Vatican endorses 'The Blues Brothers'

The Hollywood Reporter ^ | June 16, 2010 | Eric J. Lyman

[Alex Murphy]

TAORMINA, Sicily -- When Jake and Elwood Blues, the protagonists in John Landis' cult classic "The Blues Brothers," claimed they were on a mission from God, the Catholic Church apparently took them at their word.

On the 30th anniversary of the film's release, "L'Osservatore Romano," the Vatican's official newspaper, called the film a "Catholic classic" and said it should be recommended viewing for Catholics everywhere.

The film is based on a skit from "Saturday Night Live." In the story, Jake and Elwood -- played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, respectively -- embark on an unlikely road trip featuring concerts, car chases, clashes with the police and neo-Nazi groups, and attempts at revenge from a spurned lover, all, ostensibly, to raise money for the church-run orphanage where they grew up.

But aside from a brief appearance from a relatively brief appearance from Kathleen Freeman as a wrist-slapping nun referred to as "The Penguin" and the brothers' periodic claim that they were on a mission from God, spirituality does not play a significant role in the film.

In addition to Belushi and Aykroyd, the film featured an all-star cast including musicians James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker, and Chaka Khan, in addition to noted actors John Candy, Carrie Fisher, Charles Napier, and Henry Gibson, and cameo roles for Frank Oz, Steven Spielberg, Landis, Mr. T, and Paul Reubens.

With the recommendation, "The Blues Brothers" joins the list of dozens of films recommended by Catholic authorities that includes Cecil B. DeMille's "The Ten Commandments," "Jesus of Nazareth" from Franco Zeffirelli," Mel Gibson's "The Passion of The Christ," Victor Flemming's "Joan of Arc," and "It's a Wonderful Life" from Frank Capra.

[OpusatFR]

“Can you see the light!?”

[Dr. Sivana]

For the record, L'Osservatore Romano is no more synonymous with "the Vatican" than Stars and Stripes is synonymous with the U.S. Army.

[Slings and Arrows]

In other news, the Church of Satan has endorsed "Blues Brothers 2000."

[Apparatchik]

“Can you see the light!?”

Yes! Yes! Jesus H. Tap-Dancing Christ...I have seen the Light!

[ConservativeWarrior]

Great movie. I seem to recall watching it last time with my internal “parent filter” enabled, seeing if it would be appropriate for the kids. I think I determined it wasn’t, based on language. I’m thinking f-bombs here.

Anyone recall harsh language in the film?

[TSgt]

Four fried chickens and a coke.

[Tanniker Smith]

This was prior to Rocky 3, correct?

He was a bodyguard to the stars back then, so I can see that he might be an extra on screen.

[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

On the 30th anniversary of the film's release, "L'Osservatore Romano," the Vatican's official newspaper, called the film a "Catholic classic" and said it should be recommended viewing for Catholics everywhere.

Corrections Officer: "One Timex digital watch, broken. One unused prophylactic. [looks disgusted, picks something up with his pen] One soiled."

Oops!

[Jack Hydrazine]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHa_jqxnn4o

[Jack Hydrazine]

Next thing ya know the Blues Brothers will become official saints of the RCC.

[Cheburashka]

Time was when the Catholic Legion of Decency used to put out a list of films you should NOT go to see.

---

Easier this way.

[Yo-Yo]

If I can spell it correctly this time, Mr. T's IMDB entry shows the Blues Brothers 1980 movie as his first screen appearance, and Rocky III was his second appearance in 1982.

Having lived through those times, I do believe I saw him in some sort of TV "Best Bouncer Contest" program prior to any other Television appearances.

[dfwgator]

Corrections Officer: "One Timex digital watch, broken. One unused prophylactic. [looks disgusted, picks something up with his pen] One soiled."

That was Frank Oz, who also played a Corrections Officer in "Trading Places."

[BlueLancer]

You remember correctly ...

That's the first time I ever saw him as well, in .. as you put it .. some sort of "Best Bouncer Contest".

[ILS21R]

Fix the cigarette lighter.

[gman992]

Steven Speilberg was the Cook Country official who was eating his lunch when the brothers arrive to pay the tax bill while JOE WALSH—who the article forgot—was the blonde haired prisoner who was the 1st to jump on the table at the end of the movie...Ironically, Carrie Fisher and Frank Oz would star together in The Empire Stikes Back and Return of the Jedi!

[gman992]

They forgot Twiggy!

[ILS21R]

You want for me to wipe the dead bugs off the windshield?

[gman992]

How about you know...you and me...meet?

I hate Illinois nazis!

[markomalley]

Of course, I would question the judgment of Gian Maria Vian on anything American (after all, wasn't he the one who said that Obama wasn't all that bad?)

Mind you, I think the Blues Brothers is a classic of the first order...but a "Catholic Classic?"