The Rewatchables: 'The Blues Brothers' Episode Summary

Host: Bill Simmons
Guests: Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey
Release Date: February 11, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Rewatchables, host Bill Simmons, along with guests Chris Ryan and Sean Fennessey, delve deep into the iconic 1980 film, The Blues Brothers. They explore the movie's cultural impact, John Belushi's legacy, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the film's enduring appeal.

Background and Significance of The Blues Brothers

The Blues Brothers, starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, originated from the popular Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketches. The hosts discuss how the film became a pop culture phenomenon, bridging the gap between 1970s soul music and 1980s excess.

Chris Ryan:
"This was the first SNL movie. Blues Brothers is a movie that we've been saving for the right time. I feel like this is the right time."
(02:18)

John Belushi's Legacy and Impact

A significant portion of the discussion centers around John Belushi's unparalleled charisma and talent. The trio reflects on how Belushi, compared to later SNL alumni like Chris Farley or Will Ferrell, brought a unique blend of comedic genius and genuine musical prowess to the screen.

Bill Simmons:
"He was such a phenomenon. Belushi was really, literally, like, he was America's guest, right?"
(04:52)

Sean Fennessey:
"Belushi was like the Olympian of the funniest guy in every bar in America. And the fact that tragically, I guess, but he truly was, like, a man of the people."
(13:32)

Production Challenges and Cocaine Influence

The guests discuss the tumultuous production of The Blues Brothers, highlighting the rampant cocaine use among the cast and crew. This not only affected the movie's budget but also Belushi's performance and ultimately contributed to his untimely death.

Chris Ryan:
"He just was a complete original. And then there's cocaine, too, which became a big part of the legacy of this movie."
(05:06)

Bill Simmons:
"They had to whittle it down. The production spiraled out of control."
(25:05)

Musicians and Cameos in the Movie

The Blues Brothers is renowned for its stellar lineup of musical performances and cameo appearances. The trio praises the inclusion of legends like James Brown, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, and John Lee Hooker, noting how these performances are integral to the film's rewatchable quality.

Sean Fennessey:
"We also have musical numbers from James Brown, Cap Calloway, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, John Lee Hooker."
(23:39)

Bill Simmons:
"Sidemen. They're in the conversation for the best sidemen guitarists of all time."
(20:12)

Memorable Scenes and Cinematic Analysis

The discussion moves to specific scenes that have cemented The Blues Brothers in cinematic history. From the high-octane car chases in Dixie Square Mall to the heartfelt musical performances, each iconic moment is dissected for its creative brilliance and storytelling.

Chris Ryan:
"The best scene is when Belushi's character, Jake, performs a somersault after getting out of jail."
(37:50)

Sean Fennessey:
"The mall car chase is a quintessential 1980s moment. It's absurd, yet genius."
(38:23)

Comparisons to Other SNL Movies

The hosts compare The Blues Brothers to other SNL cast movies like Wayne's World and discuss why The Blues Brothers holds a special place as possibly the best SNL-related film. They highlight the unique chemistry between Belushi and Aykroyd, which set a benchmark for future on-screen duos.

Bill Simmons:
"This is one of the great tandem duos, like Laurel and Hardy before them."
(20:47)

Chris Ryan:
"There's never been anything like Belushi and Aykroyd before or after."
(07:13)

Pilot Categories and Awards Recap

Engaging in a playful segment, the trio assigns humorous awards to various aspects of the film, such as the "Most Rewatchable Scene" featuring Ray Charles or the "Worst Scene" involving excessive car chases. These categories add a lighthearted analysis to their deep dive.

Bill Simmons:
"Most rewatchable scene, I'm gonna say Ray's music exchange. And here's why I think Ray Charles is the best actor who's not an actor in the movie."
(44:54)

Sean Fennessey:
"My favorite scene is Ray Charles' musical performance. It's the best musical number."
(42:46)

Reflections on the Movie's Place in Culture

The conversation wraps up with reflections on how The Blues Brothers remains relevant decades after its release. The hosts discuss its influence on music in film, the rewatchable nature of its set pieces, and its role as a love letter to Chicago's vibrant music scene.

Chris Ryan:
"The music has aged perfectly. It's timeless, and that's a big part of why this movie is so rewatchable."
(51:00)

Sean Fennessey:
"It's just like an SNL because they're characters. They bring life into the story rather than just being part of a background."
(18:27)

Sequel & Rewatchability

They touch upon the sequel, Blues Brothers 2000, discussing its shortcomings compared to the original. The guests lament the loss of Belushi and ponder what more the film could have achieved had production challenges been managed better.

Bill Simmons:
"The sequel invalidates this movie standing as the greatest SNL related movie of all time. Because Wayne's World and MacGruber are also in the conversation."
(61:15)

Chris Ryan:
"It's a sad sequel, but the original was right at its peak."
(34:59)

Final Thoughts

Concluding the episode, Bill shares a personal anecdote about attending the Blues Brothers 2000 premiere, which deepened his appreciation for the original film. The hosts encourage listeners to revisit The Blues Brothers and recognize its multifaceted brilliance despite its flaws.

Bill Simmons:
"When I was 16, I went to the Blues Brothers 2000 premiere, and that solidified my passion for movies."
(34:01)

Chris Ryan:
"It's hard to watch this movie after 30 for the first time. It captures a spirit that's unique to its era."
(36:26)

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Bill Simmons:
  "Belushi was really, literally, like, he was America's guest, right?"
  (04:52)

• Chris Ryan:
  "The Blues Brothers is a movie that shouldn't have ever worked, probably didn't totally work, and yet became one of the great pop culture documents of this entire era."
  (09:14)

• Sean Fennessey:
  "Belushi was like the Olympian of the funniest guy in every bar in America. And the fact that tragically, I guess, but he truly was, like, a man of the people."
  (13:32)

• Bill Simmons:
  "It's weird how much this movie is instrumental to his legacy too, because he just didn't make very many movies."
  (05:50)

• Chris Ryan:
  "He could have played like a boxer. You could see him playing like how..."
  (15:31)

Conclusion

The Blues Brothers episode of The Rewatchables offers a comprehensive exploration of the film's enduring legacy, the brilliance of John Belushi, and the chaotic production that shaped its final form. Through engaging discussions and memorable quotes, Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Sean Fennessey provide both nostalgia and critical insight, making this episode a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike.