Blues Brothers—25th Anniversary Edition
(2005) Directed by John Landis
It had been awhile since I’ve seen The Blues Brothers, and watching the 25th anniversary edition reminded me why this movie has become a classic. Starring Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi, the movie features Elwood and Joliet Jake Blues with their deadpan wit and their “mission from God” to put their band back together to raise money for the orphanage where they were raised. It’s not only the comedy of the movie that makes it special, though there are some classic comic scenes here, especially the nun/swearing/cane swatting bit and the baptism by music scene, headed up by Reverend Cleophus James, played by the one and only James Brown. The scene in the country western bar is pretty funny, too. Seeing the Blues Brothers sing “Stand By Your Man” to an appreciative cowboy crowd is hilarious, and watching Ray Charles keep an eye on Ray’s Music Exchange is priceless. There are also some cool action-filled car chase scenes that keep the energy level of the film high. But it’s also the music and the legendary R & B artists that make this movie a treat. Aretha Franklin sings “Think,” Ray Charles sings “Shake a Tail Feather,” Cab Calloway sings “Minnie the Moocher.” This movie stands the test of time because more than 25 years later it is still hilarious and the classic music is still among the best.
There are some extras included with the DVD. Dan Ackroyd gives a brief introduction to the film. The extra footage in the film is the same as the extra footage in the previous DVD so it’s not special for the 25th anniversary edition but I still prefer watching the longer version simply because there’s more of the film to enjoy. There’s also a tribute to the amazing talent of John Belushi. After viewing the film and seeing the tribute we’re reminded what a loss he was. Also included is a making-of documentary with interviews with the cast and crew that’s worth a look. The bonus material is interesting, if brief, but it does allow us time to marvel at the wonder of the Blues Brothers, characters that began as sketches on Saturday Night Live and became cultural icons.
If you love The Blues Brothers and want to see it again, or if you’ve never seen it and want some good laughs and good music, check out the 25th anniversary edition. It’s a movie you’ll come back to again and again.