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Dave Chappelle's Block Party (2006)

tomatometer

92

Average Rating: 7.7/10
Reviews Counted: 124
Fresh: 114 | Rotten: 10

Dave Chappelle's Block Party is a raucous return to the spotlight for the comic. Buoyed by Chappelle's witty, infectious humor and outstanding performances from some of the more socially conscious artists in hip-hop like Mos Def, Kayne West, the Roots, and (will wonders never cease?) the reunited Fugees, this documentary/concert film is a joyous experience. With an appealing mix like that, who doesn't want to attend this Party?

91

Average Rating: 7.7/10
Critic Reviews: 33
Fresh: 30 | Rotten: 3

Dave Chappelle's Block Party is a raucous return to the spotlight for the comic. Buoyed by Chappelle's witty, infectious humor and outstanding performances from some of the more socially conscious artists in hip-hop like Mos Def, Kayne West, the Roots, and (will wonders never cease?) the reunited Fugees, this documentary/concert film is a joyous experience. With an appealing mix like that, who doesn't want to attend this Party?

audience

64

liked it
Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 94,589

My Rating

Movie Info

In September 2004, comedian Dave Chappelle took a break from his immensely successful Comedy Central show to stage a free, unpublicized, all-star hip-hop concert in the Clinton Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. Inviting fans over the Internet, on the street, and even in his family's hometown of Yellow Springs, OH, Chappelle asked filmmaker Michel Gondry to document the event from its inception on through to the performances themselves. The result is Dave Chappelle's Block Party, a concert film

Jun 13, 2006

$11.7M

Rogue Pictures

Cast

All Critics (128) | Top Critics (33) | Fresh (119) | Rotten (10) | DVD (19)

I want to see another hour of Dave Chappelle's Block Party.

March 6, 2006 Full Review Source: Ebert & Roeper | Comment
Ebert & Roeper
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A return to rowdy form.

March 3, 2006 Full Review Source: San Francisco Chronicle | Comment
San Francisco Chronicle
Top Critic IconTop Critic

No one enjoys the free festivities more than Chappelle, who wanders through the film like a kid on Christmas morning. A very funny kid.

March 3, 2006 Comment
Philadelphia Inquirer
Top Critic IconTop Critic

It's intermittently funny, but it peaks too soon and runs far too long. And for all its length, Block Party doesn't tell us much about Chappelle that we haven't seen before.

March 3, 2006 Full Review Source: Orlando Sentinel | Comment
Orlando Sentinel
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Block Party makes for a transcendent experience.

March 3, 2006 Full Review Source: Newsday | Comment
Newsday
Top Critic IconTop Critic

The music is angry and the jokes are raw but, ultimately, Block Party conveys a positive message to audiences. Instead of competition, we see collaboration between the artists and unity in the diverse crowd.

March 3, 2006 Full Review Source: Newark Star-Ledger | Comment
Newark Star-Ledger
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Gives off an inclusive hum

August 30, 2009 Full Review Source: CinePassion | Comment
CinePassion

Provocative documentary is for older teens and adults only.

July 16, 2008 Full Review Source: Common Sense Media | Comment
Common Sense Media

Gondry brings a caught-on-the-fly style to the footage that nonetheless coheres into something that feels planned, or pre-ordained.

July 29, 2007 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com | Comment
eFilmCritic.com

Dull and repetitive. Your own reaction to it will depend a lot on how well you like these particular artists performing in concert.

January 17, 2007 Full Review Source: Laramie Movie Scope | Comment
Laramie Movie Scope

Easily overshadowed by the musical performers, particularly The Fugees, reunited to deliver a most-moving rendition of Killing Me Softly, it is easy to understand why Dave withdrew into his shell, after watching his lame stand-up act here.

January 9, 2007 Full Review Source: Upstage Magazine | Comment
Upstage Magazine

Fans expecting that trademark Chappelle sketch humor are likely to be disappointed by Block Party, for this concert flick's strength lies in its inspired performances by a host of socially-conscious hip-hop artists.

January 9, 2007 Full Review Source: BlackFilm.com | Comment
BlackFilm.com

It's no Last Waltz, but this crowd-pleasing concert film offers an entertaining mix of music and comedy.

July 13, 2006 Full Review Source: Film Journal International | Comment
Film Journal International

A concert film for people who don't like concert films, Dave Chappelle's Block Party does such a good job of putting you in the middle of the action that only the end credits can remind you that you're sitting in a movie theatre.

July 8, 2006 Full Review Source: FilmFocus | Comment

Yes, there's a little preachiness here, but it doesn't puncture the party mood. Or stop Chappelle telling dirty jokes about prostitutes, for that matter. Thanks to him this isn't just a musical feast, but a rib-busting comedy too.

July 1, 2006 Full Review Source: BBC | Comment

As a comedy, it doesn't quite gel. As a musical it doesn't have much more luck, but as a showcase for Chappelle's talents, Block Party works just fine.

June 30, 2006 Full Review Source: Daily Mirror [UK] | Comment
Daily Mirror [UK]
More Critic Reviews

Audience Reviews for Dave Chappelle's Block Party

Dave Chappelle: This is the concert I always wanted to see!Before the creative differences Dave Chapelle had concerning the future of his show, he decided to fund a large block party in New York, inviting many music artists that he is friends with as well as many people from his home town in Ohio, as well as a number

May 30, 2006
DrZeek

Super Reviewer

If you're watching it for Chappelle, don't bother. If you're watching it for some great hip hop, proceed.

October 6, 2006
mjgildea

Super Reviewer

Dave Chappelle's Block Party Quotes

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Foreign Titles

  • Block Party (FR)
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