“The film retains a huge nostalgic kick, thanks in large part to Aykroyd and Belushi’s easy rapport, a smattering of daft, shaggy humour and some truly iconic musical sequences.”
Screened in tribute to Aretha Franklin (1942 - 2018)
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 Elwood are dispatched on a "mission from God" by their former teacher, Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman) to raise $5000 to save an orphanage. In the process 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. All well and good, but it's the music that makes this film truly memorable. As well as performances from such legendary artists as James Brown, Ray Charles, Cab Calloway and John Lee Hooker, the film is all but stolen by Aretha Franklin's soul-shredding version of Think in a grubby, down-at-heel diner. Franklin’s appearance introduced her to a new audience, showcased her perfectionist diva status all while wearing pink fuzzy slippers, and is credited with helping reinvigorate her career.
