Unfortunately, like most sequels, follow-ups, or remakes Blues Brothers 2000 is a poor imitation of its model. The film opens with Dan Aykroyd's release from prison. A promising and logical start, since the Blues Brothers had begun the same way, only with Belushi as the emergent ex-con. But immediately the differences scream a warning to the audience. Aykroyd is no Belushi, so there's no tacky dialogue, no mention of used provolactics, indeed, there's nothing, except Aykroyd standing outside the prison walls. He waits, the prison guards wait, and we wait and wait and wait. It's a crucial moment since the whole film hinges on what will happen next.

For this film to fly there need to be some bold new twist on the Blues theme that will catapult this film out of the sequel stereotype and into Godfather status. Instead, the prison warden, played by Frank Oz, walks out to tell Elwood that Jake is dead and immediately we know the film is too. How could Elwood not know that his brother is dead. We all know, and mourn his loss every Saturday night. So how could Elwood not know? Where's he been.

Dan Aykroyd and John Landis wrote the script, a sad lame duck of a think that never really seems clear on what it wants to achieve. Is it a sequel or a remake? Noone knows...

There are great moments, like when Aretha Franklin sings RESPECT, but for the most part, the first part of the film limps. Elwood visits Mother Mary Stigmata to enable the introduction of Buster, a new Blues Brother. The kid, J. Evan Bonifant, is cute, and some of the best moments in the early part of the film belong to his gyrations.

Then John Goodman is brought in as Mighty Mack McTeer, the new lead singer, which is okay I guess, since Goodman has been performing with the Blues Band for some time. But the invention of Joe Morton as Cabel Chamberlain, a long lost half brother of Elwood's is so weak it's embarrassing.

The story eventuates into a cross country ride complete with car chases and rednecks that concludes in New Orleans and a battle of the bands. Then the film finally finds its stride. The compete against, then jam with the likes of B.B. King, Eddie Floyd, John Popper, Blues Traveler, Lonnie Brooks, Junior Wells, Wilson Pickett, B.B. King, James Brown, and Eric Clapton.

So do yourself a favor, be about 45 minutes late for this film, and you'll see the good parts of an ordinary movie.