The Blues Brothers

Fresh out of prison, Jake Blues reconnects with his brother Elwood and discovers the old soul machine still has life. They decide to reunite their band and raise money to save the Catholic home that raised them from closing its doors. The plan centers on booking a string of downtown gigs where they can perform the raw, horn driven R&B that shaped their youth and draw in a crowd willing to support the cause. As they assemble old friends and a few new allies, the Blues Brothers hit one chaotic obstacle after another, from skeptical club owners to overzealous cops, turning a charity mission into a high velocity tour of Chicago. The film blends live music with riotous energy tonight.

Directed by John Landis and released in 1980, the film grew from Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi's Saturday Night Live characters, turning a sketch into a full blown musical comedy with a celebrated backstage energy and improvisation for audiences worldwide.

It cost about 27 million to make and earned roughly 115.2 million worldwide, delivering a solid return and helping cement its status as a beloved cult favorite that kept audiences humming long after the credits rolled for moviegoers everywhere today.

The Blues Brothers left an indelible mark on pop culture with unexpected cameos by James Brown and Cab Calloway, the iconic Bluesmobile pursuit, and a soundtrack that fused blues, gospel, and rhythm and blues into a runaway success. Scenes became quotable and endlessly parodied and sparked countless homages for generations.

Critics praised the film's energy and musicianship while noting its blend of comedy with a lasting affection for blues and soul music. The movie doubles as a tribute to friendship and second chances, humor laced with a sense of street credibility and joy. Its humor sits beside a real respect.