The Blues Brothers Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two brothers in shades, fresh out of jail, wreck Chicago to put the band back together, all for a nun’s tax bill… it’s basically a very loud, very destructive bake sale.

🍿 The Blues Brothers: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Jake’s Release and the Orphanage

The film begins with Jake Blues (John Belushi) being released from Joliet Prison. His brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) picks him up in a beat-up former police car, the Bluesmobile. They visit the Catholic orphanage where they grew up, learning it will be shut down unless they can pay $5,000 in property taxes within 11 days.

A Mission from God

Inspired by a sermon from Reverend Cleophus James (James Brown), Jake has a vision and realizes they need to get their band back together to raise the money. They set off on a ‘mission from God’ to reunite the Blues Brothers band, facing numerous obstacles along the way.

Reuniting the Band

Jake and Elwood track down their former band members, each now working different jobs. This involves encounters with various characters including a soul food cafe owner (Aretha Franklin) and a music store owner (Ray Charles), who try to dissuade them. Despite the challenges, they manage to reassemble the band.

Enemies and Mayhem

Along their journey, they make enemies including a country band, Illinois Nazis, and a mysterious woman (Carrie Fisher) who is constantly trying to kill Jake. Their antics lead to numerous car chases and property destruction, including a memorable scene in a shopping mall.

The Palace Hotel Concert

The Blues Brothers manage to book a concert at the Palace Hotel Ballroom. They attract a large crowd, but also the attention of the police, Jake’s parole officer, and their various enemies. The concert is a success, and they secure an advance from a record producer.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joliet Jake (John Belushi): Recently released from prison, Jake is the charismatic but troubled vocalist who drives the Blues Brothers’ mission to save their childhood orphanage.
• Elwood (Dan Aykroyd): Elwood is Jake’s deadpan brother and the skilled driver, fiercely committed to the Blues Brothers’ cause, and deeply knowledgeable about cars.
• Curtis (Cab Calloway): Curtis is the Blues Brothers’ mentor and father figure, guiding them on their mission to save the orphanage and providing valuable advice.
• Burton Mercer (John Candy): Burton Mercer is Jake’s determined parole officer who finds himself constantly outsmarted and outmaneuvered by the Blues Brothers.
• Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman): Sister Mary Stigmata, also known as ‘The Penguin’, is the stern but ultimately caring nun who runs the orphanage the Blues Brothers are trying to save.
• Mystery Woman (Carrie Fisher) (Carrie Fisher): The mystery woman is Jake’s vengeful ex-fiancée who relentlessly pursues him, seeking retribution for being left at the altar.
• Reverend Cleophus James (James Brown): Reverend Cleophus James is the dynamic preacher who inspires Jake to embark on their ‘mission from God’ to reunite the band.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Elwood: “It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark… and we’re wearing sunglasses.” – Elwood states this before the climactic car chase to Chicago.
• Jake: “We’re on a mission from God.” – The Blues Brothers’ catchphrase, explaining their motivation for reuniting the band and raising money.
• Aretha Franklin: “Think.” – Aretha Franklin’s character sings this to her husband, Matt ‘Guitar’ Murphy, urging him to consider the consequences of rejoining the Blues Brothers.
• Elwood: “This place has everything.” – Elwood’s deadpan response after crashing the Bluesmobile through the Dixie Square Mall.
• Jake: “I hate Illinois Nazis.” – Jake states this right before driving the Bluesmobile off the bridge.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $27.5M
• Domestic Gross: $57.2M
• Worldwide Gross: $115.2M

💥 The Blues Brothers Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched The Blues Brothers as a kid and was instantly hooked. The music is infectious, the car chases are insane, and Belushi and Aykroyd’s chemistry is just perfect. I still laugh every time they order ‘4 fried chickens and a Coke.’ It’s a movie that never gets old, and the soundtrack is always on repeat. Seeing musical legends like James Brown and Aretha Franklin just elevates it to another level. It’s pure cinematic joy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd”
  • “Lovers of blues and soul music”
  • “Fans of classic comedies with over-the-top action”
  • “Viewers interested in iconic Chicago locations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Comedic violence and property damage”
  • “Brief depictions of Illinois Nazis”

