The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers

1980Movie133 minEnglish

Jake Blues, just released from prison, puts his old band back together to save the Catholic home where he and his brother Elwood were raised.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes57%
Metacritic60/100
Google Users88%
Director: John LandisGenres: Comedy, Musical, Action, Crime

Plot Summary

Jake and Elwood Blues, recently released from prison, embark on a 'mission from God' to save the Catholic orphanage they grew up in from closing. To do this, they must reunite their old R&B band and put on a show to raise the necessary funds. Their efforts are complicated by a legion of angry ex-girlfriends, a police manhunt, and a murderous country music duo.

Critical Reception

The Blues Brothers was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic. While initial critical reception was mixed, praising its musical numbers and comedic performances, some found the plot thin and the extensive destruction excessive. Over time, its unique blend of music, comedy, and action has earned it widespread acclaim as a beloved, over-the-top musical comedy.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its incredible ensemble of legendary musicians and spectacular musical numbers.
  • Celebrated for its anarchic energy, slapstick humor, and over-the-top car chases.
  • Some critics found the plot to be a thin excuse for the musical set pieces and excessive destruction.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly love the film's infectious music, hilarious comedy, and memorable characters. Many appreciate the sheer ambition and audacity of the production, and its ability to deliver pure, unadulterated entertainment.

Fun Fact

The film holds the Guinness World Record for the most cars destroyed in a single film, with estimates ranging from 103 to over 130 vehicles destroyed during production.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**Remarkable.** John Landis was inspired when he decided to direct a film like this one. In addition to bringing us the excellent music that integrates the soundtrack, it brings us high doses of very good humor and a captivating, intelli...
GenerationofSwine

GenerationofSwin...

OK, the title here is probably disingenuous. I live in Chicago, a city that doesn't allow you residence unless it can confirm that you love "The Blues Brothers" and "The Untouchables." So this review is coming with a fair amount of cultural...
Cat Ellington

Cat Ellington

'We're on a mission from God.' — "Joliet" Jake and Elwood Blues (Laughs) ... What a magnificent work of motion picture art The Blues Brothers is! This fun-filled musical is truly a must-see. The screenplay was co-written by Saturday ...