MOVIE: Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Movie Reviewed by Blaise

Editor's Rating:  

(10 /10)

Starring: Dave Chappelle, The Roots, Talib Kweli, Erykah Badu and more

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You may well think that a glowing review for a movie such as this on an Urban website, is a tad cliché. However, I can assure you that if I felt, at all, that Block Party was not worthy of the praise I am about to heap upon it, I would tell you. And so…

What a fantastic treat this film is!

Combining the comedic talents of one Dave Chappelle (host of The Dave Chappelle Show), and featuring an amazing array of urban talent, including Mos Def, Common, Kanye West and Erykah Badu, Block Party is a wonderful exploration of artistic expression growing out of the ghetto. As Chappelle himself explains, comedians and musicians are very similar as they are both striving to please their audience, while also educating them in the message that they wish to convey. Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) directs the film, but it is certainly Chappelle’s project as he admits that the organisation of a live performance in the streets of Brooklyn had been a dream for years. As has been evidenced on his hit TV show, Chappelle is a big fan of the so-called ‘Conscious Hip Hop’ movement, and his love for the artists that perform, gives this film a really personal feel; Chappelle is truly exited.

The film does follow some sort of a narrative as Chappelle travels to his hometown in Ohio to lure some of the locals (mostly people who aren’t Hip Hop fans) to the show. Here, he comes across an all African American marching band, which he immediately recruits to play along side Kanye West at the show. As the anticipation of the event builds, Gondry cuts between actual performances, and the intriguing process of organising the event. Chappelle is brilliant at mixing fantastic comedy, with a true passion for his local community, and the community of Brooklyn.

Whilst Chappelle is the outstanding star of the film, the performances from all in sundry are exceptional. Mos Def and Talib Kweli are electric, as are Dead Prez, whose combination of political realist lyrics, with gritty beats, is truly inspiring. The performances are capped off by a wonderful showing by a newly reunited Fugees. Anyone who doesn’t get goose bumps listening to Lauryn Hill should go and get their head checked; it’s off the hook.

Go and check this film right now, and be assured that you will leave the cinema wanting to boogie, but also with a truly uplifted feeling that will last with you as long as you believe, like Chappelle, that the true purpose of art is to transport any individual to a better place.