Professional Reviews

• Indiewire: “The Blues Brothers had a rough track record of turning sketches into movies but doesn’t mean it should stop trying. Belushi and Aykroyd are great as two criminals to have an adventure.
• N/A: “A musical comedy action fantasy shouldn’t work, especially when one considers that it is the first SNL skit-to-screen adventure but this one does. Two of the best car chases in cinematic history bookend the film, and in between there are show-stopping musical numbers, raw humor, Illinois Nazis, and a seriously disgruntled ex-fiancee.
• IMDB: “Filled with memorable scenes and lines you’ll be quoting for years to come, ‘The Blues Brothers’ is a great film. A movie doesn’t have to be ‘Citizen Kane’ or ‘Gone With the Wind’ to be ‘great.’ It’s the ones that make you feel something for whatever reason, or make you laugh; the ones you remember because they’re unique.

Audience Reactions

The over-the-top car chases and the sheer amount of destruction is hilarious and unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise the film’s blend of comedy, music, and action.

The performances by musical legends like Aretha Franklin and James Brown are electrifying and elevate the movie.: Audiences love the incredible soundtrack and musical performances.

Overall Consensus: The Blues Brothers is a cult classic celebrated for its high-energy performances, iconic music, and over-the-top action. It’s a film that continues to entertain and inspire.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “During the mall chase scene, John Landis wanted real destruction, so the production team bought the Dixie Square Mall for $40,000 and were given permission to destroy it.”
• “The film held the record for most cars destroyed in a film (103) until ‘Blues Brothers 2000’ broke its own record.”
• “Cab Calloway’s performance of ‘Minnie the Moocher’ was filmed live; he actually danced and sang the entire routine during each take.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Blues Brothers?

The Blues Brothers is widely available to rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for television airings. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers. Streaming availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Blues Brothers, you might like these similar films:

• Animal House (1978): Directed by John Landis and starring John Belushi, it shares a similar comedic sensibility and anarchic spirit.
• The Commitments (1991): Another film centered on the formation of a soul band and their struggles to achieve success, but with a more grounded, less comedic approach.
• ¡Three Amigos! (1986): Similar blend of comedy, action, and memorable musical moments, albeit with a Western setting.
• Baby Driver (2017): Features a stylish blend of music and action, with elaborate car chases choreographed to a dynamic soundtrack.

🛒 The Blues Brothers Related Products

• The Blues Brothers (4K UHD): Experience the movie in stunning 4K quality, with enhanced visuals and immersive sound, bringing the Blues Brothers’ mission to life like never before.
• The Blues Brothers: Briefcase Full of Blues (Vinyl): Own a piece of music history with the iconic soundtrack on vinyl. Features all the classic tracks from the movie, perfect for audiophiles and collectors.
• The Blues Brothers T-Shirt: Show your love for Jake and Elwood with this stylish t-shirt featuring the iconic Blues Brothers logo. A comfortable and fashionable way to represent your favorite movie.
• The Blues Brothers: Mission From God (Blu-ray): Deluxe Blu-ray edition with behind-the-scenes footage, extended scenes, and director’s commentary. This is the ultimate collector’s edition for Blues Brothers enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Blues Brothers features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” – performed by The Blues Brothers
• “Think” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “Gimme Some Lovin'” – performed by The Blues Brothers
• “Shake a Tail Feather” – performed by Ray Charles
• “Minnie the Moocher” – performed by Cab Calloway
• “Jailhouse Rock” – performed by The Blues Brothers

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Blues Brothers: Soul Man – SNL

Ever wonder how The Blues Brothers got their start? Dive into this classic SNL sketch and see the legendary Belushi and Aykroyd bring their infectious energy to the stage.

Cab Calloway 1933 Cartoon of St. James Infirmary Blues

Uncover the forgotten link between a 1933 Betty Boop cartoon and The Blues Brothers! This video traces the captivating journey of Cab Calloway’s signature song, offering a fresh perspective on the film’s musical legacy.

✨ Rate