3
ECTO REVIEW #1: BLUES BROTHERS 2000 Okay, so I have been thinking about this for a very long time. I've been on this site for a while now and not only on here but almost everywhere people speak negatively about Blues Brothers 2000. Now don't get me wrong, not everybody has this opinion. But some (I would go as far as to say most) people have this negative opinion. The reasons for why people dislike this movie is almost always the same. Let me remind you all that my reviews are based only on opinion and nothing else. So please read and ENJOY. Thank you!
1. No John Belushi - This reason is the one that really stumps me.
So, how many of you would like free tickets to a concert featuring Zee and Elwood Blues?!!!!
Alright of course you would that would kick so much a$s. But I'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that this is Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi. JIM BELUSHI. No John Belushi, Jim. Just because Jim has the same last name means NOTHING and you can't tell me otherwise. So we can't go to the concert because without Jake, There's no true Blues Brothers right? John Goodman was great in this movie and is a fantastic Blues Brother. If you have a reason for thinking otherwise let me know. But no John Belushi doesn't necessarily make for a bad Blues Brothers movie.
2.Elwood's personality change - Okay I understand. We'd rather have Elwood be a quiet, shy guy that has no personality. Please, don't.
Elwood was in jail. He matured. You must consider that Jake and Elwood had to mature. A wisecracking little guy and his silent brother who was skin and bones had to mature. Things might have happened that we don't know about. So instead of being nothing, Elwood became a leader, a mentor, and a man that finally learned how to put his two cents in a situation. he got pushed around by Jake a little too much and got tired of it. Whatever. Point is, he's matured and has become more of a deeper character.
3. Cab floats into a Blues Brother - Okay 5 words. "I have seen the light!"
"BUT THAT SCENE CAN BE JUSTIFIED!"
"Oh okay, how?"
"IT WAS IN THE FIRST BLUES BROTHERS MOVIE!!!"
":roll:"
4. Elwood, Cab, and Mack get turned into zombies - Okay I can get this one.
BUT, we must remember this movie was made to expand the fan base of the Blues Brothers by attracting younger kids. This is proven by the PG-13 rating, the addition of Buster, and this quote by director John Landis: "Blues Brothers 2000 has a lot more heart than the first one (The Blues Brothers) in that it's made by middle aged people as opposed to kids. We all have families now and a slightly different take on things than we did when we were making the first film." So with having families, Aykroyd and Landis were probably making Blues Brothers 2000 as a product that is family friendly and made for all ages. Plus also remember that this scene wasn't really meant for the story, but it was more for the musical aspect of the movie. The dance moves and the Caribbean song made this scene great, regardless of how you feel about the zombies. It was also the first time in either movie that we got to see Paul Shaffer playing with the band! Not to mention, it got them into the Battle of the Bands!
5. Zee's not in it - Wrong place, wrong time.
Okay this one is simple. Jim Belushi wasn't able to appear in Blues Brothers 2000 because he had an already existing television deal in which he was to appear in the ABC drama Total Security. So instead, Cab got into the picture. Now I think this was a great move, simply because Joe Morton brought his "A" game and turned in a great performance as brother Cab Chamberlain. Sadly, we haven't heard from Brother Cab since the movie, and most likely never will unless he's in a possible Blues Brothers 3.
6. Elwood hides in the ashtray - ...I've got nothing on this one. But, let's just say it was for comedic effect.
Another example of a silly scene added for the sole purpose of making Blues Brothers 2000 a family movie.
7. Queen Mousette turns the Russians and White Power group into mice - Again I get why some would find this dumb.
Again, it was made for the family and kids and we should except it.
8. Bluesmobile goes underwater - Okay it's the Bluesmobile.
IT'S THE FREAKIN' BLUESMOBILE PEOPLE! How can we expect any less from a car that can pull off miraculous jumps and flips and still be able to run smooth? This was my favorite scene in the movie when it came out. Mostly because it was shot really well. You can barley that tell the Bluesmobile isn't really underwater. Whatever, say what you will, I think it's awesome.
*SPOILER ALERT* Review: Blues Brothers 2000 is the sequel to the movie The Blues Brothers. Set 18 years after the 1st movie, It's a story about how Elwood is released from prison and finds out that his brother and band member Jake, is dead. Elwood tries to redeem himself with his new family, Buster, an orphan child who Elwood is mentoring, Mack, a bartender who has the pipes to join the Blues Brothers, and Cab, a former commander of the Illinois state police. Together them and the reunited Blues Brothers Band work to win the Battle of the Bands but fall short to the all star band the Louisiana Gator Boys. Elwood and Buster then ride into the night to escape from the cops. This movie is jam packed with humor, action, and wonderful music. I'd recommend Blues Brothers 2000 to anybody because it's fun, it gives a true message, and it's a great family movie. Ecto's Score: 8 out of 10.
Nice long jump by the Bluesmobile there too.
