The Blues Brothers (1980)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:45
Fresh:38
Rotten:7
Average Rating:6.9/10
Consensus: Too over the top for its own good, but ultimately rescued by the cast's charm, director John Landis' grace, and several soul-stirring musical numbers.
Theatrical Release:24-07-2009
Synopsis: In roles made famous by their famed SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE skit, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star as Ellwood and Jake Blues in this extremely entertaining and successful comedy. Upon Jake's release... [More]
Starring: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, Cab Calloway
Director: John Landis
Reviews for The Blues Brothers
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
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This long, expensive 1980 cult movie has an energy and individuality lacking in similar films nowadays. Full Review |
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3/5 |
An undisciplined, overlong tale that substitutes spectacle and star cameos (Twiggy, Steven Spielberg, etc) for a coherent narrative. Full Review |
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3/5 |
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. Full Review |
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3/5 |
I have never been quite sure why this $30 million comedy made by John Landis in 1980 became such a cult. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Formless, chaotic and lazy, and quite brilliant because of it. Full Review |
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4/5 |
The mere spectacle of Elwood and Jake in their shades isn't quite as giggle-inducing as it presumably was back in 1980, but the stunts are still awe-inspiring, and there's plenty of laughs. They really were thinking big. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Full of belly-laughs as well as toe-tappingly great tunes, the sharp suits and cool shades of the Blues brothers will have you rocking with joy. Full Review |
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4/5 |
An inspired combination of wild comedy, a demented car chase, a double act that dovetails beautifully and terrific music, The Blues Brothers comfortably survives the test of time. Full Review |
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4/5 |
Still sounds great, and looks as good as ever through Ray-Bans. Full Review |
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3.5/5 |
A damn fine mess of a movie. Full Review |
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3/5 |
No review available.
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A demolition symphony that works with the cold efficiency of a Moog synthesizer gone sadistic. Full Review |
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A cult musical comedy film with a still-growing reputation. Full Review |
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2.5/4 |
A monument to waste, noise and misplaced cool, but it does have its engagingly nutty moments. Full Review |
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Given all the chaos, director and, with Aykroyd, cowriter, John Landis manages to keep things reasonably controlled and in a straight line. Full Review |
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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 |
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B- |
Context is crucial: This messy, self-indulgent comedy was made at the height of SNL and Muppet Show, catapulting to pop-culture icon status Belushi, Aykroyd and Candy, though best moments are those of performers like Aretha Franklin and Ray Charles. Full Review |
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5/5 |
I am never not amused by the Blues Brothers. Full Review |
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3/5 |
No review available.
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3/5 |
No review available.
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