride like no other movie, and probably the features that most perfectly represents this are the amazing car chases that the stunt team developed for the movie. As in a rocking dance of destruction, the cars crash and smash across the streets of Chicago in some of the most incredible stunts on film. Some have criticized the emphasis put on this scenes, but I think that they fit perfectly in the mood and tone of the brothers themselves.

    Without a doubt the Blues brothers are two of the best and most famous characters created by Belushi and Aykroyd, and this movie truly makes them justice. While not the deepest or most insightful movie ever, "The Blues Brothers" is definitely one of the most entertaining ones, and its magic lays in that frank simplicity that surrounds the movie's story. Raw and direct, "The Blues Brothers" is a movie that truly makes Chicago feel like home. Hands down one of my favorite films. If your one of the few who haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and check out this classic. You won't be disappointed.

View All The Blues Brothers Reviews

Critic Reviews

Richard Corliss
August 20, 2008
Richard Corliss, TIME Magazine

A demolition symphony that works with the cold efficiency of a Moog synthesizer gone sadistic. Full Review

Variety Staff
April 1, 2008
Variety Staff, Variety

Given all the chaos, director and, with Aykroyd, cowriter, John Landis manages to keep things reasonably controlled and in a straight line. Full Review

Dave Kehr
April 1, 2008
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

The humor is predicated on underplaying in overscaled situations, which is sporadically funny in a Keaton-esque way but soon sputters out through sheer, uninspired repetition. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

There's even room, in the midst of the carnage and mayhem, for a surprising amount of grace, humor, and whimsy. Full Review

Janet Maslin
August 30, 2004
Janet Maslin, New York Times

This essentially modest movie is reported to have cost about $30 million, and what did all that money buy? Scores of car crashes. Too many extras. Overstaged dance numbers. And a hollowness that certa... Full Review

R. L. Shaffer
January 29, 2012
R. L. Shaffer, IGN DVD

A dazzlingly enjoyable, memorable road trip of comedy and music from two of SNL's best. Full Review

Cole Smithey
October 25, 2011
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

...an epic musically charged comedy, the likes of which has never been seen before or since. Full Review

Heather Boerner
December 18, 2010
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media

A cult classic for adults and older teens. Full Review

Philip French
July 28, 2009
Philip French, Observer [UK]

This long, expensive 1980 cult movie has an energy and individuality lacking in similar films nowadays. Full Review

Allan Hunter
July 28, 2009
Allan Hunter, Daily Express

An undisciplined, overlong tale that substitutes spectacle and star cameos (Twiggy, Steven Spielberg, etc) for a coherent narrative. Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Cast

More Like This

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Blues Brothers 2000
    Blues Brothers 2000 (73%)
  • School of Rock
    School of Rock (67%)
  • National Lampoon's Animal House
    National Lampoon's Animal House (72%)
  • The Commitments
    The Commitments (75%)

More Movies like The Blues Brothers

Facts

Submit a Fact | View All
    • Joliet Jake: We need this gig!
    • Elwood: Were on a mission from God.
    • Joliet Jake: Fix the cigarette lighter.
    • Elwood: What kind of music do you usually have here?
    • Cocktail Waitress: Oh, we got both kinds. We got Country AND Western!
    • Joliet Jake: This don't look like no expressway to me!
    • Mystery Woman: You miserable slug! You think you can talk your way out of this? You betrayed me.
    • Joliet Jake: No, I didn't. Honest... I ran out of gas. I... I had a flat tire. I didn't have enough money for cab fare. My tux didn't come back from the cleaners. An old friend came in from out of town. Someone stole my car. There was an earthquake. A terrible flood. Locus. It wasn't my fault. I swear to god!
    • Mrs. Tarantino: Are you police?
    • Elwood: No mam, we're musicians.
Submit a Fact | View All

The Blues Brother... : Watch Free on TV

The Blues Brothers Trivia

  • The line (WE are on a mission from god) comes from which movie?  Answer »
  • In what movie are the main characters "On a Mission From God"?  Answer »
  • "We have a full tank of gas, a half pack of cigarettes, it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Hit it" Name the movie.  Answer »
  • Hollywood director Steven Spielberg played a cameo role as the clerk who receives Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi's money at the end of which movie?  Answer »
More The Blues Brothers Trivia

Movie Quizzes

Create a Quiz |

All Quizzes

Video Clips

Upload a Video |

All The Blues Brothers Videos

Meet Other Fans

Add The Blues Brothers to favorites

Recent News

Submit a Story |

View The Blues Brothers News

Recent Lists

Make a List |

View All Lists

Most Popular Skin

AleTrixy Skin by AleTrixy
1727 Profiles
Add to Profile

More Skins