Set against the gritty, neon-lit industrial landscape and soulful urban corridors of Chicago, John Landis’s legendary musical comedy follows recently paroled convict “Joliet” Jake Blues (John Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Dan Aykroyd) as they embark on what they call a “mission from God.”
Learning that the Catholic orphanage where they were raised will be repossessed by the county unless back taxes are paid in full within days, the sharply dressed, sunglasses-wearing duo vow to pull their old rhythm and blues band back together to raise the cash, leaving an escalating trail of vehicular destruction, police chases, and musical mayhem in their wake.
Landis orchestrates an explosive, high-octane collision of screwball comedy and soul royalty, anchored by explosive musical numbers featuring legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Ray Charles, and Cab Calloway alongside Belushi and Aykroyd’s irresistible comedic chemistry. It stands as an unmatched cinematic celebration of American music, anarchy, and classic Chicago grit that treats every musical performance like a religious revival.
From driving a beat-up police cruiser straight through a crowded suburban shopping mall to the chaotic final rush into the Daley Center, this chaotic masterpiece is an absolute triumph on the big screen.
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Music, Musical
United States (English) 133 Min
